Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 11/22/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hello!  My name is Kelly and I'm 13, turning 14 in a little over a month.  I have been interested in singing since 5th grade and have really started wanted to persue it since 7th grade when I took a chorus class at my school.  I have been in 3 plays (A series of skits entitled "Fairy Tales Go to Court," "Roger's and Hammerstein's Cinderella," and "Our Town.")  This year, my middle school is producing "Little Shop of Horrors" and I was cast as Ronette.  Two of the strongest singers in the production have vocal coaching weekly, and I really want to do that to develope my singing to it's greatest potential, but I am afraid that it is too expensive.  My parents won't want to pay an extreme amount of money.  Currently, my chorus class only consists of 8 people (it's a special class), and even though I've learned a lot so far, I don't think I'm getting enough of the one-on-one time that I'll need (classes are only 45 minutes).  Any advice on vocal coaches or coaching...and how much does it normally cost?

ANSWER: Hi Kelly.  Thanks for writing.  It's good to hear from you.  This is a good question.

The cost of vocal coaching varies from coach to coach as it does from city to city.  So the best advice I can give you is ask the strongest singers in the production who have vocal coaching what the cost of their vocal coaching is.  If they don't know, ask them who their vocal coach is.  Also try to find out why these singers like these coaches to see which one attracts you.

Then try to make an appointment with that coach either by visit or phone to get more information.

When you speak with the coach, ask them about the investment for the coaching.  Ask them also what the benefits are of coaching.  Try to find at least 4 benefits from the coach about taking the lessons.

Also when you are talking with the coach, try to find out if they have packages - as in if you would be able to take a few lessons now and a few lessons later.  Sometimes coaches will have that option available.  This way the investment is not as heavy.  

Then talk with your parents.  Talk with them about it from the perspective that this is an investment.  Don't tell them what the investment is first hand.  Talk about the benefits first.  Then say that it is only "$" to take this.  And explain the schedule.  Tell them why you would love to take coaching.

If you are respectful and have done your homework on this, I think that they might see it from a different perspective.  Be prepared they will not though.  If they don't and you are not able to afford taking lessons, read about singing and practice on your own.  Do the exercises and maybe even work with a friend.  Learn as much as you can in the classes you take.

Either way, you will grow in your ability.  It is true that you will indeed grow faster and will have better skills and knowledge with the help of a coach.  But it is possible for you to get better on your own too with the classes you are taking.  Just keep asking questions.

Does that help?

Wanda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for answering.  One question: how do I set up an appointment with a vocal coach without giving it all away to my parents.  They will want to go and listen and whatnot. Also, my chorus teacher happens to be the director of the "Little Shop of Horrors" production.  Do you think she would know a coach?  I know she knows the two girls' vocal coach because they talk about it all the time.  Also, I'm not exactly sure what range I am.  Last year my chorus teacher placed me as second soprano, but I always sang alto and I'm doing that now.  She says I feel more comfortable singing the alto parts, but I feel more comfortable singing the soprano.  On the treble staff, I can go to the high E comfortably and the F with medium difficulty...and I can go just a bit below the lowest C on the same scale. If this is really confusing, it's just because I haven't completely learned how to read music yet...that's part of the small class I'm taking.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi there Kelly...Thanks for writing back.  

It's important that you don't assume that your parents will not want this.  It's important that you ask them respectfully.  Please do not sneek behind their backs.  Talk to your chorus teacher to find out information on a coach so that you can talk with your parents about this very intelligently and informed.  

Even if your parents say they are not for it, I would encourage you to still do the research.  Your chorus teacher probably will know some local coaches, yes.  That would be a good way to find one.   

Just find out information first and then talk with your parents about it.

About your range, it sounds like you are a mezzo soprano.  You are between a soprano and an alto.  That could be why she has placed you on the lower side.  Maybe talk with your teacher about this and let her know that you realize that you are inbetween and you are concerned about not being able to sing the lower alto notes and not being able to sing the really high soprano.  I'm sure together you will be able to figure something out.

What's good to note though is that when you are singing in a chorus or a choir, there are other people who are singing the part too so that helps you out.  

Do the best you can and be honest with your teacher.