What is a Voice Teacher?

Ideally, a voice teacher is “one who trains the singing voice to function as freely and beautifully as possible.” Currently, there is no standardized training or method for someone to accomplish this.  In fact, anyone can call themselves a “voice teacher” regardless of singing ability or knowledge of the human voice.  If an ideal voice teacher diagnoses imbalance in voice function, it stands to reason a teacher should have a superior knowledge of vocal physiology and anatomy.  Renowned vocal physiologist and National Association of Teachers of Singing president Richard Miller said,

“It is not possible to diagnose what is problematic in a vocal technique without an understanding of what is inhibiting function… placing either air or sound in physical locations where they cannot go accounts for many of the tensions experienced by singers.”

WVS teachers are qualified to assess the long-term physiological effects of a student’s training by objectively diagnosing functional antagonisms in the vocal instrument.

In other words, it isn’t enough to teach someone “how to sing.”  Most singers spend years enhancing a “technique” of singing that brings them close to a career instrument.  They struggle for years with dozens of teachers looking for the “answer” to unlocking their own vocal virtuosity.  While these teachers often provide insightful help, it never really solves the core vocal issues that inhibit complete vocal freedom and endurance.  These singers never achieve a consistent and simple “mastery” of their voice.  Ironically, in most cases it isn’t the technique that is the issue!  The actual instrument itself is in a state of imbalance.