How do you use music in coaching sessions?

1 Choose appropriate songs

The first step to using music in coaching sessions is to choose songs that suit your voice, style, and level. You want to pick songs that challenge you but not overwhelm you, that showcase your strengths but also expose your weaknesses, and that reflect your personality and preferences. You can use songs from different genres, eras, and languages, as long as they are relevant and engaging for you. You can also ask your coach for recommendations or suggestions based on your vocal needs and interests.

2 Use music as a warm-up

Before you start singing, you need to warm up your voice and body. Music can help you do that in a fun and effective way. You can use music as a background for your vocal exercises, such as scales, arpeggios, intervals, and vowels. You can also use music to practice breathing, posture, and relaxation techniques. You can choose music that matches your mood, energy, and tempo, or that contrasts with them to create variety and challenge. You can also use music to sing along with, either with the lyrics or with vocalizations, such as humming, la-la-la, or do-re-mi.

3 Use music as a feedback

One of the benefits of using music in coaching sessions is that it can provide you with instant and objective feedback on your performance. You can use music to compare your pitch, tone, rhythm, and expression with the original or a reference version of the song. You can also use music to record yourself and listen back to your singing. You can use music to identify your strengths and weaknesses, to monitor your progress, and to celebrate your achievements. You can also use music to ask for feedback from your coach, your peers, or your audience.

4 Use music as a learning tool

Another advantage of using music in coaching sessions is that it can help you learn new skills and techniques. You can use music to explore different aspects of vocal production, such as resonance, articulation, dynamics, and phrasing. You can also use music to experiment with different styles, genres, and emotions. You can use music to practice singing in different languages, accents, and registers. You can also use music to learn from other singers, by imitating, analyzing, or adapting their vocal choices.

5 Use music as a creative outlet

Music is not only a technical skill, but also a creative expression. You can use music in coaching sessions to unleash your creativity and personality. You can use music to improvise, compose, or arrange your own songs. You can also use music to modify, personalize, or reinterpret existing songs. You can use music to express your feelings, thoughts, and stories. You can also use music to collaborate, communicate, and connect with others.

6 Use music as a motivation

Finally, music is a source of motivation and enjoyment for vocal coaching. You can use music in coaching sessions to keep yourself motivated and inspired. You can use music to set goals, to reward yourself, and to challenge yourself. You can also use music to have fun, to relax, and to enjoy yourself. You can use music to sing for yourself, for your coach, or for others. You can also use music to appreciate, celebrate, and share your vocal journey.

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?