How to Choose the Right Vocal Coach

Choosing a vocal coach is a bit like choosing a driving instructor or any other teacher in life — qualifications and diplomas are important, but the most vital thing is the rapport you have with that person. You will usually know quite quickly if a connection isn't there, and if it doesn't feel right, that is okay. It doesn't mean the coach isn't good, it just means they might not be the right match for you.

When you go to a trial lesson, pay attention to how you feel. Do you feel comfortable being yourself? If you feel like you can't be your true self around someone, that is a bit of a red flag. In a singing lesson, you are exploring your voice and making sounds you might not usually make, so you need to feel confident and listened to. You should feel comfortable sharing things about your voice and asking every single question you have, no matter how small it seems.

A good vocal coach should make you feel confident enough to try new things and safe enough to make mistakes. They should be someone you can connect with on a personal level, because singing is so personal to who we are. If the vibe at a trial lesson just isn't working for some reason, I would always suggest trying a few other people until you find that person who really makes you feel like you can shine.

Trust your gut. At the end of the day, you want a coach who understands your goals, listens to your concerns, and makes you feel like you can be 100% yourself in every session. When you find that right connection, that is when the most exciting progress happens.

Stand Out Performing Arts, founded by professional performer and actress Sophie Morton, provides high-quality singing lessons, dance lessons, audition and industry preparation. Stand Out Performing Arts teach across Bristol- including Fishponds, Downend, Clifton, Redland and Montpelier - and in Reading and surrounding towns such as Burghfield Common, Mortimer, Tadley and Silchester.

Sophie is also the founder of the Care Home Choir, which brings therapeutic, inclusive group singing sessions to residents in care facilities to support mood, social engagement and communication. If you are based in Bristol, Reading or a nearby surrounding area and would like to apply for lessons, please click here. Explore Stand Out Performing Arts' range of free digital worksheets and professional resources to help you improve, practice and perform with confidence by clicking here.