Private Lessons

Finding A Private Voice Instructor

1.  Check credentials 

          A good potential teacher will have documented qualifications, such as academic degrees in music as well as professional experience.  Teachers with vocal music education degrees will more likely have had experience or specialized training in dealing with the adolescent voice.  They should have studied vocal pedagogy or vocal production, diction as it relates to many languages, and various musical styles.     

2.  A Personal Choice

          Finding a voice instructor can be as personal as selecting a physician.  Everyone has different needs and priorities. Most professional voice instructors can provide you with an extensive resume and list of professional references that can aid you in this process.     

            With developing singers, it is important that the student feel comfortable with the instructor, and able to explore the very personal nature of the singing voice in a safe and professional environment.  Some younger students will respond to a teacher who is an accomplished singer and can provide a credible vocal model.  Other students will learn best from verbal instruction.  It is helpful to consider how your student best responds to different approaches.  It is also important that the student have specific goals in mind that will be served through the private voice instruction process.   

3.  The Process 

          Most professional voice instructors will offer or require an “audition” lesson.  This is a two-way opportunity for the teacher to assess the student’s musical skill and potential, and for the student/parents to observe a sample lesson and ask questions.  It also gives the teacher an opportunity to discuss what they will offer to and expect of their students, as well as outlining the lesson cost and payment.  The student can verbalize their lesson goals and the teacher will decide whether or not they are the best person to help them meet the goals.  If the teacher you are considering does not mention such a “sample” lesson, it would be wise to request one before making a financial commitment.   

4.  Expected Cost 

          Private music lessons can range in price from $15-$75 for a 30 minute lesson.   The asking price is usually, but not always, commensurate with the instructor’s education, expertise, and experience.  It is very subjective and it is best to research both prospective teachers’ credentials and the going rate of various instructors in your area. 

          Some voice teachers will charge a flat tuition fee that may include the cost of additional educational experiences, such as scheduled recitals and workshops.  It is important to know if your voice instructor is an accomplished pianist/accompanist, if that is a provision of your payment, or if the student will be expected to find and pay for their own accompanists.   

5.  Questions to Ask

            -In what professional memberships and activities does the instructor

                        belong/participate? 

            -What are the successes of students in their studio? Have they been

                        awarded performance honors, scholarships, etc.?

            -What is the teacher’s past/present performance experience?

            -What does the price of the lesson cover?

            -What are the policies for missing a lesson and make-up lessons?

            -Is piano accompaniment provided in the lesson? In performances?

            -What additional educational or performance opportunities will

                        be available to my student? 

            -Can we as parents sit in on the lesson to observe?

6.  Some available resources 

            -Local Colleges

            -Music Stores

            -Local Chapters of NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing), MMEA (Missouri Music Educators Association), MTNA (Music Teachers national Association)