The voice is one of the most potent instruments a person can possess. It can express emotion, create art, and touch hearts. As such, it's not surprising that more and more people want to pursue a formal education on not only how to use their voices in the best way possible, but also to take the next step and become a singing teacher.


Voice teacher certification programs are a great way to gain the skills, knowledge, and insight into the world of vocal performance. For voice teachers, certifications are very beneficial because they show understanding and authority in the subject. Additionally, they can give voice teachers access to resources, networking opportunities, and opportunities for professional development.


But with so many options, knowing which program is best for you can be challenging. This article will discuss what you should look for when choosing a voice teacher certification program and how to choose the right one for you.

Understanding the Different Types of Voice Teacher Certification Programs

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Many different types of voice teacher certification programs are available, and it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. Numerous organizations offer voice teacher certifications, each with unique requirements and focus.


Various levels and specialties of certification are offered by some programs. Here are some things to look for when choosing a certification program:

Requirements. Certificates have different requirements but typically combine education, training, and an exam.
Focus. While some certifications are more specific in their focus regarding vocal pedagogy or methods of teaching, others are more comprehensive.
Cost. Researching various programs and understanding costs is crucial for vocal teachers because certification fees also differ. Programs might have a fixed price, different prices at various levels, or on-going costs.

Pointers when choosing a program

Ensure the program is accredited, as it has been critiqued and authorized by an external source and fulfills particular criteria.
Seek a program that balances both theoretical and practical instruction. In it, you'll have the chance to explore the science of voice while also learning how to effectively teach it.
To make things more manageable, consider selecting a program offering online or distance learning so that you can fit it around your schedule.
Before you enroll in a voice teacher program, be sure to ask about the curriculum and instructor experience, as both are essential factors in acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary for success.

Choosing the Right Certification Program for Your Needs and Goals

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It's crucial to consider your teaching style, area of interest, and experience when selecting a certification program. Music teachers should investigate various programs to learn about the particular requirements, focus, and cost.


Whether you want to teach groups and choirs or private lessons, children or adults, in a classroom, through online lessons, or in your own private studio, you can likely find a program to suit your desired teaching style. Then you might want to consider if you want to specialize in a particular genre or vocal technique, like bel canto, extreme vocals and distortion, or contemporary singing and musical theatre.


Some programs may require you to only teach their specific technique, while others may expose you to a wider variety of vocal pedagogy. Therefore, when choosing a certification program, it's important to be clear on what and how you want to teach.


Do you have a particular interest in vocal science? There are voice teaching certifications that can help you explore the science of the voice and what we understand of it so far. 


Depending on your experience, you need to decide how much training you need. If you are just starting out, choosing a program that offers beginner classes may be beneficial. However, if you have some experience with singing and teaching already, you may want to choose a more advanced program. Some programs offer tiers of certifications, but those often require additional fees with each level. There are many different certification programs available, so be sure to research before making a final decision.


Additionally, reading reviews and student testimonies, speaking with current or former students, and attending informational sessions or webinars can all be used to research and compare various certification programs. Teachers of voice should seek out well-known and respected programs in the field.


John Henny, a world-renowned voice teacher, created the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy to offer an online self-study program with the option of on-going support and training that helps voice teachers become successful in their field and build their careers.


Coaches like him have immense knowledge in the field. John has acquired formal training, worked with a myriad of professional singers, and has a vast understanding of the voice. He is passionate about teaching, and so created a certification program tailored to aspiring vocal teachers' needs.

The Benefits of Completing a Voice Teacher Certification Program

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Voice teacher certification programs offer many benefits to both new and experienced educators. By completing a certification program, voice teachers can learn new techniques, gain knowledge about the latest research in the field of voice pedagogy, and build their professional networks.


These advantages can also result from completing a voice teacher certification program, including improved credibility, professional growth, access to resources, and networking opportunities. Certifications increase a voice teacher's ability to recruit more students and advance professionally.


Suppose you're considering a career in voice teaching. In that case, you may be wondering if completing a certification program is worth your time and effort. While there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, several benefits can come from completing a voice teacher certification program.


First, a certification program can give you a chance to learn from experienced voice teachers. You'll have the opportunity to observe their methods and learn about the various techniques they use. This can give you a solid foundation to build your teaching practice.


Second, a certification program can help you network with other voice teachers. This can be valuable for finding potential jobs and getting feedback and advice from your peers.


Third, a certification program can give you a chance to practice your teaching skills before working with real students. Many programs include student teaching opportunities, which can provide valuable experience. Ultimately, whether or not you choose to complete a voice teacher certification program is up to you. But if you're serious about becoming a voice teacher, it's definitely worth considering!

Get Started in the Right Direction

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We've covered various certification courses for voice teachers, what to look for when selecting a course, and the advantages of finishing it. We hope it has helped you better understand voice teacher certification programs and how to choose the right one for your needs. You should now know what criteria to look for in different certification programs, such as accreditation and course offerings, to make an informed decision when selecting the program that will best serve you. With the proper voice teacher certification program, you'll be ready to take your vocal training skills to a new level!