Nope. That’s not me in the picture! I’ve never been blond!

Let’s be honest—finding the right voice teacher can feel like finding the perfect pair of shoes for a red carpet performance. They need to fit you, support you, and help you walk with confidence. So how do you know if you’re with the right one?

🎯 It Starts With Diagnosis and Real Tools

A great teacher doesn’t just tell you what’s wrong—they help you understand how to fix it.

Let’s say you’re bringing too much weight into your passaggio or you’ve got some tongue tension going on (yup, it happens!). A savvy teacher can spot that in a heartbeat. But more importantly, they don’t just say, “Don’t do that.” 🙄 No, no. They give you real, clear tools to address the issue in a way that actually clicks for you.

Now, here’s the truth: not every explanation works for every student. I’d say 85–90% of my students get what I’m saying the first time. But that other 10–15%? I’ve got to dig deeper and explain things differently—sometimes in three or four new ways. A good teacher will meet you where you are and keep trying until the lightbulb goes off.

🚩 Red Flag Alert: The Over-Demonstrator

Now let’s talk about the “demonstrators.” If your teacher is always showing you how to sing something, that’s fine if you’re in the same vocal category. But if your teacher is, say, a lyric soprano and you’re a dramatic mezzo? Their demonstrations might not actually help you find your sound.

A demonstration should be a teaching aid—not the entire lesson. A truly excellent teacher will always pair any demo with a clear, verbal explanation you can apply to your own instrument.

✨ Are You Seeing Progress?

Progress doesn’t always look like vocal fireworks. Sometimes it’s subtle. But you should be able to feel that something is moving in the right direction—even if slowly. If week after week you’re walking out of lessons feeling defeated, and your practice sessions are full of frustration? It might be time for a real conversation. Or even a new direction.

But also… you have a role here too.

👊 Own Your Progress

This is a partnership, not a one-way street. If you’re not getting what you need, speak up. Ask for clarity. If something’s not making sense, it’s okay to say, “Can you explain that in another way?”

Set your goals. Share your dreams. And expect your teacher to meet you with honesty—and tools to help you get there.

❌ What’s Never Okay

Let’s get this straight: a voice lesson should NEVER leave you feeling small, broken, or worthless.

Yes, your teacher might challenge you. They might push you with high expectations (and that’s a good thing!). But if they’re belittling you, calling you names, throwing things, or using shame as a teaching tactic—it’s time to walk away.

You should leave a lesson feeling empowered and excited to apply what you learned. Period.

👩‍🏫 Professionalism Is a Must

Your teacher should be respectful, communicative, and consistent. If they’re constantly canceling, not replying to messages, or mixing up the professional with the personal in uncomfortable ways, that’s a problem.

Having a social relationship is one thing. But if they’re telling you to dump your partner, cut ties with your family, or get therapy from them? That’s way out of bounds. Get a coach, get a therapist—but your voice teacher? They’re there to help you SING.

💸 And Please—Don’t Equate Price with Quality

The most expensive teacher is not always the best teacher. Period.

Final Thoughts…

Your voice is sacred. And your journey as a singer is too important to hand over to someone who doesn’t support, challenge, and empower you in equal measure.

So ask yourself:
🎤 Do I feel seen and heard in my lessons?
🎤 Do I understand what I’m working on and why?
🎤 Am I growing—even if it’s a little at a time?

If the answer is yes—AMAZING. You’re on the right path.
If not? Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. The right mentor is out there, and they’ll be just as invested in your success as you are.

Ready to take control of your vocal journey?

Check out Singer Savvy Academy and discover the courses, tools, and community designed to transform singers into savvy, confident artists and entrepreneurs. 🎶💼

Let’s keep lifting each other up. You’ve got this. 💜