Teaching voice is a fascinating profession. Every student who walks through the door of my studio presents a unique challenge to both myself as a teacher and to them as a student.

Each student is a wonderful opportunity for growth. The ins and outs of basic vocal science do not change – but the approach does. While one student may flourish using an exercise focusing on relaxation of the larynx; another may thrive using visual techniques to accomplish the same result.

As a teacher who cannot physically see the instrument I am training, it is imperative I rely my other senses (hearing, sight, etc.), and more importantly, upon the student’s. For every new technique or exercise that is introduced, we discuss on what is going on in regards to their instrument.

Questions like, “What did you feel?” “What are you feeling now?” “What do you think we need to change?” are all little magnifying glass looks into the workings of their particular instrument. Each student must learn to listen and pay attention to not only their vocal area, but to their entire bodies.

Singing is extremely underrated, because it seems at the outset to be easy. It is however, immensely difficult to do properly and without injury. I often ask my students if they play, or have played, any sports. This instantly ties a correlation to singing because of its physical nature. We all know that athletes have to train to become stronger and to not get hurt. It is the same with our voice. The tiny instrument is designed to tolerate a huge amount of abuse, but it is not above injury. It must be trained and conditioned. It must be felt.

Listen to your voice. Listen to your body. Listen to the tiny inner-workings of your muscles, your breathing, your nerves.

Listen and learn.