What Makes a Good Vocal Coach?

Maybe you’ve been thinking about singing again or just improving your voice. You used to sing but took a long break, and now you’re ready to get back to it. You want that range, control, power, and confidence back!

So, naturally, you get online and search “vocal coach Nashville” — and BAM. You’re flooded with results. Nashville, TN, is Music City, USA, after all. There are SO many vocal coaches here, and sorting the great ones from the not-so-great can be harder than you think.

The websites look professional, the reviews sound promising… but the question remains: Will they deliver? Will they actually help you?

Let’s break it down so you can find the right vocal coach for you.

What Should a Good Vocal Coach Do?

A good vocal coach will help you improve your singing — that’s the bottom line. But there’s more to it than that. The right coach should:

• Earn your trust

• Balance and refine your vocal technique

• Develop your artistry

• Remain patient and steady along the way (because singing is an emotional journey)

Let’s be real: singing isn’t just physical. It’s emotional and personal. A good coach remains calm, focused, and supportive no matter what you’re feeling.

Trusting Your Vocal Coach: It Takes Time

Earning trust can be tough, especially if you don’t trust easily (I get it). I once had a vocal coach call me out on my hesitancy to trust her. Oof, it stung. I didn’t talk to her for weeks. Not because of her — because of me.

But guess what? I went back, apologized, and we got right back to singing. Why? Because I trusted her with my voice, my emotions, and all the thoughts that come with it.

So when you find that coach you can trust, hold on to them.

Balancing the Voice: Is Your Technique Improving?

Refining your vocal technique takes a little trial and error. Ask yourself after each lesson:

“Do I feel like my voice has improved?”

The answer should be “Yes.”

Plateaus are normal, just like with any physical training. But if you’re working with a good coach and putting in the time, you should be able to push through those plateaus. A few tips:

• Record your lessons. Listening back will help you track your progress and confirm your technique is improving.

• Look for stabilization. You should feel more control and freedom in your voice over time.

Artistry: Balancing Expression and Technique

Working on your artistry can be both fun and terrifying. Most vocal coaches love living in the expressive space — and that’s great! But beware: artistry should enhance your voice, not inhibit it.

A good vocal coach should still answer your technique questions even while you’re working on artistry. Some trial and error is normal, but by the time you’re dreaming of stepping on stage (maybe on The Voice??), your voice should feel free and so should your artistic expression.

Singing Can Be Emotional — Find a Coach Who Supports You

Let’s be honest: singing lessons can get emotional. Maybe you pushed through a huge vocal barrier and burst into tears. Maybe the song you’re singing reminds you of your dad who passed away six months ago.

It’s personal. And that’s okay.

A great vocal coach will stay calm and focused, supporting you through those moments. They’ll help you work through whatever comes up so you leave feeling stronger and more confident.

Tips to Find the Right Vocal Coach in Nashville, TN

1. Ask for a trial lesson. It’s a great way to see if their style works for you.

2. Look for progress. After a few lessons, you should feel improvement in your voice.

3. Trust your gut. If you feel safe and supported, you’re in the right place.

4. Balance is key. The coach should focus on both technique and artistry.

5. Patience matters. Singing is a journey, and the right coach will stay patient and steady.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Give Up!

Finding the right vocal coach in Nashville might take some time, but you’ll know when you find the right fit. Keep going. Don’t give up. The right coach will help you improve your singing, build confidence, and have a blast doing it.

You have what it takes.

Now get out there, find the coach that’s right for you, and have the best time unlocking your full vocal potential!