Here is the formal part of my page! I believe that each student has the ability to sing well and this is how I think that is achieved. Read on to learn more!
While the vocal process is unique to each individual voice student all students are entitled to the same standards of teaching. I believe that the top priorities in teaching voice to are to provide students with a comfortable learning environment, open lines of communication, encouragement in their progress, and tactful honest evaluation of their skills and needs.
Voice teachers must recognize that students cannot improve without a balance of candor and support. Providing a positive working environment is crucial to this process. Students must feel that their teacher is approachable and will give them accurate advice and criticism. Additionally, a teacher must be clear and upfront with his or her expectations for lesson procedures as well as practice and performance standards.
Voice teachers have an obligation to develop the following criterion in each of their students including: good techniques and routines for efficient practice and warm-up habits, a competent vocabulary for discussing vocal music, control and mastery of the vocal process, proficiency and comfort in performance settings, an increased appreciation for the different styles within the vocal repertoire, and most importantly an intimate knowledge of the student’s own individual voice, natural abilities, and shortcoming. I feel that these skills should be tested through song preparation, public performance, mock and actual auditions, and competitions.
Control and mastery of the vocal process is gained twofold through first the use of imagery to visualize the production of good sound and second through vocal anatomy instruction to understand the physical production of good sound. Performance proficiency and comfort in performance settings is taught through encouraging student to participate in recitals, productions, and concerts. Teachers should be fluent in all the aforementioned abilities and continue to perform themselves to stay current in the field and set a good example for their students.
Producing successful singers requires compassion as well as discipline from both the student and the teacher.