How Do I Choose a Good Singing Teacher?

Choosing the right singing teacher is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your musical journey. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore your voice or an advanced singer aiming to refine your technique, the teacher you select can significantly impact your progress and enjoyment of singing. 

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from defining your goals and understanding the difference between a voice teacher and a vocal coach, to asking the right questions and identifying the key qualities of a great teacher.

Defining Your Needs: Preparing For The Search

When I first decided to take singing lessons, I found myself overwhelmed with options. Every teacher promised something different, but none matched exactly what I needed. The first thing I had to do was get clear on my own goals. This step is crucial, as it sets the foundation for your entire journey. Let me share some steps to help you prepare for your search.

Determine Your Musical Goals

Before you pick up the phone to book a lesson, ask yourself a few questions. What do I want from these lessons? Am I here for fun, or do I have serious goals, like auditioning for a musical? A teacher who excels in one area might not be the right fit for another. 

When I was starting out, I knew I wasn’t looking for the most technically advanced teacher—I just wanted someone to help me get better at singing pop songs without feeling like I was straining my voice.

• Aspiration Level: Are you learning for fun, or do you plan to perform in front of audiences or prepare for competitions? If you’re aiming for a professional career, you’ll need a teacher with industry experience, perhaps someone who understands the pressures of auditions and vocal performance at a high level.
• Genre Specialisation: What genre speaks to you? If you’re into jazz, you wouldn’t want a classical opera singer as your teacher—unless you’re open to learning a new style! I remember feeling that tension when my first teacher was more focused on classical techniques. Eventually, I realised I needed someone more aligned with contemporary styles like pop and rock.
• Vocal Outcomes: Is your primary goal to increase vocal range, refine your technique, or prepare for an audition? If you’re struggling with vocal strain or loss of range, you may need a teacher focused on vocal health and technique.
• Time Commitment: Consider how much time you’re willing to invest. A dedicated, consistent schedule is key. When I committed to weekly lessons, I noticed rapid improvement—more so than when I was casually attending lessons once every few weeks.

Understand the Difference Between a “Teacher” and a “Coach”

This is a key distinction I only learned later in my journey. I remember a moment when I was preparing for an important audition, and I realised that the vocal coach I had been seeing wasn’t able to help with the specific vocal techniques needed for the audition. 

While a vocal coach is fantastic for preparing for a performance or fine-tuning your interpretation of a song, a voice teacher—someone with a solid understanding of vocal pedagogy—can help you work on building the strength and technique that will keep your voice healthy in the long term.

• Voice Teacher: Focuses on the technical aspects of singing—breathing, posture, vocal range, and consistency of tone. If you’re just starting out, a voice teacher is probably what you need to build a solid foundation.
• Vocal Coach: Deals more with performance aspects like song interpretation, confidence, and stage presence. Coaches often help you with polishing your act for auditions or performances. When I was preparing for my first public performance, a coach really helped me with interpreting the song and engaging my audience.

If you’re a beginner, I recommend focusing on finding a voice teacher who can guide you through proper vocal techniques before diving into performance coaching.

Essential Qualities In A Singing Teacher

Expertise and Qualifications

One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was not checking my teacher’s credentials. I was eager to start singing and jumped into lessons without thoroughly understanding what a qualified teacher should have. It’s easy to get caught up in excitement, but trust me—it’s essential to know what you’re getting into.

• Specialised Genre Knowledge: Make sure the teacher understands the nuances of the style you want to pursue. A teacher experienced in opera might not be ideal if you’re more into contemporary music like pop or rock. I remember a teacher who tried to teach me bel canto techniques for pop songs. While the technique was impressive, it wasn’t exactly the most practical for my goals. After that experience, I learned that a teacher who understands your preferred genre is key to your development.
• Pedagogical Training & Music Science: This is a game-changer. Teachers with formal training (whether in vocal pedagogy, music performance, or music education) bring a deeper understanding of vocal anatomy and physiology to their lessons. One teacher I had in my early days didn’t know much about vocal health. I ended up with vocal strain after just a few weeks. After that, I sought out someone with a strong background in voice science. It’s important that your teacher understands how your vocal cords work and how to keep them healthy.
• Demonstration Skills: Does your teacher demonstrate the vocal techniques themselves? A good teacher should be able to show you what they mean and model the sounds you need to be making. I once had a teacher who never sang in front of me—it was incredibly frustrating trying to understand what she meant by terms like “vocal resonance” when I couldn’t hear it from her own voice.
• Continuous Learning: The world of vocal technique is always evolving. A great teacher invests in their own professional development. I’ve had teachers who kept me up to date with new findings in vocal science and pedagogies. This commitment to learning sets apart the good from the truly great.

Teaching Style and Philosophy

Teaching style is one of the most personal aspects to consider. Some teachers are more authoritarian, while others are very collaborative in their approach. It’s essential to find someone whose style works for you.

