Finding a Voice Teacher

Teachers who are networked with each other are the ones most likely to stay up to date with knowledge and the best teaching methods. Although there are many excellent voice teachers who are not affiliated any organization, these directories are a good place to start.

National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA) Fitzmaurice Voicework associates  You can also ask trained singers in your community, or approach people who lead local choirs or performing groups, and ask them for recommendations. It's OK to take a sample lesson from several teachers before deciding where you feel most comfortable. Just tell the teacher up front that you want to find out if they are a good fit for you, before you commit to their program.

Teacher, Coach or Therapist? (What's in a name?)

In the classical music world, a voice teacher focuses on the technique of singing while a voice coach works on repertoire and performance style. The teacher is usually an experienced singer ; the coach may be an accompanist, conductor, or other music leader. It's not unusual for serious performers to work with one of each.

In other styles of music, the terms "voice teacher" and  "voice coach" are not as clearly defined.

None of these is the same as a licensed speech pathologist (informally called a speech therapist). Every speech pathologist has specific medical and educational training, and is accountable to a licensing board. Those who specialize in treating voice problems are often singers too, and they usually work closely with laryngologists, treating vocal nodules, paresis (partial paralysis), and many other medically-diagnosed problems.

It's kind of like in sports: the athletic coach has the job of making healthy players get the best results on the field. If a player is injured, however, the coach sends them to a doctor and often to a physical therapist. The medical team and the coach work together so that the player can get back out there, safely.

If your voice is damaged, weak, rough, or painful, you should get your throat checked out by a doctor first. The MD may recommend work with a speech pathologist. Your singing teacher or coach can be part of the team, but doesn't take the lead role until you're back to normal health. Good laryngologists either work with, or know of, voice-savvy speech pathologists and teachers in the community.