Singing Teacher

What is the work like?

As a singing teacher, or vocal coach, you would teach vocal skills, singing, music theory and musical appreciation to individuals and groups. You could specialise in a particular singing style such as choral, opera or pop.

Your day-to-day tasks could include:

• coaching individuals for a particular role in a play or musical
• planning lessons and organising resources
• teaching vocal and breathing exercises and techniques
• instructing in melody, harmony and improvisation
• helping students to prepare for music exams
• organising performances
• practising to keep up high levels in your own performance.

As a self-employed teacher you would also have to market your business and keep accounts.

What qualifications and experience will employers look for?

You would usually need a teaching or performing diploma from a specialist music college, or a music degree.

Diploma courses at conservatoires and music colleges are mainly based around performance training, but also have some academic content. They usually lead to a graduate qualification that is equivalent to a degree.

You can complete a degree course at a conservatoire, music college or university. You should choose a course which concentrates on performance rather than theory.

To get onto a music degree or diploma you will usually need both of the following:

• five GCSEs (A-C)
• two A levels including music, or equivalent qualifications.

You will also have an audition, and it can be useful if you can show evidence of recent music study or work on a music project.

You can apply to conservatoires online on the Conservatoires UK Admission Service website.

If you have exceptional musical skills you could give lessons without qualifications, but a qualification is likely to improve your chances of finding work. See the further training section below for details of qualifications you can complete as a practising teacher.

What further training and development can I do?

You can develop your skills and show your ability by gaining teaching qualifications such as the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Certificate of Teaching.

The ABRSM qualification is a one-year part-time course which covers music theory and practice. You can do the course at centres throughout the country or on a fast-track residential basis. See the ABRSM website for more details.

The Trinity Guildhall Teaching Diploma for Vocal Teaching involves demonstrating your skills in a live teaching session with your own pupils. You can prepare for the diploma by using the resources on the Trinity website, or by attending a course.

Trinity also run a range of workshops and other events .

You can study by distance learning for the professional development programme offered by the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) through the University of Reading. See the ISM website for details.

Where can I go for more information?

If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form

Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice