VOCALS
WHAT YOUR VOCAL COACH WISHES YOU KNEW | Sheri Gould
Last month we explored whether or not you [Sheri] What should a student do if they are [Sheri] You don’t take cancellations for any
might be a good candidate for taking voice sick? reason?
[Coach] They should cancel. There are many [Coach] If there is a true emergency I will
lessons. If you are, please check out this article
first. It will help you be a better student!
reasons for this. Obviously, it’s unfair to me if credit them a lesson in the following month. No
[Sheri Gould] What should a student expect you bring sickness into my studio (which is in refunds. No rescheduling. I have limited time
at their first lesson? my home). But it is not healthy for you to sing and many prospective students. I started out
when you are ill, especially if it is settled in your my career being nicer, but found that “friends”
[Vocal Coach] When I first take on a student, throat. I am very limited as to what I can do were the ones who seemed to show the least
I do a bit of an interview. I like to find out what for you. I know you don’t want to miss your amount of respect for my time. So I needed
their goals are so I can best serve them. Many lesson, but it will be a better use of your time to get firmer. Please be respectful of your
voice students come to me without having truly and money to wait until you are feeling well. teacher’s time. Arrive on time. Leave on time.
Don’t cancel. For sure don’t cancel last minute.
thought through what their goals are. Often I
have to help them with this. Then, I typically do [Sheri] What are some tips for students to get If you are late, don’t ask me to make the time
a range check and begin to assess their voice the most out of their lesson time? up to you. I likely have a student (or some other
plans) immediately following your lesson.
as I do so. Often a student will come prepared
with a song to sing for me so I can get an idea [Coach] If you have not had the chance to
of where we are starting, so I can best pan on practice, our lesson will likely be a repeat of
how to get where my student wants to go. last week’s lesson. Without committing time
[Sheri] Any tips for people with kids?
to practice you will not improve and you’ll [Coach] Honestly, yes. Please don’t bring
[Sheri] Do you ever feel there are unrealistic likely get frustrated. If a student does not have your children to your lesson. Any unattended
goals? time carved out in their schedule to practice, children will be given an espresso and a puppy.
perhaps they should not take lessons at Having your child with you is a distraction for
[Coach] The one question I often get from this time. Better to wait until they have more both of us. Conversely, if it is your child who
singers is, “Do I have what it takes to make it, or available time. Lessons are an investment: time has the lesson, please don’t stay in the room
am I wasting my time?” This is a tricky question. and money. If you don’t have one or the other, during the lesson (unless you are absolutely
There are obviously two aspects to this: What this might not be the right time to start. certain your child prefers this). I can usually
make much better progress with a student
you are given, and what you choose to do with
it. I can’t answer the second question, which is [Sheri] How do you handle payment and when there is not an audience. Often kids are
actually the biggest factor. If someone is willing scheduling? intimidated by their parent’s expectations and
this pressure does not help them to perform
to work hard, there is no end to what they can
achieve.
[Coach] I am strict with both. I book lessons
their best.
a month at a time. You schedule your time with
[Sheri] How can a student best prepare for me each week and purchase it at the beginning
their first lesson? of the month. You are free to do whatever
you want with the time you’ve purchased
[Coach] Know what you want to accomplish with me. If you choose to schedule a doctor’s
and be able to articulate it. Warm up before appointment, tea with a friend, or an afternoon
every lesson, if you can. That will help us get nap during our time together, that is your
farther more quickly. Bring a recording device choice. I will be where I committed to be: in my
and a way to take notes. Bring payment, and studio, with or without you.
be on time!
58
November 2018
Sheri Gould
An internationally acclaimed vocal coach. She’s
been helping artists and worshipers find their voice
for over 40 years. If you have any questions or need
resources don’t hesitate to ask.
www.SheriGould.com
WorshipMusician.com