How to Be a Voice Instructor

Teaching voice to aspiring vocalists provides the potential to create a substantial income while helping vocalists develop their voices. The basic requirements of vocal instruction are stringent. In addition to experience, you must have the ability to accurately express ideas, pinpoint vocal technique weaknesses and adapt to your individual student's personal learning style. You must be able to relate abstract concepts to students in a way that motivates with the avoidance of harsh criticisms. Students must feel comfortable with you to succeed as a vocalist.

Step 1

Obtain a degree from a university or college. In lieu of a degree, you may take voice lessons for several years to obtain competence. However, the ensembles, individual attention and peer support that accompany a degree serve as vital benefits to you as a voice instructor.

Step 2

Practice piano daily. You must often accompany students on the piano in lessons and recitals. Several warm-ups require the use of the piano. If you do not have a piano or the ability to play it, you will not appropriately serve your students.

Step 3

Advertise online and in grocery stores, music shops, and vocal organizations. A prominent vocal organization is the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). Become a member of NATS to improve your access to resources and instruction materials.

Step 4

Develop a list of vocal repertoire based on student strengths, weaknesses, and current abilities. Younger students should have simpler works that focus on breath support, phrasing and tone quality. More advanced students should sing classical music literature and their specific style of vocal expertise.

Step 5

Instruct the students on the proper way to develop a vibrato. Vibrato should come naturally as the result of proper posture, breath support and tone quality. Allow the vibrato to develop naturally as the vocalist matures.

Step 6

Teach advanced students a variety of vocal techniques. Include lessons on proper diction to teach the student how to pronounce words so they are audible. Ensure that you teach exercises to improve range, vocal flexibility, and interpretation of specific styles of music. For instance, Baroque music and ornamentation have a very specific style of singing that differs from Classical music.

Step 7

Provide opportunities for the student to perform with other vocalists and in front of audiences. The voice is a vulnerable instrument, something a singer cannot hide behind when a mistake occurs. Because of this, many vocalists will tend to equate their value with their performance. Carefully teach students to differentiate the difference between a poor performance and personal self-worth.

If you wish to specialize in a particular style of vocal singing, mention that in your advertisements and have an education that supports your qualifications.

Ensure that you have a proper syllabus and teaching studio policy list. Spell out common issues such as lateness, make-up lessons and payment policies.