How to get the most out of your singing lessons.
Hi Singers!
If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’re either
a) considering working with a vocal coach, or
b) wondering how to breathe new life into your work with your current singing teacher.
Either way, good for you.
Getting the most out of your singing lessons isn’t something to leave to chance. Vocal coaching works best when it’s a collaborative, ongoing process, and there are a few simple things you can do to make that process more effective, supportive, and rewarding.
Here are five ways to get the most value out of your time with a vocal coach.
1. Arrive hydrated (really)
I’ve said it before, and you’ve heard it before — but here I am saying it again because it truly matters.
Come to your singing lesson well hydrated. Bring water with you, sip throughout the day, and think about hydration the day before your session too.
There’s a reason for this beyond nagging. The vocal folds need to vibrate hundreds of times per second when we sing, and hydration plays a huge role in how easily and efficiently they can do that. When we’re dehydrated, the voice often feels scratchy, phlegmy, less responsive, and more prone to fatigue.
Being well hydrated allows your coach to hear how your voice actually behaves, rather than spending the session working around something preventable. It also means the exercises and strategies you’re given will be far more accurate for your voice.
If singing regularly feels more effortful than it should, you might also find this article on vocal strain and vocal fatigue helpful.
2. Be present for the recap (even when you just want to sing)
Most vocal coaches will spend the final few minutes of a session summarising what you explored together, answering questions, and agreeing on what to focus on between sessions.
This part is easy to rush or gloss over in favour of the “fun” singing bit (and I’m definitely guilty of this myself). But your progress is shaped just as much by what happens between lessons as what happens during them.
Clear takeaways make practising simpler, less overwhelming, and more consistent. Bring a notebook, write things down, ask questions, and make sure you leave knowing what you’re experimenting with before the next session.
3. Record your lesson (yes, even if it feels awkward)
Most singing teachers are happy for you to record lessons — just ask the first time.
Now that I work exclusively online, lessons take place via Zoom, which makes recording particularly easy. A stable internet connection, a quiet space where you can move and make sound comfortably, and headphones if you have them will all help — but perfection isn’t required.
Listening back can feel a bit cringe at first, but the benefits are huge. You’re essentially able to revisit the lesson multiple times, which reinforces learning and reduces the need to re-cover old ground next time.
Lesson recordings also become a powerful reminder of how far you’ve come over months or years — something singers often underestimate in the moment.
4. Keep a living list of songs you’d like to work on
If you’re not working towards a specific performance or project, song choice can feel surprisingly stressful. There are simply too many options.
Keeping an ongoing list or playlist of songs you’d like to explore can make this much easier. Some singers use Spotify, others keep a notes list or even pen and paper- the format doesn’t matter. What matters is having somewhere to capture ideas as they arise.
For some singers, we build collaborative playlists together as part of the coaching process. These can help clarify artistic direction, track repertoire we’ve explored, and give shape to longer-term goals — but they’re always used in a way that fits the individual and the structure of our work together.
When it’s time to prepare for your next session, you can choose something from your list that suits your current mood or energy. If a song doesn’t work out, that’s not a problem — it’s information. Discovering what doesn’t suit your voice is just as valuable as finding what does.
If you like the idea of collaborative playlists, you can find out more about the services I offer here.
5. Treat your lessons as a collaboration
Singing isn’t a paint-by-numbers activity, and vocal coaching isn’t either.
Your coach brings expertise in the voice; you bring lived experience of your body, your energy, your emotions, and your life. Progress happens when those two things meet honestly.
Tell your coach if you’re tired, stressed, overwhelmed, or feeling great. Some of the most useful sessions happen on days when the voice feels different or unpredictable- those moments give us important information.
If you’re genuinely unwell and your voice needs rest, we’ll always prioritise that. Vocal coaching isn’t about pushing through at all costs — it’s about learning how to work with your voice over time.
You’re allowed to ask questions, reflect, and even respectfully disagree. The more authentically you show up, the better your coach can support you.
If you’re looking for vocal coaching that’s collaborative, thoughtful, and tailored to your voice and life, you’re welcome to book a Discovery Call.
It’s a relaxed conversation to explore your goals and see whether working together feels like a good fit.
A final thought
Working with a vocal coach can be a surprisingly liberating experience. Alongside technical improvements, many singers notice shifts in confidence, awareness, creativity, and even wider aspects of their wellbeing.
Your coach is there to guide you — but these small choices will help you get the absolute most from the process.
If you’d like to explore whether working together feels like a good fit, you can book a Discovery Call below.
