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Sep 03, 2014
The Success of Singing Part One: Finding an Instructor
by J. Adam Shelton
The most common question I hear from aspiring singers is: “What can I do to become a better singer?” You would think the answer is simple, right? Just take a few voice lessons. It’s just singing, isn’t it? Well… the answer actually isn’t as simple as taking a handful of voice lessons. You need to be a well-rounded musician too!
THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT OF THIS BLOG
If you only read one thing today, read this:
Find the voice teacher that you are comfortable with and who supports you.
Every voice is built differently, and that means everyone’s understanding of vocal technique(s) is as unique as the singers themselves. Take a moment and read those two sentences again. (Find the voice teacher that you are comfortable with and who supports you. Every voice is built differently, and that means everyone’s understanding of vocal technique(s) is as unique as the singers themselves.) Some teachers approach technique from a scientific perspective, others through imagery, and some have a great ear and know great singing! No matter the teacher you choose, you need to find the one who helps you understand technique and elicits progress in your voice.
Your voice teacher needs to:
- be interested in teaching you,
- possess a degree in singing (either vocal performance, music education with a vocal emphasis, or vocal pedagogy),
- and have experience singing professionally.
Think of it this way, would you go to a doctor that doesn’t express interest in your health, didn’t go to med school, and recently switched careers from a local coffee company? No. No, you wouldn’t go to that doctor. Why should your voice be any different? Yes, there are a lot of good, even great, natural singers out there who have never had a lesson in their life. Sometimes they might know how to help you, however there is an equal amount of natural singers out there who do not know how to communicate the technique of singing. Think about the preceding points when choosing your teacher so you can find the best fit for you.
Check out: The Success of Singing Part Two: So Now You've Found a Teacher: You Should...
J Adam Shelton teaches voice and piano at Madison Music Foundry
J. ADAM SHELTON
J. Adam Shelton, lyric tenor, recently served as the tenor studio artist in the inaugural year of the Madison Opera Studio program performing in Un ballo in Maschera as Il Giudice, Damon in Acis and Galatea, and covering Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni. He originated Prince Charming for Opera for the Young’s adaptation of Massenet’s Cendrillion in English. He apprenticed two seasons with Des Moines Metro Opera where he performed Elder Gleaton in Susannah with composer, Carlisle Floyd, in attendance and Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi. He is a three-time recipient of the Ratcliffe award at the Southern Arizona Opera Guild's Quest for the Best as well as the grand prizewinner of the Amelia Reiman Opera Competition, and the second prizewinner at the Battle of the Tucson Tenors.
During the 2013 – ‘14 season, Mr. Shelton will finish his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin where his dissertation, “The Singing Dream: A 21st Century Critical Edition of Tauberlieder,” explores the compositions of the great Austrian tenor, Richard Tauber. Additionally, he returns to the Opera for the Young tour as Count Almaviva in Il Barbiere di Siviglia. He looks forward to sharing the Madison Opera stage with Susanne Mentzer portraying Howard Boucher in the riveting drama Dead Man Walking in April of 2014. Between engagements, Mr. Shelton maintains a bustling private studio and recital engagements. A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, he studies with Julia Faulkner as the Wisconsin Distinguished Graduate Fellow in Voice.
As an instructor, Mr. Shelton has been teaching privately for 10 years leading students to top state honors, all-state choirs, musical roles, college auditions, scholarships, and outstanding solo opportunities! He strives to provide all students with a versatile technique that they can apply it to all genres of their musical desires!! Each student receives the personal attention and respect necessary to develop individual talents. A student’s musical independence and initiative are developed and encouraged through a balanced program of theory, technique, and repertoire.
More info at www.sheltonprivatevoicestudio.weebly.com!