6 PRIVATE MUSIC STUDIO ESSENTIALS EVERY VOICE TEACHER SHOULD HAVE

When it comes to teaching music, and more specifically private voice lessons, there are 6 essentials that I never walk into the studio without.

1. Musical Theatre For Classical Singers

2. Easy Songs for the Beginning Voice

3. Panofka: 24 Progressive Vocalises

4. Vaccai: Practical Method of Italian Singing

5. Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory

6. Practical Theory Complete

I have been teaching voice lessons since 2015 and have accumulated an abundance of sheet music, method books, and worksheets over the years. The sea of resources can feel overwhelming at times, with too many options to choose from at different price points. In the beginning of my teaching career I noticed that as my studio grew, many of my students required different tools to learn. I found myself scouring the internet and shelling out cash for a score here or a workbook there; it began to add up. That lack of continuity behind the scenes of my lessons made me anxious and took focus away from my students. So I made a choice to get organized and take control!

After much research, I settled on these 6 essential recourses that have proven to give voice teachers everything they would need to run a successful studio with students varying in age, musical ability, and voice type.

*Click the images below to bring you to the linked recourses and start teaching!

1. Musical Theatre For Classical Singers

These four volumes contain pieces from mostly pre-1970 Musical Theater productions suitable for all voices and levels. They lend themselves well when working on performance practices and character development with students who are interested in taking to the stage. I have even incorporated many of these beautiful classics into my own repertoire as a professional vocalist.

2. Easy Songs for the Beginning Voice

This series includes a variety of repertoire suited for beginner to intermediate vocalists. In each book you can find art songs, folksongs, and musical theatre works appropriate for a developing voice. These pieces are also suitable for young students who are ready to begin performing on stage.

3. Panofka: 24 Progressive Vocalises

This book contains 24 vocalises that get progressively difficult. They are perfect for intermediate to advanced vocalists and each piece works on varying technical qualities including but not limited to legato, sostenuto, and agility. As a true vocal pedagogue, I love incorporating these expansive vocalises into my own warm-up routine.

4. Vaccai: Practical Method of Italian Singing

The Vaccai Practical Method Books are a staple in bel canto singing practices. Each song introduces a new element to the voice, advancing at a steady but obtainable rate for beginner to intermediate voices. English poetic translations are available for vocalists not yet ready to dive into the Italian language.

5. Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory | 6. Practical Theory Complete

For young vocalists, it is important that they begin to develop some sort of understanding of music theory. These comprehensive beginner Music Theory workbooks are easy to incorporate into a students practice, with short and concise lessons that focus on the fundamentals of music.