How to Become a Contemporary Voice Teacher

Teaching voice is a special skill that can open up a world of possibilities for those with the talent and enthusiasm to take on the challenge. With the rise of modern music genres, contemporary voice teachers are becoming more relevant than ever.  We'll borrow John Henny's concepts and what he shares with the members of the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy (CVTA) to learn how to start a career as a voice teacher.

Key takeaways:

• A contemporary voice teacher helps students sing with power, emotion, and confidence without risking strain or damage to the voice.

• Obtaining certification can help to demonstrate a level of expertise and credibility as a contemporary voice teacher.

• To find job opportunities, it can be helpful to network with other music professionals, create a robust online presence, and join professional organizations.

A contemporary voice teacher is a singing instructor who specializes in coaching students in modern music styles of vocal music. This includes popular genres like pop, rock, R&B, and musical theatre. They typically have a background in performing these styles of music themselves. They use this experience to help their students establish vocal goals and develop their unique voices.

The responsibilities and duties of a contemporary voice teacher include working with students to improve their vocal range, tone, control, and vocal health. It also entails helping them to develop their own unique style. They focus on helping their students find and create their own individual voices. This process begins with finding the right range and tone for each student.

Once the student is comfortable with their range, the teacher then works on building their vocal styles. This includes teaching them how to control their breath, use vibrato, and project their voice. The ultimate goal is for the student to be able to sing with power, emotion, and confidence without risking strain or damage to the voice.

To teach contemporary singing, one typically needs to have a background in music, sometimes with a degree in music education or performance.

In addition, it is beneficial to have a comprehensive understanding of the human voice, vocal science, and vocal pedagogy in order to teach modern techniques.

Teachers help their voice students figure out their voices. Once the student finds their range and tone, the teacher works on developing their vocal technique as the student becomes comfortable with their range.

This field requires an in-depth knowledge of vocal technique, performance practices, and training. By having a broad understanding of the different elements that make up the art of singing, you can prepare your students to stand out in any performance.

Experience performing in a contemporary style is also helpful, and ongoing education and professional development are crucial in order to stay current with the latest trends and techniques. Similarly, keeping up with changes in contemporary music and being able to educate others on the same is also crucial. Furthermore, an in-depth knowledge of contemporary vocal techniques, as well as traditional vocal training principles, will put any aspiring voice teacher on the right track to success.

You should also be able to read music and have a good ear for pitch. If you plan on teaching private voice lessons, it is also beneficial to have some teaching experience.

There is no one "right" way to do it, but there are definitely some things that you should keep in mind as you pursue this career path.

Becoming an effective teacher involves several pathways. Options include attending workshops, taking classes, or enrolling in online courses to gain educational credentials and certification as a contemporary voice teacher.

When choosing a training program, it's significant to consider factors such as the program's reputation, the qualifications of the instructors, and the curriculum. Bear in mind that these programs become your foundation for developing vocal techniques in becoming contemporary singers and succeeding in advanced teaching. This means that you will need to have received training from a reputable vocal coach or program.

There are many different schools and programs out there that offer this type of training, so it is important to do your research and find one that helps you build marketable skills, be personally trained, and grow your business and profits. Obtaining certification can help to demonstrate a level of expertise and credibility as a contemporary voice teacher.

John Henny's Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy is a prime example of a comprehensive program that provides aspiring voice teachers with the tools and resources they need to become successful. He helps a range of students be well-versed in music theory and ear training. This knowledge will come in handy when teaching students how to sight-sing or read music.

Selecting the right teacher for you will enable you to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful contemporary voice teacher. With the proper training, you can be confident in your ability to teach modern vocal techniques and help your students reach their full potential.

There are a few different paths that one can take in order to become a teacher in the music industry. Many of them start out as music educators in schools to gain teaching skills and identify students' varied learning styles. Others may have experience working as professional singers or actors before transitioning into teaching or have a performance background in either singing or acting. No matter your previous experience, if you are passionate about teaching contemporary vocal techniques, you have high hopes of establishing a career in the field.

In order to become successful in the field, one must be well-versed in both the mechanics of the voice and the art of vocal performance. To find job opportunities, it can be helpful to network with other music professionals, create a robust online presence, and join professional organizations. Building a reputation and client base as a contemporary voice teacher requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Becoming a contemporary voice teacher is a gratifying experience, both personally and professionally. It requires a combination of education, experience, and ongoing professional development. Certification can demonstrate credibility, and building a solid reputation and client base is vital to a successful career.