How to Find the Right Voice Teacher: 7 Proven Tips for Singers

https://youtu.be/ydDz_zFYqwE

If you’re ready to take your singing to the next level, finding the right voice teacher can make all the difference. Whether you’re brand new to voice lessons or returning after a break, choosing a vocal coach who fits your goals, style, and experience level is one of the most important steps you can take. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to find a voice teacher who’s a great match—and what to look for once you start.

Why Choosing the Right Voice Teacher Matters

Your voice is a unique instrument, and working with a teacher who understands both technique and artistry can fast-track your growth. A great vocal coach helps you improve tone, expand range, support breath, and navigate performance challenges. But just as importantly, they help you feel safe enough to explore your voice fully.

Where to Start Your Search

Start local! Look for voice teachers within a 30 mile radius. Great places to check include:

• Local community music schools
• Universities and colleges (many voice professors also teach privately)
• Independent vocal studios run by working singers
• Teachers with degrees in vocal performance or vocal music education

Pro tip: Choose someone who performs professionally, has a dedicated teaching studio, and teaches regularly. These three signs usually indicate a strong and committed teacher.

What to Look For in a Voice Teacher

Here are some qualities and credentials to look for:

• Strong technique: Listen to recordings of the teacher singing. They don’t have to be famous, but they should have a clear, healthy, controlled voice.
• Experience teaching: A teacher who has a full studio likely has more hands-on experience helping students grow.
• Aligned goals: They should understand the kind of music you want to sing and help you develop in that direction.
• Supportive energy: Voice lessons are vulnerable. You want a teacher who makes you feel comfortable, inspired, and understood.

Try Trial Lessons Before Committing

Once you narrow down your top 2–4 choices, schedule a trial voice lesson with each. Choose at least 45 minutes (ideally an hour if you’re over 16), preferably an hour for adults and tell them:

• What you want to work on
• Why you’re taking lessons
• Who your favorite singers are
• Any past vocal issues or goals

A good first lesson includes a vocal range test, ear exercises, and time to sing a song. Use that time to see how the teacher listens, corrects, and communicates with you.

Questions to Ask Yourself After the Lesson

• Did I feel encouraged and challenged?
• Did the teacher explain things clearly?
• Did I feel like I learned something real—even in one session?
• Could I imagine improving consistently with this person?

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• No clear vocal method or structure
• Vague advice with little explanation
• Consistently canceling or rescheduling
• No singing examples or unclear credentials
• You feel uncomfortable during lessons
• In lessons, you have vocal strain or more tension

Final Thoughts: Pick the Teacher That Inspires You

Your voice teacher is your guide—but also your partner. Choose someone who inspires you, who understands your goals, and who you feel at ease with. When that relationship clicks, your progress will take off.

It takes time to foster a good teacher/student relationship and learn new technique or get rid of habits. Once you’ve decided on the right teacher and you’ve started lessons, give me the a minimum of 6 months of weekly lessons. That is enough time to see real change and go through a few learning curves that can be tough for singers. Just a head’s up, it is common for the first 2-3 months to have a lot of excitement and motivation, the in month 4-5 some frustration. By month 6, you’ve gotten through the most challenging part. Check out more videos.

Schedule a trial lesson with Scofield Studio.

Good luck! Jocelyn