Voice Care For Worship Leaders – Tips On Choosing A Voice Teacher by Rebecca Dennison

If you’re familiar with Sojourn recordings or worship services, you’ve no doubt heard the vocals of Rebecca Dennison.  Rebecca is an amazing singer, featured on Before The Throne (check out the “My Maker And My King” mp3 on our Before The Throne page), These Things I Remember (listen to “Faithful” and “Of Psalm 51” from that page) and our upcoming Over The Grave: The Hymns Of Isaac Watts, Volume One.  In this series for worship team vocalists and singers of all stripes, Rebecca focuses on principles and techniques for taking care of your voice.  This week: what to look for in a voice instructor:

I asked a few friends (all singers) what they advice would give someone looking for a voice teacher.  Here are their replies:

Amber Estes (Sandpaper Dolls, Liberation Prophecy):

Here is an informative article

Personally, I would say to set up a meeting or “interview” with prospective vocal coaches/teachers.  You should have a clear idea of what your goals are going to be as a singer and make sure that whoever you choose to take lessons from will work with you to achieve those goals.  It’s important that your personalities do not clash, since this may inhibit the way instruction is given/taken.  You want someone who is knowledgeable of proper technique, but also realizes that each voice is unique as a fingerprint.  Don’t be afraid to ask them about their own strengths/weaknesses and how they work through that.  Ask them to sing for you, or give you a recording of their work.

Kate Robins (Dirt Poor Robins, Sojourn worship leader):

I have no idea. They kind of freak me out because it seems like they can do more harm than good, stylistically speaking. I did take lessons when I was like 10-12 because I belted everything and my mom was afraid I was going to ruin my voice. I think she found her teacher through Shelby campus, and she taught me to use my head voice and to breath better.

I think my best voice “teacher” was just listening to and singing along with all kinds of music from pop to soul to Broadway to opera. I learned vibrato from Annie, clarity of tone from Karen Carpenter, harmonies from the Indigo Girls. I learned to mimic a lot of different styles and singers. Now I have my own sound but I can draw from everyone elses bag of tricks. You’ll have to hear my Julie Andrews sometime.  Just kidding.

Lorie King (Sojourn worship leader):

I think the most important thing is to choose someone to whom you can relate and with whom you can communicate well. Remember that a voice teacher is going to critique you, so it needs to be someone from whom you’re willing to receive criticism. And you need to be able to understand their directions/tips! Also choose someone who sings or teaches a style that is appealing to you. All voice teachers teach classical style, but some may also specialize in show tunes, pop, etc. If you know you want to sing a particular style, look for someone who has actually done that style before.

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For additional tips, see Rebecca Elliott’s article on Choosing a Piano Teacher.

Speaking from my own experience, it’s important to select someone you trust.  If you find yourself resisting your voice teacher’s instructions because you don’t trust where she’s taking your voice, it might be time to find a different instructor.  Also, if you find yourself losing your voice more frequently or notice other signs of strain, something is wrong.  Voice instruction should help you protect your voice, not damage it.

SEE PART ONE: HOW NOT TO LOSE YOUR VOICE, I

SEE PART TWO: HOW NOT TO LOSE YOUR VOICE, II

SEE PART THREE: VOCAL PREPAREDNESS