• Student-Centred Approach: Your teacher should be focused on you, your voice, and your goals—not their own performance. During my early lessons, I had a teacher who often talked more about her own career and didn’t make the effort to understand what I wanted from my voice lessons. It left me feeling disconnected from my own learning. A teacher who listens to your needs and adjusts the lesson accordingly will ensure you’re getting the most out of your time together.
• Clear Communication: One thing that always stands out when I think about the best teachers I’ve had is their ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple, relatable way. If your teacher uses vague or mystical language, like “just sing from your diaphragm” without explanation, it’s a red flag. A good teacher will take the time to explain the mechanics behind every exercise and why it’s important for your development.

Questions To Ask When Interviewing Potential Teachers

Once you’ve identified your needs and qualities to look for, it’s time to begin reaching out to potential teachers. Asking the right questions can ensure you get the best fit for your learning style and goals. Here are key questions to ask during your search.

Philosophy and Approach

Understanding a teacher’s teaching philosophy is essential. You want to make sure their approach aligns with your learning style, goals, and values. A good teacher will be able to clearly articulate how they teach and why they do it that way. Here are the key questions I recommend asking:

Category	Key Questions to Ask	Relevant Insights
Philosophy & Method	What is your teaching philosophy/approach?	Ensure their philosophy aligns with your goals and learning style.
	How do you structure your lessons (exercises, repertoire, technique)?	A well-rounded lesson structure should integrate both technique and performance.
	How do you track progress and set goals?	Teachers should set clear, measurable goals and help students track their progress.
	How do you incorporate vocal health education?	Vocal health is essential, and a teacher should help you avoid strain and damage.

These questions will give you insights into how the teacher plans to nurture your development while considering vocal health and progression. I found that the best teachers always have a clear structure for lessons, ensuring you’re working towards specific, measurable goals.

Expertise and Background

The right expertise can make all the difference, especially when you’re looking for someone to guide your voice to new heights. Here are some questions to ask about a teacher’s background:

Category	Key Questions to Ask	Relevant Insights
Expertise & Background	What is your teaching and performance background?	Ensure the teacher has both practical performance experience and teaching expertise.
	What genres do you specialise in?	Match their specialisation to your preferred style.
	Are you comfortable teaching all voice types and ages, particularly mine?	Make sure they have experience with your specific vocal range or age group.
	What is your background in vocal anatomy and science?	This ensures they can teach with an understanding of vocal physiology.
	Have you taken professional development recently?	A teacher who stays current with modern voice science is key.

For example, a few years ago, I found a teacher who not only had experience performing in musical theatre but also held a degree in vocal performance and anatomy. This combination of practical and academic experience gave me confidence that they knew how to balance technique with artistry.

Logistics and Policies

Before you commit, you’ll want to know the details about how lessons will be structured, how the teacher manages cancellations, and what the financial obligations will be. These are the questions you should ask to cover the logistical bases:

Category	Key Questions to Ask	Relevant Insights
Logistics & Policies	Do you offer a trial lesson?	A trial lesson is a great no-pressure way to assess whether the teacher is a good fit.
	What is your cancellation policy and availability?	Make sure their schedule aligns with yours and their policies are reasonable.
	What is your expectation for student practice between lessons?	Consistent practice is key to progress, so you should understand their expectations.

I had a teacher once who didn’t have a clear cancellation policy, which led to some confusion and frustration. Knowing the logistics upfront avoids these kinds of misunderstandings. If they offer a trial lesson, it’s a great opportunity to see if their style and approach match your needs.

Red Flags To Avoid When Choosing A Singing Teacher

Choosing a teacher is a big commitment, so it’s important to watch for warning signs that might suggest you should keep searching.

Mistakes in Selection

While enthusiasm is great, it’s essential not to make decisions based purely on excitement or price alone. Here are common mistakes I’ve seen students make—and ones I almost made myself:

• Choosing Based on Price Alone: I understand the temptation of opting for the cheapest option, but a low-cost teacher might lack the necessary qualifications or experience to guide you properly. It can lead to poor technique or vocal strain down the road.
• Ignoring Credentials: I’ve seen a few friends sign up with teachers who had little formal training or understanding of vocal anatomy. Their lessons were mostly based on trial and error rather than proven, science-backed methods.
• Falling for “Celebrity by Association”: Some teachers love to boast about the famous artists they’ve worked with. While it’s nice to work with a well-connected teacher, you should ask yourself: Do they have the expertise to work with my voice? Make sure you’re hiring a teacher based on their ability to meet your personal needs, not just their network.

Red Flags in Practice

Once you’ve committed to a teacher, you should start to see tangible progress. If you don’t, it’s time to evaluate whether they are the right fit for you.

• Lack of Progress: If you’re not seeing improvement after three months, it’s a sign the teacher isn’t meeting your needs. I remember being stuck for months with a teacher who didn’t provide feedback or measurable goals—progress was slow, and it felt frustrating.
• No Demonstrations: If the teacher refuses to sing in front of you or can’t demonstrate what they’re asking you to do, they might not be able to guide you effectively. Your teacher should be able to model correct vocal technique.
• Vague or Mystical Language: Beware of teachers who use vague terms like “sing from your diaphragm” without explaining how or why. It’s important to understand the science behind every vocal exercise to avoid wasting time on ineffective methods.
• One-Size-Fits-All Approach: A teacher who insists on using the same technique for everyone might not be flexible enough to help you achieve your unique goals. Each voice is different, and a tailored approach is key to success.
• Negative Rapport: A teacher who makes you feel discouraged, awkward, or unmotivated is not the right fit. Singing requires trust, and if the relationship doesn’t feel positive, your vocal growth will suffer.

