Choosing a voice teacher is a big and very personal decision. Singing has been taught for centuries, while voice science has grown enormously in recent decades, so there are many schools of thought, some of them far apart. How do you find someone who will help you make real progress and make the experience enjoyable? Here’s what to look for, the questions to ask, and the warning signs to notice.
Key takeaways
- Look first for experience in the style you want to sing.
- The best teachers combine performing experience with a clear, up-to-date understanding of how voices work.
- You need to like and trust your teacher; communication drives progress.
- Ask about support between lessons and chances to perform before you commit.
Start with your style
The first filter is the style of music you want to sing, and whether a teacher has real experience teaching it. Many university music programs focus mainly or entirely on classical singing, which has its own specific acoustic and aesthetic values. That’s essential if you want to sing classical music or opera, and a teacher with a degree in voice performance is a natural fit.
Contemporary, microphone-based singing is different. Much of the traditional wisdom still helps, but not all of it applies, and the stylistic goals of pop, rock, R&B, or contemporary musical theater can be very different from operatic ideals. Many classically trained teachers keep up with training in contemporary styles; others don’t. Ask directly: “What training and experience do you have in the style I want to sing?”
Look for performing and teaching experience
You want a teacher who has performed enough to relate to your challenges, from nerves to long rehearsals to singing through a microphone. You also want someone who can explain what’s happening and why. Some wonderful singers find they lack the vocabulary to explain what their body does naturally, or discover that what works for their own voice doesn’t work for everyone’s. The best teachers check both boxes.
Check for an up-to-date understanding of voices
A good teacher understands how voices work and keeps learning as the field develops. That doesn’t mean lessons full of jargon. It means explanations that make sense to you, exercises chosen for a reason, and the ability to adjust when something isn’t working for your particular voice.
Make sure you click
It really matters that you like your teacher. When you enjoy working with someone, you’re more open to their instructions and their occasional critique. Communication runs both ways: you need to feel comfortable sharing concerns and preferences, and your teacher needs to communicate clearly enough to move you forward while helping you feel seen as an artist and a person.
Look for chances to perform
Singing for other people is a skill of its own, and the practice room can only take you so far. Ask whether a teacher or studio offers performance opportunities, such as recitals, showcases, open mics, or group classes, where you can try your songs in front of a supportive audience. Our article on conquering stage fright explains why regular, low-pressure performing helps so much.
Ask about support between lessons
Most of your progress happens in the days between lessons. Find out what help is available when you’re practicing on your own: recordings of your lessons, practice materials, or a way to get feedback when you get stuck.
Online or local?
Don’t limit your search to whoever happens to be nearby. With live online lessons, you can study with a teacher who specializes in your style and suits your personality, wherever they live. What matters is that lessons are live and one-on-one, so your teacher can respond to your voice in the moment rather than handing you prerecorded videos. Online lessons also make it easier to stay consistent, since there’s no commute. A simple setup with a camera, a microphone, and a quiet place to sing is all you need. Our article on whether online voice lessons work explains what to expect.
Questions to ask before you start
- What training and experience do you have in the style I sing?
- How do you adapt lessons to each singer’s voice and goals?
- What help is there between lessons?
- What chances will I have to perform?
- How do scheduling, billing, and cancellation work?
- If the fit isn’t right, can I switch teachers?
Warning signs to watch for
- Promises of overnight results. Real progress takes consistent practice, and every voice develops at its own pace.
- One method for everyone. Voices differ; a good teacher adapts.
- Pain or strain brushed aside. Singing shouldn’t hurt, and a teacher should take discomfort seriously.
- No explanations. You should understand what you’re working on and why.
How Cardon Studios approaches it
At Cardon Studios, you’re matched with a teacher by your style, goals, age, and schedule, and you can ask to work with a different teacher if the fit isn’t right. Our teachers have advanced musical training, performing experience, and training in voice science. Lessons are live and one-on-one online, each one is recorded for your review, and between lessons you can send a video for a personalized response within 72 hours. Member online events, including open mics, group classes, and recorded showcases, give you places to perform.
From the studio
Founder Kate Cardon selects and trains the studio’s teachers and matches each singer with the right one. You can meet the teachers here.
Online voice lessons
Get matched with the right teacher
One monthly membership includes four private online voice lessons, one video coaching submission, the Learning Library, and member online events, with a teacher matched to your style, goals, age, and schedule.
Common questions about choosing a voice teacher
Should my voice teacher have a music degree?
Many excellent teachers do, especially for classical singing. What matters most is experience teaching your style, a clear understanding of how voices work, and the ability to explain it in a way that makes sense to you.
How do I know if a voice teacher is right for me?
After a few lessons, you should understand what you’re working on, have a clear practice plan, and feel comfortable asking questions. Singing should feel easier over time, not more strained.
Can I switch voice teachers?
Yes, and it’s normal to look for a better fit. At Cardon Studios, you can ask to work with a different teacher at any time.