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7Dec/092

i cant find any voice teachers so i want to ask my choir teacher to help me find one but im kind of afraid…?

ok i know its pretty stupid because i have nothing to be afraid of, he is a choir teacher but im not sure how i should ask him. and if he does say he can help me find one, will he ask me a bunch of questions? what kind of questions?

Here's how you ask him: "I'm interested in taking voice lessons, but I have no idea where to start. Would you be willing to help me?"

It's okay to admit that you don't know anything. I find that it's easier to explain your ignorance up front, that way you don't have to worry about being lost.

As for questions he will ask: What style of singing do you want to learn? What is your goal for the lessons? (fun? auditioning for a musical? preparation for college?) He might have a few more questions but just do your best to answer them. It's okay if you don't know. There is a reason why you are called a STUDENT. You are there to learn and your teacher is there to teach you. If you knew everything you wouldn't need to be in his class.

If you are still nervous then you should visit your local music store. They usually keep a list of all of the local teachers and can give you some names as well as recommendations.

You're right that you have nothing to be afraid of, but sometimes our emotions are irrational. It's alright to be nervous. Take a deep breath and exhale. Just do the best you can and I'm sure everything will work out!

(In response to lovely x lucie: Not all schools can afford a separate teacher for voice lessons. Unfortunately we're not all that lucky. If your school has that kind of $$ then more power to you.)

Filed under: voice teacher 2 Comments
4Dec/092

My voice teacher says that it is best if my support is coming from my epigastrium. Is this true.?

Ive heard most people say that that support comes from the diaphragm. I just want to know what other singers think about the epigastrium.

Your diaphragm, yes. That is how you sing with support and fullness. If you are singing from your throat, you will strain your vocal chords and it does not have a goo full sound. Your teacher is incorrect, epigastrium is a totally different thing...your teacher is questionable. Epigastrium: the region lying on or over the stomach (just below the sternum) It has very little to do with vocals.

Filed under: voice teacher 2 Comments
2Dec/095

Voice lessons please help voice teacher?

Does this sound like a good voice teacher

Vocal teacher for over 25 years. Received B.S. from Temple University with a minor in Music. Received M.A. from Wayne State University. Member of the Cosmopolitan Opera Co., Rittenhouse Opera, and Opera Theater. Soloist for various churches in the Area and California. Presently singing at Woods Presbyterian Church.

And will I notice a difference in my voice after 12 or 14 lessons ?

If you suck now, you will notice an improvement if you are descent, probably not.

Filed under: voice teacher 5 Comments
29Nov/093

How do I find a voice teacher?

I live in the SF Bay Area (Menlo Park specifically) and I want to find a voice teacher, but I don't know how to find one. Especially one who is regarded as "competent"? Please help. Thanks

Ask at a local music store, Sometimes they let teachers advertise in the store (The closest one to me has a bullitin board where they post business cards.

If you know any choir directors ask them as well. I got a great voice that way.

Filed under: voice teacher 3 Comments
27Nov/097

How do I develop a teacher’s voice?

I find that I still say "like" and "um" quite often. While I am very aware of the word "like" and use it far less than most people I have seen on campus, I still hate that I use the word because it is annoying and serves no purpose.
I also say "awesome" quite often.

I use a strong tone and can explain concepts clearly, but I would appreciate any tips other teachers or professionals have for developing a voice of authority by getting rid of speech patterns acquired during adolescence.

I didn't know you were studying to be a teacher. Me, too!
AWESOME is my all-time favorite word.
Up until recently I had spent 12 years working in Special Ed. and as a librarian.

I say "like" a lot, too, and my speech is typically very relaxed (meaning I sometimes ignore grammar for effect and cuss like a sailor!). While I never really thought about changing the way I speak when kids are around, it just sort of happens. I think somewhere in the back of my mind I realize that I'm setting an example and I tend to enunciate and use much better grammar than I do when I'm using my "casual voice". I still maintain some of my personality, though. Kids tend to respond much better to adults who seem real than they do people who are too stiff and formal. I think there's a balance that's there somewhere, but I've never really put much thought into what it is exactly. I do think that an authoritative voice comes with confidence and that, of course, comes with time.
Have you spent much time working with kids in a leadership role on your own already?

Sorry - I know that's no help. I was just excited to see you were the teacher-type, too! Good luck. Being a teacher is the best job in the whole world!

Filed under: voice teacher 7 Comments
24Nov/091

What are some good books for a young voice teacher to own?

I am a masters student in voice and I am starting to do some teaching. I am looking to build up my library of vocal music and I am hoping you all can give me suggestions on what would be good books to own. I already have basic aria anthologies as well as a Brahms anthology and various other things. Any thoughts?

the schrimer library collection for sopranos/mezzo soprano

Filed under: voice teacher 1 Comment
22Nov/093

What do you look for in a music/voice teacher?

we are adding pro teachers to our instructor database everyday, and want to bring the best teachers on board! What do you look for in a pro teacher?

LessonsMe.com
Anyone ever had a lesson VIA WebCam? Our teachers teach on webcam. Some of our instructors work with some of your favorite artists! Check our site to find out:

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Different for different people I guess. I find when I ask my students they each answer differently. Each student has different motives and hence look for different things in a music teacher. Every students needs different things from us. Let me know when you find the secret!

Filed under: voice teacher 3 Comments
20Nov/091

I have recored the voice of our teacher in classroom with my mp3 player but the quality is low,?

I have recored the voice of our teacher in classroom with my mp3 player but the quality is low,how can I abmit the air voice from my recoredings and icreasing the quality?

Use headphones to listen to the MP3. Or if you can't on your player, put the MP3 on your computer or any other device where you can use a headphone. This should be an easy way to make it work.

If its still bad... get an mp3 editing file from download.com for free to apply noise reducting to the audio file and resave it. Again use headphones when listening and you should be good.

Good luck.

Filed under: voice teacher 1 Comment
17Nov/094

I think I’m an alto but I want to be a soprano. I have a voice teacher. Any extra pointers?

I'm 12, btw. I think I'm an alto but I'm not sure, but I want to be a soprano. Any extra pointers?

Your voice is still growing and changing - don't peg yourself any particular range just yet!

Another pointer - don't stress your voice by trying to attain notes that are out of your range. If you have to strain to reach a note it is too high (or low) for you. Placing consistent strain on your vocal cords will damage your voice - and often the damage is permanent. Young voices are delicate - and it is very easy to damage them!

Listen to your voice teacher and, if you have a good one, you will go as far as your voice can take you. We like to build our students' ranges, but we good ones are not going to do anything that will cause damage to your voice.

Filed under: voice teacher 4 Comments
14Nov/093

HOw to get a voice teacher to REALLY Train you the best…?

I have been playing with the idea of singing lessons for a long time..and for a few years (maybe two or three now) I have been thinking of taking lessons at a nearby conservatory (they offer private and continuing education).

I am sure of the school's reputation. But I want to know that I will be taken seriously as a student...how do I get the teachers to really focus on me and help me become a GREAT singer? What should I say to the teacher...what guarantees that they will give me their best?

You have to feel comfortable with the teacher and work hard yourself. I would tell the teacher that you are serious about being a good vocalist and tell them to push you. If you are up front with them about what you want and need from them, that should do it. You want a teacher to be totally honest with you about your voice and technique. Communication is important. If you find they are not commmunicating effectively, change teachers.

Filed under: voice teacher 3 Comments