What’s the Difference Between a Vocal Coach and a Voice Teacher?
Hi, I’m Serene, a vocal coach and voice teacher at Serene Vocal Studio. One of the most common questions I hear is, “What’s the difference between a vocal coach and a voice teacher?” It’s a great question, and while there’s some overlap, they’re actually two distinct roles. Let me break it down for you—and share why it matters for your vocal journey.
What Does a Voice Teacher Do?
As a voice teacher, my goal is to help you build a strong and healthy foundation for your singing. This means we’ll focus on technique—things like proper breath support, mechanical efficiency including, resonance, registration, phonation, diction and vowel work, and keeping your voice healthy over time. Think of it like laying the groundwork for a sturdy and flexible instrument that can adapt to any style you want to sing.
Some of the things we might work on together include:
Expanding your range.
Developing resonance and improving tone quality.
Strengthening your breath control.
Preventing vocal strain and injury.
With the right technique, you’ll have the tools to take your voice to the next level—no matter the genre or style.
What Does a Vocal Coach Do?
Now, let’s talk about my other hat—being a vocal coach. This is where we step into the world of artistry and performance. As a vocal coach, I help you bring your songs to life. Whether you’re preparing for an audition, a performance, or a recording session, my focus is on polishing your delivery and helping you connect with your audience.
Here are some things I often work on as a vocal coach:
Choosing the right repertoire for your voice and goals.
Adding emotional depth and interpretation to your performance.
Exploring phrasing, dynamics, and stylistic elements unique to a genre (like pop, musical theater, or jazz).
Building stage presence and confidence through acting the song.
It’s all about helping you tell the story of the song in a way that feels authentic and powerful.
Sometimes, I Wear Both Hats
At Serene Vocal Studio, I take a balanced approach to teaching because I believe both roles are equally important. For many of my students, I act as both a voice teacher and a vocal coach. We’ll start by strengthening your technique and then layer in the performance aspects so you can shine on stage or in the studio.
We Also Specialize in Musical Theater Performance
If you’re a musical theater performer, this is especially important. Musical theater requires a unique blend of vocal technique, emotional storytelling, and stage presence. At Serene Vocal Studio, I specialize in helping performers meet the specific demands of this genre. From character development to creating unforgettable performances, we’ll work together to ensure you’re ready to wow audiences and nail those auditions.
Additionally, 50% of my students study pop music! Pop is such an exciting and diverse genre, and it demands a unique approach to vocal technique and expression. Whether we’re working on vocal agility, breath control for those extended notes, or the nuances of emotional connection, I love guiding my students to find their authentic voice in pop. Together, we’ll explore how to make each performance truly your own.
What’s Right for You?
So, do you need a voice teacher, a vocal coach, or both? It depends on your goals:
If you’re just starting out or working on improving your vocal health and technique, voice teaching will be your focus.
If you’re preparing for a specific performance or looking to bring more emotion and artistry to your singing, vocal coaching will be key.
And if you’re looking for a combination of both—well, you’re in the right place!
At Serene Vocal Studio, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My goal is to help you strengthen your voice, find your unique style, and feel confident expressing yourself through song. Your voice is your instrument, and together, we’ll make it truly shine.
The best part? You don’t have to figure out whether you need coaching or teaching on your own—I can help with that. With my professional experience, I’ll work with you to understand your goals, assess where you are in your vocal journey, and create a plan tailored to your unique needs. Whether we focus on technique, performance, or both, I’m here to make sure you get exactly what you need to grow and succeed.
