If, unlike many people, your passion for singing exists outside the comfort and flattering acoustics of your bathroom, perhaps the idea of offering singing lessons and inspiring others to learn to sing appeals to you.
Sharing your passion for song and introducing children to the world of music is a fabulous way to turn your favourite means of expression into a career.
Whether you become a private singing coach or lead your own choir, there are many ways to establish yourself as a voice teacher and even inspire others to follow in your footsteps as you bring many voices together.
Contrary to what most people believe, being born with a ‘good singing voice’ isn’t the only way to develop yourself as a singer – the ability to sing can be learnt.
The teaching of music is a booming industry, and there are many possibilities for those who work within it.
Who Is A Voice Coach?
A voice coach is a professional who helps individuals improve their vocal abilities for various purposes, such as singing, public speaking, acting, or voice-over work. Voice coaches guide techniques to enhance vocal quality, projection, articulation, breathing control, and overall vocal performance.
They may work with clients individually or in group settings, tailoring their instruction to the specific needs and goals of each person. Additionally, voice coaches often have expertise in areas such as vocal health, repertoire selection, and performance confidence building.
However, as per Glassdoor, the average salary for a Voice Coach is ?5,03227 per year in India.
Here are some online teaching jobs for singing tutors.
What Are The Qualifications Of A Voice Coach?
So, there are many ways to teach singing. Among these possibilities, some require more from you than others in terms of proving your teaching ability before you help others who are learning to sing.
Depending on your chosen method of teaching singing as well as the level you wish to teach, there are several qualifications you may need.
To become a voice coach in India, individuals typically need a combination of qualifications, skills, and experience. Here are the typical requirements:
- Education: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as music, performing arts, vocal performance, or speech-language pathology is often required.
Some voice coaches may pursue advanced degrees such as a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) for further specialization. - Training and Certification: While not always mandatory, obtaining certification from reputable organizations can enhance credibility. For example, certifications from organizations like the International Voice Teachers of Mix (IVTOM) or the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) can be beneficial.
The Voice Teachers Studio Certification Program: This program offers comprehensive training for vocal teachers, covering topics such as vocal technique, pedagogy, performance, and repertoire selection. It's known for its practical approach and experienced faculty.
The Institute for Vocal Advancement (IVA) Certification: IVA offers a rigorous certification program for vocal instructors, focusing on the principles of healthy singing and effective teaching methods. Graduates of this program are equipped with the skills to work with singers of all levels and styles.
The Speech Level Singing (SLS) Certification Program: SLS is a popular method for teaching contemporary singing styles, emphasizing vocal balance and agility. Their certification program trains instructors in the SLS technique, providing them with the tools to help singers achieve their full potential.
The Estill Voice Training (EVT) Certification: EVT is renowned for its scientific approach to vocal anatomy and physiology. Their certification program equips instructors with the knowledge and skills to understand and address a wide range of vocal issues effectively.
The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Teacher Certification: RCM offers a comprehensive teacher certification program with a focus on classical singing. It covers areas such as vocal technique, repertoire, musicianship, and teaching pedagogy, preparing instructors to work with students of all ages and skill levels.
- Experience: Practical experience is crucial for voice coaches. Many professionals start by gaining experience as vocalists themselves, performing in choirs, bands, or as solo artists. Teaching experience, whether in formal settings like schools or through private tutoring, is also valuable.
- Skills: Voice coaches should possess excellent communication skills to effectively convey vocal techniques and exercises to their students. They should have a deep understanding of vocal anatomy, physiology, and techniques for improving vocal performance. Patience, empathy, and the ability to tailor lessons to individual students' needs are also essential.
- Continuing Education: The field of voice coaching is constantly evolving, so professionals need to stay updated on the latest research, techniques, and methodologies. Attending workshops, seminars, and conferences can help voice coaches refine their skills and expand their knowledge base.
- Networking: Building a network within the industry can provide opportunities for collaboration, referrals, and professional development. Joining professional organizations, participating in online forums, and attending industry events are effective ways to connect with other voice coaches and professionals in related fields.
By fulfilling these qualifications, aspiring voice coaches in India can establish themselves as knowledgeable and skilled professionals in the field.
