How can you balance your vocal coaching goals with your singers' preferences and expectations?

1 Know your singers

Before you start coaching, it's important to get to know your singers as individuals. What are their musical backgrounds, influences, and aspirations? What are their strengths and weaknesses as vocalists? What are their learning styles and preferences? How do they respond to feedback and criticism? By understanding your singers' personalities, motivations, and goals, you can tailor your coaching approach to suit their needs and interests.

2 Communicate your goals

As a vocal coach, you have your own goals and standards for your singers. You want them to improve their vocal health, technique, and expression. You want them to achieve their full potential and enjoy singing. But you also need to communicate these goals clearly and respectfully to your singers. Explain why you have chosen certain exercises, songs, or methods. Share your expectations and criteria for progress and success. Listen to your singers' questions, concerns, and feedback. By communicating your goals, you can establish a common vision and direction for your coaching.

3 Respect your singers' goals

While you have your own goals as a coach, you also need to respect your singers' goals as artists. Your singers may have different reasons for singing, different styles and genres they want to explore, and different levels of commitment and ambition. You need to acknowledge and support their goals, even if they don't align with yours. Don't impose your own preferences or opinions on your singers. Don't discourage or judge them for their choices. Instead, help them find their own voice and expression.

4 Collaborate with your singers

One way to balance your goals with your singers' goals is to collaborate with them. Instead of dictating what they should do, involve them in the decision-making process. Ask them what they want to learn, practice, or perform. Give them options and suggestions, but let them have the final say. Encourage them to share their ideas, opinions, and feedback. Work together to set realistic and achievable goals and action plans. By collaborating with your singers, you can create a more engaging and empowering coaching experience.

5 Adapt to your singers' needs

Another way to balance your goals with your singers' goals is to adapt to their needs. As a vocal coach, you need to be flexible and responsive to the changing situations and challenges that your singers face. You need to monitor their progress and adjust your coaching accordingly. You need to recognize when they need more guidance, support, or challenge, and when they need more autonomy, freedom, or creativity. You need to be sensitive to their moods, emotions, and energy levels. By adapting to your singers' needs, you can provide them with the best possible coaching.

6 Celebrate your singers' achievements

Finally, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a vocal coach is to celebrate your singers' achievements. Whether it's mastering a new skill, overcoming a challenge, or performing a song, you need to acknowledge and appreciate your singers' efforts and results. Give them positive and constructive feedback, praise, and recognition. Celebrate their successes and milestones, big and small. Show them how proud and happy you are of their growth and development. By celebrating your singers' achievements, you can strengthen your relationship and motivate them to keep improving.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?