How do you coach singers with disabilities?

1 Understand their needs

The first step to coaching singers with disabilities is to understand their specific needs, challenges, and goals. Every disability is different, and every singer is unique. Some singers may have physical impairments that affect their breathing, posture, or vocal cords. Others may have sensory impairments that affect their hearing, pitch, or tone. And some may have cognitive or mental impairments that affect their memory, attention, or emotions. As a vocal coach, you need to communicate with your singers, ask them questions, listen to their feedback, and adapt your methods accordingly.

2 Use adaptive tools

The second step to coaching singers with disabilities is to use adaptive tools that can help them overcome some of the barriers they face. For example, if your singer has a hearing impairment, you can use a microphone, a speaker, a hearing aid, or a visual tuner to amplify or display the sound. If your singer has a mobility impairment, you can use a wheelchair, a cushion, a stand, or a strap to support their posture or movement. And if your singer has a cognitive or mental impairment, you can use a notebook, a recorder, a timer, or a reward system to help them remember, focus, or motivate themselves.

3 Be flexible and creative

The third step to coaching singers with disabilities is to be flexible and creative in your approach. You may need to modify your exercises, techniques, or repertoire to suit your singer's abilities and preferences. For example, you may need to simplify your instructions, use visual cues, or repeat things more often. You may also need to adjust your expectations, goals, or feedback to be realistic and positive. And you may need to experiment with different genres, styles, or songs to find what works best for your singer.

4 Celebrate their strengths

The fourth step to coaching singers with disabilities is to celebrate their strengths and achievements. Singing can be a source of confidence, empowerment, and happiness for your singers, especially if they face challenges in other areas of their lives. As a vocal coach, you can help them recognize and appreciate their talents, progress, and potential. You can also encourage them to share their voice with others, whether it's in a performance, a recording, or a social media post. And you can also connect them with other singers with disabilities, who can inspire them and support them.

5 Keep learning and improving

The fifth step to coaching singers with disabilities is to keep learning and improving yourself as a vocal coach. You may not have all the answers or solutions for every situation, but you can always seek more information, resources, or training. You can also learn from your singers, who can teach you about their experiences, perspectives, and preferences. And you can also learn from other vocal coaches, who can share their tips, strategies, or stories. By being open-minded, curious, and humble, you can become a better vocal coach for singers with disabilities.

6 Enjoy the journey

The sixth and final step to coaching singers with disabilities is to enjoy the journey. Singing is a wonderful way to express yourself, connect with others, and have fun. And coaching singers with disabilities is a rewarding and fulfilling experience, that can enrich your life and theirs. You can witness their growth, development, and transformation, as well as your own. You can also share your passion, knowledge, and skills, as well as your challenges, frustrations, and successes. And you can also create a lasting bond, friendship, and impact, that goes beyond singing.

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?