This article has been republished from my blog, www.findingmysingingvoice.com.
I wrote in my previous post that finding the right voice teacher is the most important decision an aspiring singer can make. I included some ideas on what to look for in a teacher. But how do you go about finding that person? Here are a few ideas.
* Ask singers you admire: Not all teachers advertise their studios, so word of mouth is probably the best way to find a voice teacher. If you go to a concert or club where a local singer performs, ask if the singer gives lessons. If not, maybe the singer can recommend a friend who teaches or even put you in contact with her or his own teacher.
* Ask a musician: These people can probably recommend someone: your school choir/band/orchestra director or music teacher, the music director or cantor at your church or place of worship, your piano teacher, or your friend's piano teacher.
* Find a community music school: There are thousands of community arts schools (nonprofit, non-degree granting, community-based institutions) in the United States. Many of their teachers are experienced performers with multiple degrees and years of teaching experience. Prices are often on the low end. Find a school near you at www.nationalguild.org.
* Contact your local college or university: Many professors supplement their salaries by giving private lessons. You can also inquire whether any advanced students teach voice. (If cost is a concern, keep in mind that students will certainly charge less their professors do.) Ask for a graduate student, an advanced undergrad, or someone who has taken classes in vocal pedagogy or music education. Vocal pedagog means the study of teaching singing.) The downside to studying with a college student is that he or she could leave the area after graduation.
* Ask friends and family: You never know who's taken singing lessons until you ask.
* Check Craigslist: Teachers who need to fill spots in their studios often post on Craigslist. You might not find much information on the teacher's experience, but you can always ask questions by phone or email.
* Call your local music store: Many stores offer lessons on site. Others keep a list of area music teachers on hand.
* Visit www.nats.org: The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) has strict requirements for its members. Teachers need to have a college degree or equivalent experience and must abide by a Code of Ethics. The NATS website allows you to search for members in your state or hometown.
* Visit www.classicalsinger.com: Classical Singer magazine is a great source for anyone who wants to sing classical music or opera. You can search the site for a teacher in your area.
* Visit www.mtna.org: The Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) is a professional organization for music teachers who are employed by a school or who teach privately. You can find members at www.mtna.org. Keep in mind, though, that MTNA doesn't screen its members. However, teachers can choose to go through the group's thorough certification process.
* Visit other websites. Two popular websites list music teachers: www.musicstaff.com andwww.privatelessons.com. In my experience, however, there aren't many voice teachers on the sites, and those that are listed seem somewhat underqualified.
* Ask a voice doctor: This may seem like an odd source, but laryngologists (voice doctors) often work closely with voice teachers to help singers who've had vocal trouble. A teacher with experience in vocal rehabilitation is a great choice if you suspect something might be wrong with your vocal cords. See my previous post on finding a voice doctor.
Good luck in your search for a voice teacher! And remember - always ask about a teacher's credentials before you sign up for lessons!
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