As a vocal coach, you want to help your new student achieve their singing goals and enjoy the process. But what if they're struggling with confidence, technique, or motivation? How can you help them break through their barriers and unlock their potential? Here are some tips to make your coaching sessions more effective and rewarding.
The first step is to understand what your student is facing and why. Ask them about their musical background, goals, preferences, and fears. Listen attentively and empathize with their feelings. You may discover that they have some misconceptions, unrealistic expectations, or negative self-talk that are holding them back. You can also assess their vocal skills and identify their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you tailor your coaching plan to their needs and interests.
The second step is to establish a rapport and a safe space with your student. You want them to feel comfortable and supported by you, not judged or pressured. Show them that you care about their progress and well-being, and that you respect their opinions and choices. Praise their efforts and achievements, and give them constructive feedback and encouragement. You can also share your own experiences and challenges as a singer, and how you overcame them. This will help them relate to you and trust your guidance.
The third step is to help your student stretch their abilities and overcome their fears. You want them to experience growth and satisfaction, not frustration and boredom. Set realistic and specific goals for each session, and monitor their performance and improvement. Introduce them to new techniques, exercises, genres, and songs that suit their level and style. Challenge them to try new things and experiment with their voice, but also respect their limits and preferences. This will help them expand their repertoire and confidence.
The fourth step is to help your student discover and express their passion for singing. You want them to enjoy the journey and the destination, not just the results. Remind them of their reasons and motivations for singing, and how it makes them feel. Help them find their own voice and style, and encourage them to sing with emotion and authenticity. Expose them to different sources of inspiration, such as other singers, music, stories, and art. This will help them cultivate their creativity and enthusiasm.
The fifth step is to help your student become more independent and self-reliant. You want them to take charge of their own learning and development, not depend on you for everything. Teach them how to practice effectively and efficiently, and how to evaluate their own progress and feedback. Provide them with resources and tools that they can use on their own, such as recordings, books, apps, and videos. Encourage them to seek out other opportunities and challenges, such as performing, collaborating, or joining a choir. This will help them grow as singers and learners.
The sixth step is to help your student acknowledge and appreciate their success and improvement. You want them to feel proud and happy about their achievements, not dismissive or dissatisfied. Review their goals and milestones, and highlight their positive changes and outcomes. Celebrate their wins, big and small, and reward their efforts and perseverance. Share their success with others, such as family, friends, or peers, and invite them to do the same. This will help them boost their self-esteem and motivation.
Si hay algo que me encanta es trabajar en la confianza de un cliente que busca hablar en público en libertad y seguro de su voz interna y externa. ?Por qué? Porque soy un vivo ejemplo de que las barreras mentales, físicas, económicas y todas las que vayan apareciendo se levantan abriéndote paso cuando tu propósito va por delante. La voz es un instrumento de valor que todos poseemos. Nació con un fin y deber ser expresado, no porque yo pude, sino porque cada uno tiene el derecho de comunicar a viva voz. En mis sesiones de mentoría, me enfoco en fortalecer la confianza en las habilidades de mis clientes, sin dejar de lado el entrenamiento oral. Es un combo que recompensa con libertad y pasión al hablar en público.
All of the above is vital with every student. A student's struggle is just something they have not conquered yet! When your student is struggling with a specific area, take the time to prepare for their specific need. It may involve an out-of-the-box approach that develops their challenge. It may take stepping away from a lesson plan in order to break things down and develop it one step at a time. The key is good preparation with your student in mind.