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So you think you can sing?"

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The musical theatre genre can offer aspiring performers a wonderful outlet for displaying their creative talents. Musicals employ those who are proficient as dancers, actors and singers, but it is the “triple threat” individuals who are most sought out. (A “triple threat” is someone who has a high level of ability in all three disciplines.)

So what does one do when their training lies specifically in only one discipline? Take classes in the other two areas, of course. (Note: Many musical theatre programs in colleges and universities are adopting “triple threat” class opportunities for their students.)

But what about those who have finished a degree in theatre or dance and wish to pursue the task of improving their singing voice? It’s time to find a singing teacher or vocal coach.

This author has found these two titles to be highly ambiguous because what may be called a vocal coach in one area is often labelled a singing teacher in another. Perhaps it is not the title of the individual’s position that is as important as what the individual can offer you; the aspiring singer.

Before one embarks on the quest for a teacher, there should be some thought given to the purpose of the lessons and what one hopes to accomplish. People study singing for many different reasons and in the hopes of many different outcomes.

Since those aspiring to musical theatre are the intended student for the purposes of this article, the following questions would be appropriate:

1. What are the teacher’s crudentials? Do they have a degree or performing credits in the musical theatre field?

2. Do they know and understand the techniques and repertoire requirements necessary for singers of musical theatre?

3. How long have they been teaching? Have they had a decent success rate with their students? What ages do they teach?

4. What are the fees? Does this include an accompanist or must the student provide his/her own accompanist? How does the teacher expect to be paid…at each lesson…monthly…per term?

5. If the teacher is not of the same sex as the student, are they capable of working with those singers of the opposite sex?

6. Do they follow a set curriculum for all their students or base the lessons upon the needs of the individual? (I recommend someone who can implement an individual program.)

7. What materials must the student purchase in addition to the cost of the lessons?

8. Is an audition required? (This is still the best way for both the teacher and the student

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