Judy Rodman - All Things Vocal Blog

Training & insights for stage and studio singers, speakers, vocal coaches and producers from professional vocal coach and author of "Power, Path & Performance" vocal training method. Download All Things Vocal podcast on your fav app!

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Is My Vocal Coach Wrong?



OK so it happens. Experts disagree. When it comes to vocal technique, how do you know if what you've been told is right?

First, here are three reasons voice experts may tell you different things:

  1. There is more than one way to help you do deal with that vocal issue.
  2. There is more than one way to explain the corrective technique, creating the perception that you are getting conflicting advice when you are not.
  3. One (or both) the 'experts' are wrong!

Here are two reasons the right vocal training might not work: 

  1. You are not understanding the technique being suggested, or you're not  applying it correctly. This can be a communication problem between you and the vocal coach; be sure to let the coach know you're not getting it so the teacher can try a different approach. Remember... the only dumb question is the one you don't ask!
  2. The goals of teacher and student may not be the same. For instance, classical and contemporary training will lead to different ends. Both of you should agree on vocal goals.
  3. You don't practice the new techniques! (mm hmm, you know who you are:)

Here are three signs you are getting the wrong, or unproductive, vocal training:

  1. The techniques suggested do not correct your vocal issues.
  2. The training does not help you sing the material you want to sing. (See my prior post about trusting a coach on this)
  3. The techniques cause your voice to feel strained. Don't mistake good vocal stretching for straining. Challenging your voice with good technique will improve your voice, straining can hurt it!

What to do if you think the vocal coach is wrong:

  1. Discuss it with him or her. A good teacher welcomes a student's feedback so the right approach/technique can be found. I know I have grown through the years as a vocal coach from the feedback of my students, and the resulting research I did. Vocal training is a team sport - your coach needs your input!
  2. If it doesn't help to discuss it, you must find another vocal coach. If you can't find a good one in your area, try Skype vocal lessons.

Bottom line: Correct vocal training will deliver these results:

  1. Your vocal ability will increase. It will be easier to sing. 
  2. Your voice will sound better. You'll start to get more positive feedback from listeners.
  3. Your vocal issues and limitations should diminish. 
  4. As long as you are using correct vocal technique, you should never strain your voice!
What about you? Have you ever run into conflicting vocal advice? What did you do about it?

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posted by Judy Rodman @ 7:00 PM  

11 Comments :

  • At June 30, 2014 at 7:50 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Thank you for sharing this, Judy! I've run into "conflicting advice" many times during my vocal career, both as a student and as a teacher. This is a great reminder for students to ask questions when things are unclear, or if they feel that a technique is not working. Likewise, teachers need to remember to ask their students to explain new techniques *back to them* -- I've found this to be a great way to test if communication is clear.

    As the old (and kind of awful) saying goes, "There's more than one way to skin a cat." As long as vocalists listen to their sound and pay attention to physical feedback, they'll find many ways to produce healthy, beautiful sounds.

     

  • At July 1, 2014 at 5:49 PM , Blogger Judy Rodman said...

    Sara.. so happy to see your comment here! Yes, I've found your tactic of asking students to explain something back. I've also asked them what THEY would tell themselves to be able to repeat a technique they just did correctly. AND... funny, I almost added that very phrase about the cat, haha! Thanks for adding your thoughts!

     

  • At September 8, 2014 at 6:16 PM , Blogger nadinenadine! said...

    Hey Judy!
    I'm not sure if this fits here... I just got told that my voice is too pretty/clean for singing 'true' country music. My voice is too much in tune, I am too 'trained', which sounds 'unreal/Fake'. At least that is what I got told. I don't understand that this person hires bad singers with no technique and then tells me, I am too good. It's a bit frustrating and does not make any sense. People keep telling me they get goosebumps when I sing, so it looks like my 'too clean' voice does reach them. Any ideas?
    Thank you!

     

  • At September 8, 2014 at 6:53 PM , Blogger Judy Rodman said...

    First of all, 'true country music' is in the ear of the beholder. Are they talking about bluegrass, traditionalists like Emmy Lou or Loretta, soft voices like Allison Krauss, hard hitters like Gretchen Wilson? Or the 'true country music' females that are winning ACM and CMA awards, which are as diverse as Carrie Underwood to the girls in "Little Big Town"? And then there's Kasey Musgraves. Hmm.

    Here's the thing, what matters is what you are communicating with your voice (not just 'I'm a great singer, didn't I hit that note dead on?!" . If you are communicating messages that reach the heart of the object of the lyric, you win. If however you've bought into the 'sing good' goal instead of the 'make somebody understand something at an emotional level', you might do well to have a short vocal lesson:) Questions to ask yourself include 'who are the people who are telling me they get goosebumps?' In fact, ask one of those people WHY they are getting goosebumps... are you in American Idol extreme singing mode and they are awed by your power or are you in artist mode and they are awed by your songs and the way you make them real?

    IN the end always remember... everybody's got an opinion. Always consider the source:) My very best wishes to you!

     

  • At October 10, 2014 at 4:34 AM , Anonymous Kim Franca said...

    Great concept and Very nice unique post. I really glad to found you. I recommend this page to my all friends. Thanks.

     

  • At October 10, 2014 at 8:12 AM , Blogger Judy Rodman said...

    Kim; are you the coach in Franklin, Tn? I'm honored to have you comment here! My very best to you... your site is wonderful, btw:)

     

  • At April 11, 2015 at 2:50 AM , Anonymous Sally said...

    Really great post Judy!

     

  • At April 11, 2015 at 8:28 AM , Blogger Judy Rodman said...

    Thank you... always good to hear from another vocal coach, Sally!

     

  • At May 16, 2016 at 6:14 AM , Anonymous Vocal Less Goals said...

    Very nice blog.. It is good to read these kind of blogs as one can decide what is wrong and what is perfect in his / her vocal coach as he is the only one he will guide aspiring singers to become good one and to achieve their vocal lesson goals.

     

  • At June 16, 2021 at 12:42 PM , Anonymous Music Lessons said...

    Although I landed here lately, the points you shared here are really very helpful and in need of sharing more and more. It can be used as a checklist for understanding possible progress of any learner If continued with the present instructor. Thank You

     

  • At June 16, 2021 at 1:17 PM , Blogger Judy Rodman said...

    Happy to help!

     

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