Here's how you can captivate and inspire vocal students during virtual lessons.

I teach online a lot. It is essential that the space you are in, is conducive. I find that a plain background works best. That way, the students won't be distracted by what's on the wall! You need to make sure that you are clearly visible at all times. Repeat what you say and what you demonstrate, , several times if necessary, as something always gets lost in translation. Ask the students to clarify they have heard and understood everything. Keep your energy levels up. It really does make a difference when it comes to keeping the students engaged.

Warming up is essential. The students need to understand what makes a good connected warm up. What their body is telling them it needs, to work well. Good alignment and the correct use of breath is fundamental to making sure that this is the case. Obviously, being online can impact this, however, it can be effectively monitored, by repetition, and first and foremost, taking them through a tension release exercise, making sure there is no tension anywhere, as tension in the body, affects the sound that comes out. Make sure the students have enough in their toolkit to take responsibility for this themselves.

Feedback is extremely important. If you don’t give feedback, either positive or negative, how can a student be expected to improve? Of course we have to be careful of negative feedback, but if given in a constructive way with a possible solution, it can have a positive effect on the student.

Al inicio de un proceso vocal puede parecer abrumadora la cantidad de mejoras que quieren hacerse. Es clave distinguir las que son realizables en corto plazo y las que necesitan más tiempo para desarrollar. De esta forma, la elección de canciones será de acuerdo al objetivo del estudiante y las herramientas vocales necesarias para alcanzarlo. Ver el abordaje de las canciones como una misión para conquistar las herramientas es de ayuda para mantener el compromiso e interés del alumno. Durante las sesiones, acotar la retroalimentación a la herramienta en desarrollo con la canción es determinante para gestionar la atención y aprendizaje del alumno, necesarios para aprender y dominar su coordinación vocal.

I always make sure there is time for feedback. In fact, my feedback from the students, is that they really appreciate being given that time. It makes them feel listened to, allowing them to be themselves, and grow at their own pace.

I work with the spoken voice, rather than the singing voice. However, the same thing applies. It can take time, but I always encourage my students to play, to release their inner child. I think that is imperative. It gives them freedom to explore, to dive in without feeling silly. It takes away expectation and constraint. I would never ask my students to do anything that I wouldn't do. As a facilitator, that is important. It gains trust. It helps the students to fully embrace the learning, knowing that I do it as well. When they finish their time with me, I always tell them to keep playing, keep exploring, keep being themselves.