Voice Lesson Tips

Have you ever wondered how to get the most out of your voice lessons? Have you ever wondered if you could be doing more as a student, besides practicing and studying your music? There are some great tips and tricks I have learned over the years for how to best get the most out of your time with your voice teacher!

Always Take Notes

One of the most simple yet crucial bits of advice is to always take notes. This is quite straightforward, as you should take any notes that your voice teacher gives you during a lesson, even if you can't process them fully at the time. Not only does this help you as the singer when you revisit your music, but it also shows your voice teacher that you are serious and that you care about what they are telling you. This builds a foundation of respect and trust, which is incredibly helpful for a relationship like this!

Permission to Record

Something I've been doing since high school is using a voice recorder to record each and every voice lesson and coaching I have. Not only does this document the development of your voice and keep ahold of precious memories, but you can also revisit these lessons any time you want. Has your voice teacher ever told you something along the lines of "There! That's it! Can't you hear the difference?" And... you can't? Don't worry, it's a common thing for all singers. In instances like these, it's great to have a recording to listen back to, so you can really hear that change. Besides this, you can use these recordings for your regular practice, and revisit key points you don't want to forget! You can use an array of things to record. I would either suggest a recording app on your phone or actually buy a small recorder. But remember: ask for permission to record, especially for the first time!

Dressed and Prepped for the Occasion

So you have a pretty big event coming up, huh? You either have an audition, recital, or competition in the near future. Good for you! You got this. However, something that will make you feel even more prepared is to know how you're going to feel in your outfit of choice. One of my first-ever professors told me to prepare well in advance for performances in the shoes I am going to wear. As a woman, this is crucial in heels, as they can throw off your balance and feel different for your support. And, if you want to go the extra mile, you can wear the entire outfit you plan to have on. This is especially important if your outfit is tight (particularly around your stomach and chest), and/or is intricate. You do not want to have a wardrobe malfunction right before going on stage, much less on the stage!

Ask Questions!

Students of all kinds tend to forget that teachers and professors are there to help them learn. Therefore, you should feel confident in asking them questions! Singing is no easy skill to learn. Unlike instruments, you can't pick apart a larynx and find out what's wrong. Sure, we can see surface tension and lack of support, but nothing on the inside. That's why, as nerve-racking as it may be, you should ask questions when you feel like you aren't fully understanding. Even if your teacher ecstatically tells you you did something right, if you are not fully sure what you just did, you need to ask them how and why what you just did worked. This will help you become a better teacher to yourself in the long run. Also, teachers love when you ask them questions! It shows you really want to understand, and that you are listening to them intently.

In Conclusion

Besides practicing outside of lessons (which you always should do!), these are just some simple and effective ways you can continue to get even more out of your lessons at any level of your development. To be a curious student is a noble pursuit, and will always help you as an artist. Keep your nose to the grindstone, continue to stay bright-eyed, and make the most out of your artistic pursuits!