How can you collaborate with other professionals to develop your clients' voices?

1 Working with other vocal coaches

In the case of a client who wants to learn a style, genre, or technique of singing that is outside your expertise or comfort zone, or who needs a fresh perspective or approach to overcome a plateau or bad habit, you may consider referring them to another vocal coach. To collaborate effectively with other vocal coaches, it's important to communicate clearly and respectfully about the goals, expectations, and feedback of the collaboration. Additionally, it's important to establish boundaries and roles to avoid confusion or conflict. For example, one coach may focus on one aspect of the voice while the other works on another. Furthermore, it can be beneficial to share your knowledge and experience with the other coach and learn from theirs; you may discover new techniques, exercises, or resources that can benefit your own practice and your client's progress.

2 Working with voice therapists

Voice therapists are health professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating voice disorders, such as vocal nodules, polyps, cysts, or paralysis. If you suspect that your client has a voice disorder, or if they complain of persistent pain, hoarseness, or loss of range, you should refer them to a voice therapist as soon as possible. To collaborate effectively with voice therapists and help your client recover from vocal injuries, prevent further damage, and restore their vocal function and quality, you should follow the therapist's recommendations and instructions for vocal care and rehabilitation. This may include modifying or limiting your client's vocal activities, exercises, or repertoire. Furthermore, you should coordinate with the voice therapist on the frequency, duration, and intensity of your sessions. You may need to reduce or pause your coaching until your client's voice heals or improves. Additionally, it is important to support your client emotionally and mentally during their recovery process. You may need to reassure them, encourage them, or help them cope with frustration or anxiety.

3 Working with speech-language pathologists

Speech-language pathologists are health professionals who evaluate and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. If you notice your client has difficulty with speech production or communication, or if they express a desire to change or enhance their speech, you should refer them to a speech-language pathologist. To collaborate effectively with speech-language pathologists, you need to understand the nature and cause of your client's speech disorder or goal. This may require learning about the anatomy, physiology, or pathology of the speech system, or the phonetic, linguistic, or sociocultural aspects of speech variation. Additionally, you should adapt your coaching methods and materials to suit your client's speech needs and abilities. This could include using different vocal exercises, warm-ups, drills, or songs that target specific speech sounds, patterns, or features. Lastly, you should reinforce and supplement the speech-language pathologist's treatment and strategies by practicing or reviewing the skills, techniques, or exercises that your client learns from them.

4 Working with music producers

Music producers are creative professionals who oversee and manage the recording, mixing, and mastering of music. They can help your clients achieve their artistic vision, enhance their musical expression, and optimize their vocal performance. If you have a client who wants to record their voice professionally or is involved in a musical project that requires a music producer, you should refer them to one. To collaborate effectively with music producers, you should prepare your client for the recording session by helping them choose, arrange, or rehearse their songs, practice their vocal techniques, or warm up their voice. Additionally, you should respect the music producer's expertise and authority by deferring to their decisions, suggestions, or preferences regarding the sound, style, or quality of the recording. Furthermore, it is important to communicate and cooperate with the music producer by exchanging information, opinions, or ideas with them, supporting their work, or assisting them with technical or logistical issues.

5 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?