Practical Considerations: Cost, Format, And Location

Once you’ve found potential teachers who meet your qualifications and have the expertise you’re seeking, it’s time to consider the practical aspects. Location, cost, and the lesson format are all important elements that can impact your decision.

In-Person vs. Online Lessons

This decision depends on what works best for your schedule, budget, and comfort level. Both options have their benefits and challenges, so here’s a breakdown based on my own experience:

Feature	In-Person Lessons	Online Lessons (Virtual)
Rapport/Connection	Easier to build personal rapport and trust. Physical presence allows for more connection.	A screen can create a barrier, making it harder to connect.
Technical/Physical Guidance	Teachers can physically adjust posture, demonstrate techniques up close, and offer live corrections.	Limited physical corrections due to distance; audio/video quality can impact guidance.
Convenience & Access	Requires travel time and sometimes additional equipment.	The lessons are extremely flexible and can be taken from anywhere, saving time on travel.
Cost	It can be more expensive due to overhead costs like studio rent and travel.	Often more affordable, with the added benefit of saving on travel costs.

For example, when I first started, I took in-person lessons because I wanted to build a personal connection with my teacher and receive physical corrections. However, after moving to a different city, I found that online lessons gave me access to specialist teachers whom I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to see. I also saved on travel time and could even record the lessons to review them later.

In my experience, online lessons can be just as effective if your teacher has a good setup (high-quality microphone, camera, and internet connection). But if you’re learning more physical aspects of voice control or need close demonstrations, in-person lessons may be more beneficial.

Understanding Cost and Value

It’s tempting to think you can find great singing teachers on the cheap, but be cautious. Singing lessons can be an investment in both your talent and vocal health. Here’s how I’ve found the pricing to work:

• Typical Rates (Australia/Sydney): In Sydney, rates usually range from $50 to $80 AUD per hour, with higher rates for teachers with more experience or specific expertise. I personally paid $70 per hour for a teacher with a degree in vocal performance and a background in theatre, and I found it to be well worth the price.
• Impact of Credentials: Teachers with formal degrees, advanced qualifications, or years of professional performance experience will often charge higher rates, sometimes up to $100 AUD or more per hour. But don’t be deterred if the teacher isn’t charging a premium fee—they might still offer great value, especially if they focus on effective technique and vocal health.
• Affordable Options: Many teachers offer a trial lesson or group lessons, which can be a great way to test if their style fits without committing to a full session. Some teachers even offer discounted packages (e.g., 10 lessons for the price of 9), which can save you money if you’re planning on long-term lessons.

Finding Candidates And Making The Final Decision

By now, you’ve done your research, considered your options, and are almost ready to make a decision. Let’s talk about how to find candidates and what the final steps of the process should look like.

Where to Find Potential Teachers

There are multiple avenues you can explore to find singing teachers, both locally and online.

• Professional Associations: Associations like the Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing (ANATS) provide directories of certified teachers. Teachers listed here adhere to a Code of Ethics and are generally committed to providing high-quality lessons. This can give you confidence that the teacher you choose is reputable.
• Referrals: One of the best ways to find a teacher is through word-of-mouth. Ask friends, family, or other musicians whom they’ve worked with. I found my first teacher through a referral from a local musician who had worked with her for years.
• Online Search: If you’re searching online, try using specific search terms like “pop singing lessons near me” or “classical voice teacher Sydney” to find local teachers. Don’t forget to check ratings and reviews. While personal referrals tend to be the most reliable, online reviews can help you gauge a teacher’s reputation.
• Accreditation: Look for verified accreditations from reputable bodies like the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW (MTA NSW). Teachers who are members of such organisations often hold themselves to higher professional standards.

The Final Steps

When you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to book a trial lesson and test out the fit.

1. Book a Trial Lesson: This is essential. It’s your chance to experience their teaching style, assess whether they listen to your needs, and see if you feel comfortable. Some teachers even offer free trial lessons or discounted first lessons. Use this opportunity to gauge whether the teacher aligns with your goals.
2. Assess Compatibility: Pay attention during the trial. Do they take your concerns seriously? Are they flexible in their approach? Do they make you feel confident and encouraged? Trust your instincts here—if something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to keep looking.
3. Commit Consistently: Once you find a teacher you’re comfortable with and who aligns with your goals, commit to regular lessons. Remember, vocal growth takes time, so consistency is key. After about three to six months, you should start to notice improvements in your vocal technique and range.

Choosing the right singing teacher is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your vocal journey. Take the time to reflect on your goals, ask the right questions, and look for a teacher whose expertise and style match your needs. Trust your instincts—this is a deeply personal journey, and your teacher should be a mentor who helps you grow, not just a technician who teaches you how to sing.

Ultimately, finding the right teacher isn’t about hiring the most expensive or the most famous instructor. It’s about finding someone who connects with you, understands your voice, and helps you achieve your unique vocal goals.