Making the Most of Your Online Voice Lessons

Online lessons are highly effective. I have worked with students online for years, many of whom began with little to no technique and are now singing professionally. However, lessons online are only effective when both the teacher and student prepare.

How do I prepare for an online lesson?

• Learn how to use Zoom.
• Ensure you are using the most updated version of Zoom’s advanced audio settings.
• Have the best wifi and updated technology you can afford (Computer, iPad, Portal, etc.)
• Bring a recording device and notepad. Reflecting on your lessons and staying organized is the best way to make progress.
• Bring an additional device where you can play accompanist tracks, etc.

Managing Expectations 

• While every teacher-student relationship is unique, it is important to manage your expectations of yourself and your teacher before beginning your work together.
• Reasonable Expectations: 
• Progress within 2 months: your teacher’s work will only be as effective as your practice and consistency of lessons. I recommend at least one 60-minute lesson a week when starting.
• Skill building: one skill should lead to another.
• After one year of weekly lessons, you should see a major difference in technical understanding, range, and musicianship.
• Unreasonable Expectations: 
• Immediate progress.
• Progress without practice.
• Perfection. “Do not strive to be perfect (it doesn’t exist), strive to be excellent.” - Warren Jones

To best prepare for voice training, whether you are a beginner or want more from your lessons, I suggest reading this article about the differences between Voice Teachers, Vocal Coaches, and the basics of Singing Technique. Finally, here are some questions to ask yourself that may help you prepare for your vocal training…

1. Where am I in my vocal progress? Beginner? Intermediate? Professional?

If you are a beginner, try to find a voice teacher with whom you feel comfortable, and plan to see them at least once a week. If you are intermediate or a professional, ensure that the teachers and coaches you choose to work with are working FOR YOU.   

2. What are your goals? Short-term? Long-term?

Share these goals with your teacher or prospective teachers and allow their responses to help you make an informed decision about who you wish to facilitate your vocal journey. 

3. Do you like the way your teacher’s students sing? 

Every singer is different and you should not judge a teacher from their student’s performance (all students are at different places in their development). However, you can look for trends. Speaking to a student who studies with the teacher you are interested in working with is a great way to learn more about what to expect in your lessons.

4. Do you feel comfortable and supported by your teacher?

In my opinion, this is the most important element of a great teacher.  It is hard to tell if your teacher is the right fit in only one lesson. Sometimes it is obvious that they are, or are not the right teacher for you. In most cases, I recommend allowing yourself and your prospective teacher one month of working together before making a decision about whether you both are a good fit for each other. 

5. Are you making progress? If not, are you practicing daily?

If you are not practicing daily, you cannot expect to make significant progress. If you are practicing daily and are not making progress within a month of doing so, I recommend that you consider finding a new teacher. 

You can and likely will make progress practicing a few times a week and continuing to study with your teacher. Daily and smart vocal practice is the fastest way to accomplish your goals. Smart vocal practice is focused, uninterrupted, and intervallic. 

I sincerely hope that this article helps you find the right voice teacher and vocal coach for you! 

If you still are unsure about your range, how advanced you may be in your vocal technique and musicianship, or wish to seek guidance of any kind, please don’t hesitate to message me, or sign up for a Vocal Analysis Lesson.
 

ABOUT AMANDA Hello, I am Amanda Austin, a Sing! Collective instructor for Lessonface. I am a professional operatic soprano and voice instructor sharing the knowledge that I have acquired in 20 years of collective private training, performance, and vocal pedagogy. The Sing! Collective is a virtual collection of classically trained professional vocalists collaborating to help you meet your goals. Sing!'s instructors, masterclasses, group classes, and subscription packages establish healthy and beautiful singing technique, develop confidence, and share your voice. My students have included opera, musical theatre, jazz, folk, pop, and rock vocalists with ages ranging from 6-75 years old. I am currently based in Asbury Park, NJ where I work with predominantly rock and folk singers at The Lakehouse Music Academy. I have taught at The Manhattan School of Music, Harlem School of the Arts, Chautauqua Voice Institute, Opus Dance and Theatre Inc. etc. in both group and private lessons. I cater all of my lessons to each student's individual needs and build technique that establishes healthy singing across all musical genres.   > Book a lesson with Amanda