Vocal Coach Job Description, Skills and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a vocal coach. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a vocal coach.
Who is a Vocal Coach?
The human voice is unique as an instrument. It is unique in that it can be altered by the singer’s posture, breathing, and even food. Vocal coaches are here to help. These vocal coaches combine technical expertise with real-world experience to help singers improve their raw performance, vocal technique, longevity, and vocal endurance.
Vocal coaches can help clients create warm-up routines and use exercises to improve breathing. They may also work with clients on articulation, projection, and other advanced vocal techniques. After gaining extensive experience as a performer, most vocal coaches start teaching. While some continue to perform, others teach in their home studios or online. Others leave the stage and take up full-time teaching positions at educational institutions. Others may work as a vocal coach for a celebrity performer, consult on television in Los Angeles or New York City, or even travel to teach singing lessons. Vocal coaches may also consult, write books, create apps for singers, or create their resources
A vocal coach is different from a speech pathologist who works with people with speech impairments or other speech problems. A vocal coach will not teach someone who has speech difficulties but just wants to improve what they have.
Vocal coaches often work with people who are interested in a career in communication but need to improve their articulation or diction. The coach will provide exercises and other practice that can improve the client’s ability to speak clearly and eliminate any accents. For example, people who are interested in working as news media reporters don’t usually have an accent. Because a non-accented voice appeals to the largest audience, this is why it is so popular in news media.
An individual may be mentored by a voice coach to improve their voice. This can have benefits for speaking and singing. Weekly voice lessons may be offered to singers to help them improve their voice, pitch, learn songs and scales, and practice other vocal exercises. A vocal coach may be available to help actors project their voices to reach large audiences or develop an authentic accent for roles in plays.
Lessons will be charged by a vocal coach, which must be paid in advance. Many vocal coaches offer lessons on guitar or piano, as well as other instruments. Vocal coaching is available to all ages. Parents may recommend voice lessons for their children if they have potential singing abilities.
Vocal Coach Job Description
Below are the vocal coach job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a vocal coach job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
- Structuring individual lessons and showing up on time to sessions with clients
- Guiding clients through vocal exercises and techniques using a variety of techniques.
- Teaching clients a variety of warm-up exercises
- Preparing clients to compete in concerts or other competitions.
- Assisting students on how to best preserve their voices.
- Participating in workshops and events to improve vocal training skills.
- Establishing long-lasting, professional relationships with clients
- Staying on top of music industry trends.
- Engaging in vocal assessments of clients
- Communicating with clients to understand their vocal training needs
- Developing and providing lesson plans for clients
- Engaging in one-on-one training with the clients whenever they need it
- Teaching vocal exercises and techniques to clients
- Training clients to take part in different competitions and concerts.
- Teaching clients some tips for preserving your voice and warming up.
- Participating in and networking at various events or conferences
- Establishing and maintaining lasting relationships with clients
- Providing musical accompaniment during rehearsals
Vocal coaches can help singers of all abilities. It is possible to help someone just starting or working with someone who has been in the business for many years. Your job is to improve their singing and keep them safe.
An evaluation begins by watching clients sing, taking notes about their strengths and weaknesses, and assessing their vocal range. Then you discuss their goals and what music they enjoy. An opera singer client will have different exercises from someone who is just trying to start a high school choir.
There are different sessions for each client. A client may come once a week, while another might only visit once a month. It all depends on their goals and how they can communicate them. To help them improve their voice, you give them homework assignments and make sure they practice even when they aren’t with you.
You are a coach and you must keep your clients safe. You don’t just check on your knees or ankles. Instead, you pay attention to the person’s throat and voice. They learn how to keep their voice healthy and from straining. You help them to get well and restart their training when they are suffering from laryngitis.
Qualifications
- Must have a degree in music or something similar.
- Ability to sing, write songs, or perform on stage.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and teaching skills.
- Ability to motivate students when needed.
- Excellent time management and attention to detail.
- High professionalism and a personable approach.
- Must be driven and disciplined
Essential Skills
These tips can help you become a better vocal coach if you’re considering a career in singing.
- Listening Skills
A vocal coach must have good ears. This means that a vocal coach must be able to assess, diagnose and treat the tendencies and habits of clients. A vocal coach must be able to identify what is lacking and what needs to be done. Before one can recommend exercises or modifications, one must first diagnose accurately.
- Knowledge of different tools for clients’ success
Tools and exercises must be tailored to the needs of the client. You have never been to a vocal coach who did the same exercises for every client. You can’t improve all voices with the same exercises. It is important to be able to bring a voice into balance and function with the appropriate exercises.
- Understanding of the voice passage
A good vocal coach can understand the passages of the voice and help clients to navigate them. It is important to be aware of the natural differences between an alto or a soprano in order not to harm or hinder a voice’s potential.
