Emily C.: DYV, Ch. 21

Discover Your Voice: Chapter 21

Emily Cottam

Chapter Summary: Teachers should always be aware of how what they say can be misinterpreted. Each student is unique and learns in a different way. Don’t expect the same sound to come out of every student. “If you do not know the potential and the limits of the human voice, how can you tell how much or how little to expect from a student?” Teachers need to be well trained and have a sensitive ear--much of what is happening while singing cannot be seen, but heard. Oren Brown states that “the ideal for healthy, efficient phonation might be represented by 51% airflow and 49% glottal resistance.” The voice needs time to grow and develop; it’s just another muscle that needs strengthening and conditioning. Know the singing history of your student (past teachers, vocal problems, habits, etc.), their goals for the future in singing, and what sort of environment they live in. Try several types of music with them, and become familiar with their speech habits. Become aware of their practicing habits, and advise your students to rely on sensation, not sound, use mirrors/recording devices, and be a teacher to themselves when the teacher isn’t around. Group lessons are a great way to have students learn from each other, and they’re more economical. For those with vocal problems, frequent and short lessons may be better than one long lesson per week. Good teachers love what they do--they empathize with their students, genuinely care for them, and love helping others reach their higher potential. 

Key Concepts: Teachers of singing need to resourceful, inventive, flexible, knowledgeable, communicative, and have a genuine love for what they do. 

Making Connections: From my limited amount of experience with music teachers, I can honestly say that whether or not a teacher loves what they do has a measurable effect on how well their students progress and learn. If they are truly passionate about what they do, they are willing to try new approaches with a student that is struggling, and they more freely empathize and create genuine relationships with their students.