Difference between Vocal Coach and a Singing Teacher in India
In India, the terms "vocal coach" and "singing teacher" are sometimes used interchangeably, but they can imply different roles and approaches.
A vocal coach typically focuses on improving the technical aspects of singing, such as breathing techniques, vocal exercises, and overall vocal health. They might work with singers across various genres and help them develop their vocal range, control, and style. Vocal coaches often assist singers in preparing for performances, recordings, or auditions by refining their vocal skills.
On the other hand, a singing teacher may offer a broader range of instruction beyond just vocal technique. They might delve into music theory, interpretation, performance skills, and stage presence. Singing teachers may also guide students in choosing appropriate repertoire, understanding musical nuances, and expressing emotions through their singing.
While there can be overlap between the roles of a vocal coach and a singing teacher, the emphasis and depth of instruction may vary based on the individual's expertise and the needs of the student.
Aspiring singers need to clarify their goals and preferences when seeking guidance, whether they prioritize technical proficiency, artistic expression, or a combination of both.
What Should I Charge for For Vocal Training?
Have you decided to grow your teaching career as an in-home singing teacher? Before you take on your first pupil, you’ll need to fix a rate for your tuition.
In order to do this, you should approach the task of setting a rate with a cautious and objective mindset.
The first thing to bear in mind is that your prices should reflect the services you provide rather than what you would like to earn.
When establishing yourself on the market for private lessons, there are a few things you should take into account:
- Your musical training and experience
- The profiles of your future pupils (beginner, intermediate or advanced)
- Your geographical location
- Your competition
Determining what to charge for vocal training can depend on various factors such as your level of expertise, the local market demand, your location, the duration of each session, and any additional services you provide. Here are some general guidelines to consider:
- Assess Your Expertise: Your level of experience and qualifications will influence your pricing. If you're highly experienced or have certifications, you can charge more.
- Market Research: Research what other vocal trainers in your area are charging. This can give you a baseline to work from.
- Session Duration: Decide on the length of each session (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour) and factor that into your pricing.
- Additional Services: Do you offer any additional services such as performance coaching, recording studio sessions, or songwriting assistance? Consider adding these to your pricing structure.
- Location: Pricing can vary significantly depending on your location. Urban areas generally command higher rates compared to rural areas.
- Trial Sessions: Consider offering trial sessions at a reduced rate to attract new clients.
- Package Deals: Offering discounts for clients who book multiple sessions upfront can encourage loyalty and provide you with more predictable income.
- Value Proposition: Clearly articulate the value clients will receive from your vocal training services. This can justify higher prices.
- Adjustment Over Time: Be prepared to adjust your pricing as your experience grows or as market conditions change.
Where Can I Provide Vocal Training In India?
The first thing to think about once you decide to become a vocal coach is where you can teach singing.
Some places will be more fitting than others according to your aspirations as a singing coach.
Here are a few ideas:
- Teach Singing Online: This is an ideal option for those who wish to be self-employed. You’ll be able to have full control over your lessons, prices and hours. As an online instructor, you’ll have to familiarise yourself with teaching via webcam.
- Become a Private Singing Teacher: If you value the benefits of one-to-one accompaniment and guidance with personalized classical vocal coaching, offering in-home voice lessons is for you.
Face-to-face teaching is particularly effective, and there is a firm basis for a relationship of trust between teacher and pupil. - Teach Singing at a Music College: If you’re looking for a more stable way to classically train students, music colleges and conservatoires are for you.
- Teach Music in a School: For those who enjoy working with children and want to branch out further than singing and performing, becoming a music teacher in a school is the perfect option. This allows teachers to assist youngsters in their discovery of the world of music s a whole.
- Set Up a Choir: If you dream of working as part of a team and bringing your own musical project to life before the eyes of your spectators, starting your own choir and leading your members on their own musical journey is a rewarding option. Whether it’s gospel singing or a chamber choir, group singing is highly enjoyable.
How to Plan a Vocal Class?
Let’s have a look at the practicalities of teaching singing.
So, you’ve found your students and now you’re about to plan your first lessons.