- Ability to play the piano
An excellent singing vocal coach does not have to be an exceptional accompanist. However, they should “have” the ability to play at least the most important scales in every key. They must be able to focus on the client without having to glance at their hands.
- Be a people person
It is essential to be able and comfortable with people. Great vocal coaches can see the needs of clients and adapt their teaching to them. They will also take note of any emotional issues that might arise and determine the best approach for them. Good vocal coaches will help students understand the importance of the process and how it will benefit them.
- Ability to deliver results without the use of words
Sometimes a good vocal coach can help a singer reach the correct function without saying a word. Instead, they use the right exercises to get them there. They don’t use descriptive phrases such as “place the sound here or elsewhere”. They might ask the client to check in once they have them in the correct function. This is because everyone may experience different sensations.
Although it can be difficult to master these skills, with enough experience, dedication, and study, it is possible.
How to Become a Vocal Coach
- Your music talent should be developed
Find vocal coaches in your local area by doing research. Call them or visit their websites to learn more about the services they offer. Ask to meet them and, if possible, ask them to assess your voice to find the best class for you. For best results, take lessons weekly or as suggested by your vocal coach.
For professional results, you might also consider professional opera or vocal training at liberal arts or performing school. Lessons can cost as high as $30 per 30-minute session. Vocal training is often a prerequisite for professional singing.
A college degree in music is a good choice. It should be from a school that offers vocal work and teaching. Music theory and its application to sounds are what you will learn. You can learn how to read notes in class or online. Go to music concerts to learn how to hear harmony, tone, and other important aspects of music. You can also learn how to sing in various vocal styles and voices.
- Learn to be a vocal coach
You can decide if you want certification as a teacher, private instructor, or commercial vocal coach. Decide if you would like to work in a studio or for a record company. This will allow you to decide on the course of your study and how much training is required. Although there is no formal training to be a vocal coach or singer, some professionals spend up to 10 years honing their skills.
Look online for “vocal coaching services” and you will find at least five training programs for potential vocal coaches. Compare the different courses and costs to find the best one for you. You have the option to obtain a certificate, take a diploma- or degree-based course, or study pedagogy and speech. Budget for at least a year of classes. You might need to borrow money or pay out-of-pocket to finance your training.
Your instructor should confirm that the classes offer personalized vocal training. They will also help you to meet your students’ needs. Vocal training programs should help you learn proper vocal technique, psychology, and vocal science.
Create a cover letter and resume that include all of your training and certifications as a vocal coach. Create a logo and a catchphrase for your services. A website should showcase your skills as a vocal coach. To promote yourself, invest in business cards and other marketing materials like flyers or ads.
- Finding a job as a vocal coach
Look online for opportunities to work as a vocal coach, whether you are looking for part-time, internships, or temporary employment. Find out when your local vocal coach offers classes.
Call or email them to request to shadow or teach their classes. Do some research on local recording and dance studios and take a look at their facilities. Ask the studio director or head for information and express interest in working with them.
Tell your family and friends you are a vocal coach. Ask them to spread the word. You can market yourself online as a vocal coach, using your website and social media. You can build your audience by creating a blog and vlog to answer questions about vocal coaching. To gain recognition from your peers, you can attend networking events and meet other professionals in the industry.
Ask around to find out what the prices are for vocal coaches in your region. You may find that some coaches charge the same or slightly more depending on your level of experience. Some coaches charge $30 per hour, while others charge $50.
Answer as many questions and phone calls about vocal coaching as possible. Share your experiences and expectations with students. You might not find the best teaching style for every student.
- Offer vocal training
Find a place to hold your lessons. For celebrity, independent or commercial vocal coaches, a recording studio is preferable. You should have all the necessary sound equipment, such as a microphone, keyboard, and speakers, on hand for your students. Your space should be welcoming, clean, and bright.
Ask potential students about their dreams of becoming a singer. Learn about their career goals. Listen to what they need and how you can help them improve their voice. Ask them about their singing experience and any previous vocal training. Make a profile of the student to show their goal and how you will help them achieve it. To learn their voice, hold a formal audition or on-the-spot audition.
Your students should sing for you in both their head and chest voices. Vocal warm-up exercises can be used to help them. Help them find their notes if they have trouble singing loudly or in the right key, don’t judge or criticize their sound.
You must be available on time to teach lessons online and in person. Students will appreciate your professionalism and they will be willing to make friends with you. As students progress through lessons, address any concerns that students or their parents might have. Establish a strong relationship with your students so they will continue to attend your classes and help you run your business.
Where to Work
There are many ways to make a career out of being a vocal coach. While some work full-time in conservatories, others can take on freelance gigs while performing and touring.
Vocal Coach Salary Scale
The salary range for vocal coaches in the United States is $44,928 to $67,392 with a median of $56,160.