The Importance of a Good Voice Coach for Singers

A voice can be defined as the part of the body where sound is produced. We all use our voices to communicate through speech, and when speech is sustained, the voice transforms into a singing instrument. In essence, singing is simply sustained speech. This means the same instrument we use to speak with is the one we use to sing with.

As children, we learn to communicate through our voices, guided by those who raise us. Depending on where we live, we develop inherent dialects that shape the way we speak. In a sense, we’ve all had a form of voice coaching—whether it’s informal guidance from family or more formal instruction from speech therapists. Some individuals face challenges like stuttering or slurred speech, and speech-language pathologists help them overcome these difficulties.

When it comes to singing, voice coaches help us take that communication further, enabling us to sustain sound in tune, with emotional dynamics, and as much ease and presence as possible. A deeper understanding of how your voice works, as well as your current level of vocal development, is key to unlocking your full potential. Just as athletes need coaches to refine their physical abilities, singers, too, benefit from expert guidance to master their instrument.

Why Singers Need a Voice Coach

A skilled voice coach can identify poor habits in your vocal technique and prescribe targeted exercises to correct them. These exercises build positive muscle memory and help singers gain more control over their voices. As a voice coach, I look for specific qualities in each singer I work with: pure vowels, accurate pitch, smooth transition between registers, ease of sound production, vocal presence, and controlled vibrato.

To achieve these qualities, I focus on four areas of concentration that singers can directly control: breath, vocal cords, laryngeal tilt, and vowels. Each area involves a range of variables that must work together to create balanced, healthy singing. The coach’s job is to pinpoint which of these areas is out of balance and prescribe exercises to correct it.

Each singer is unique, and no two vocal journeys are the same. This is why the exercises a coach prescribes must be tailored to the individual singer’s needs. For younger or newer singers, the goal is to quickly stabilize these four areas so they can build control, freedom, and confidence in their voices. Once a solid foundation is in place, the singer can move on to more complex tasks like repertoire and style development.

The Qualities of a Great Voice Coach

A great voice coach not only understands the science of how the voice works but also knows how to apply this knowledge to each individual singer. While being able to sing well can be an asset for demonstrating techniques, some of the best coaches I’ve worked with weren’t the strongest singers themselves. What matters most is their ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple, accessible way, and to provide a tangible plan for each singer’s goals.

It’s crucial to find a voice coach who understands your aspirations and knows how to help you achieve them. While there are many voice teachers who can sing and demonstrate well, not all will be the right fit for your needs.

The Risks of Random Vocal Exercises

With the abundance of vocal exercises available online, it may be tempting to follow the advice of random singers or instructors. However, exercises that work for one voice may not be suitable for another, especially if the singers are at different stages of development. While some might benefit from these exercises, others could struggle or even develop confusion or bad habits.

Without the guidance of a skilled coach, you run the risk of damaging your voice. Repeating any vocal exercise, whether correct or incorrect, will lead to muscle memory. Your brain builds myelin around neuron pathways with each repetition, which strengthens the action over time. If you practice an incorrect technique, you reinforce a bad habit. Conversely, correct exercises build healthy habits that make singing easier and more stable.

Conclusion

If you want to create the best habits for balanced, healthy singing, a voice coach is essential. A great coach will help you understand how your voice works, address imbalances and guide you toward developing strong muscle memory and long-term vocal health. By working with a voice coach who aligns with your goals, you set yourself up for success as a singer.

Becoming a better singer is a complicated process that requires patience.

Darcy D, photo by Brandon Deutsch/Element 8 Studios

About the author: Darcy D brings 30 years of experience in the music industry to his diverse career as a Canadian musician, singer, songwriter, recording artist, producer, and conference speaker. As the owner of Darcy D Music Group, he utilizes his vast expertise to shape his work. Beginning as the frontman of Simon Kaos and achieving Gold record success with Prism, Darcy’s musical journey has encompassed a range of genres, from rock to jazz. Darcy has been recognized with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.

He now teaches privately online and has developed an app for singers called Virtual Voice Coach. The app is designed to help students unlock their full potential as vocalists. To learn more, visit www.virtualvoice.coach.