How do you assess the progress and goals of your vocal students?

1 Set clear and realistic goals

The first step in assessing your vocal students is to set clear and realistic goals with them. Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, a goal could be to sing a certain song in a certain key, or to improve vocal range, tone, or pitch accuracy. Goals should also be aligned with the student's interests, motivations, and aspirations. By setting goals, you can create a roadmap for your coaching and track the student's achievements.

2 Use feedback and recording tools

The second step in assessing your vocal students is to use feedback and recording tools to monitor their performance and improvement. Feedback can be verbal, written, or visual, and it should be constructive, honest, and supportive. You can use feedback to praise the student's strengths, point out the areas of improvement, and suggest strategies to overcome challenges. Recording tools can be a microphone, a camera, or a software that can capture the student's voice and show them how they sound and look. You can use recording tools to help the student hear and see their progress, identify mistakes, and compare their performance over time.

3 Conduct regular evaluations

The third step in assessing your vocal students is to conduct regular evaluations to measure their progress and adjust their goals. Evaluations can be formal or informal, and they can be based on criteria such as vocal technique, musical expression, style, and presentation. You can use evaluations to grade the student's performance, provide feedback, and celebrate their achievements. You can also use evaluations to review the student's goals, check if they are still relevant and realistic, and modify them if needed.

4 Use vocal exercises and tests

The fourth step in assessing your vocal students is to use vocal exercises and tests to challenge and improve their skills. Vocal exercises and tests can be warm-ups, scales, arpeggios, intervals, sight-reading, ear training, or singing songs. You can use vocal exercises and tests to assess the student's vocal range, tone, pitch, breath control, resonance, articulation, and expression. You can also use vocal exercises and tests to introduce new concepts, techniques, and genres, and to reinforce the student's learning.

5 Encourage self-assessment and reflection

The fifth step in assessing your vocal students is to encourage self-assessment and reflection. Self-assessment and reflection can help the student develop their own voice, confidence, and creativity. You can encourage self-assessment and reflection by asking the student to rate their performance, identify their strengths and weaknesses, set their own goals, and plan their own practice. You can also encourage self-assessment and reflection by providing the student with resources, such as books, videos, podcasts, or online courses, that can inspire them and expand their knowledge.

6 Communicate and collaborate

The sixth and final step in assessing your vocal students is to communicate and collaborate with them. Communication and collaboration can help you build a rapport with your students, understand their needs and preferences, and adapt your coaching accordingly. You can communicate and collaborate with your students by listening to their feedback, questions, and concerns, by sharing your expertise, experience, and enthusiasm, and by creating a supportive and fun learning environment. You can also communicate and collaborate with your students by involving them in decision-making, by giving them choices and options, and by creating opportunities for peer learning and interaction.

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?