It's essential that you adapt your coaching to the individual profiles of each of your pupils. This means that you should pay particular attention to their skills and knowledge during your first meeting, as this will help you set goals and plan lessons in the future.
One of the essential tips to share with your students is to look after your vocal chords!
This means properly warming the voice up before attempting complex melodies.
Here are a few steps to a singing lesson that can be used as a guide:
- Throat relaxation
- Vocal warm-up exercises
- Diction and breath control vocal exercises
- Working on posture
- Learning vocal techniques (such as pitch placement and vibrato)
- Studying a song and applying singing techniques learned
Lip Trills: Start by gently blowing air through your lips, allowing them to vibrate. Move up and down your vocal range while maintaining the lip trill. This helps in relaxing and warming up the vocal folds.
Humming Scales: Humming is a gentle way to warm up your voice. Start with simple scales, gradually increasing the range as your voice warms up. Focus on keeping the sound consistent and relaxed.
Sirens: Begin at the bottom of your vocal range and smoothly glide up to the top, then back down again. This exercise helps in stretching and loosening the vocal cords.
Tongue Trills: Similar to lip trills, but this time, roll your tongue while making a trilling sound. This helps in relaxing tension in the tongue and jaw.
Vowel Sounds: Practice singing various vowel sounds (A, E, I, O, U) on different pitches. This helps in improving vowel clarity and flexibility.
Breathing Exercises: Focus on diaphragmatic breathing to support your singing. Inhale deeply through your nose, expanding your abdomen, then exhale slowly and steadily.
Yawn-Sighs: Mimic a yawn, then turn it into a gentle sigh. This helps in releasing tension in the throat and promoting a relaxed vocal tone.
Scales and Arpeggios: Singing through scales and arpeggios helps in warming up your entire vocal range and improving pitch accuracy.
Of course, there may be more or less of these steps depending on the level of your pupil.
Once you’ve taught the basics, your student will be able to begin developing their own vocal techniques by interpreting what they have learnt.
When planning the structure of your lessons, bear in mind that your pupils have decided to take singing lessons for many different reasons:
- To gain self-esteem
- For audition preparation
- For pleasure
- To improve their vocal skills
So, it’s up to you as a singing teacher to adapt your lessons to their needs and goals.
What Equipment do I Need as a Voice Coach?
Singing, by nature, is a low-equipment hobby, as the instrument is the voice!
This means that it is possible to teach singing without any musical instruments.
But of course, singing is a large part of music, which includes scores and instruments.
Let’s have a look at the basics of singing lessons.
If you’re a musician yourself, you’ll easily be able to accompany your students on the piano or guitar to help your students sing as part of an ensemble.
Add a music stand (for holding parts and lyrics), a metronome (to set to tempo) and a tuning fork (to start on the correct note), and you’ll be perfectly equipped to give your first lesson.
Up until this point, things are relatively simple, but be prepared for the difficulties you may encounter as a singing teacher.
Such difficulties could include:
- Your students are not familiar with music theory. This may make it difficult for them to follow their parton a score, so you may have to turn to working on their musical ear.
- You teach singing at your student’s home. This could mean that you are without a piano during your lessons, meaning you have to find another method of accompaniment.
To combat these problems, a laptop with a good microphone is your best asset.
As a portable computer, you can take it everywhere you go, and it will give you the means to view music files to teach your pupils, film and record them singing, and use software for editing recordings.
So, once you’ve got all of your equipment, all that is left for you to do is start teaching!
Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you get started in your teaching career:
- Are you an experienced singer or performer who is passionate about sharing their passion?
- How good is your knowledge of vocal techniques?
- How able are you to adapt to the individual learning styles and personal objectives of each student?
- Do you know what your strengths are as a teacher and how to use them to improve the quality of your lessons?
- Do you have an adequate knowledge of music theory?
So, are you ready to become a voice coach in 2024? Let us know down in the comments about your experience as a vocal coach in India.
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Hello dear Sir/ Mam,
I am searching for the online vocal trainer job. Pls inform me if any vacancy for vocal trainer. I have completed visharada in classical vocal in 2018.
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