Last updated on Apr 20, 2024

What do you do if your vocal coach and industry mentor clash?

Navigating a clash between your vocal coach and industry mentor can be a challenging and delicate situation. Both play pivotal roles in your career; a vocal coach fine-tunes your singing technique while a mentor provides guidance on navigating the industry. When their advice or approaches conflict, it can leave you feeling confused and torn on whose counsel to follow. It's crucial to address this discord to maintain a clear and focused path towards your goals as a singer. Remember, it's your journey, and ultimately, you must make decisions that align with your vision for your career.

1 Assess Clarity

When you find yourself caught between conflicting advice from your vocal coach and industry mentor, the first step is to assess the clarity of their guidance. Consider the specifics of what each is suggesting and why they may be at odds. Understanding the root of the disagreement will help you determine if it's a matter of differing teaching styles, experience, or perhaps a misunderstanding. Remember, clarity is key in making informed decisions that will benefit your growth as an artist.

Add your perspective

2 Open Dialogue

Once you've identified the points of contention, initiate an open dialogue with both your vocal coach and mentor. Approach the conversation with respect and the intention to understand their perspectives. Explain how the conflicting advice is impacting you and seek to find common ground or a compromise. Communication is vital in resolving misunderstandings and ensuring that all parties are working towards your best interest as a developing artist.

Add your perspective

3 Personal Goals

Reflect on your personal goals and values as they should guide your decision-making process. Consider which advice aligns more closely with where you see yourself in the future and which strategies resonate with your artistic identity. It's important that the direction you choose to follow supports your long-term objectives and feels authentic to you. Your career is uniquely yours, and staying true to your vision is essential for your success and satisfaction.

Add your perspective

Emily Anna Bridges, PhD

Vocal Consultant and Development Specialist (Singing & Speaking) | Vocal Coach for Leaders, Public Figures & Media Personalities | Voice Teacher, Composer and Soprano
Recognize every professional is giving you their best. Go with 1. Results. Which approach is working better for you right now? 2. Past results. If it’s too early to tell, which professional has a proven track record helping you? 3. Your Gut. Whose advice is best supporting your goals? A good professional will be trying to help you reach your goals and beyond.
Like
Report contribution
K SEETA RAJANI
When two different experts of equal repute differ,then we should select the one whose advice is closer to your goal for no one knows ur goals better than you.
Like
Report contribution

4 Seek Consensus

If possible, encourage your vocal coach and mentor to collaborate or at least come to a consensus on the best approach for your development. They both bring valuable expertise to the table, and a unified strategy could be incredibly beneficial. A consensus may involve compromise from both parties, but it can lead to a more holistic and effective plan for your career progression.

Add your perspective

K SEETA RAJANI
When two experts are of different opinions and you are in no position to decide which is better ,you may contact a few other experts of the industry and go by the opinion of the majority.Tbat will give a clearer picture.
Like
Report contribution

5 Independent Research

To further inform your decision, engage in independent research. Look into the techniques and industry practices that are being disputed. Educating yourself on these matters can provide you with a clearer understanding and empower you to make choices that are well-informed. Knowledge is power, and the more you know about your craft and the industry, the better equipped you'll be to navigate such conflicts.

Add your perspective

6 Trusted Advisers

Lastly, consider seeking advice from trusted advisers who are neutral parties, such as other industry professionals or peers. They can offer fresh perspectives without the emotional investment of your coach or mentor. Getting a third opinion can help you weigh the options more objectively and make a decision that feels right for you.

Add your perspective

K SEETA RAJANI
It is definitely a tricky situation ,when two experts differ,but given the help of social media and our accessibility to various resources,we will be better off supplementing the different pieces of advice with our research and decide ourselves.
Like
Report contribution

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

What do you do if your vocal coach and industry mentor clash?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Clarity

2 Open Dialogue

3 Personal Goals

4 Seek Consensus

5 Independent Research

6 Trusted Advisers

7 Here’s what else to consider

Vocal Coaching

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Vocal Coaching

More relevant reading

What do you do if your vocal coach and industry mentor clash?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Clarity

2 Open Dialogue

3 Personal Goals

4 Seek Consensus

5 Independent Research

6 Trusted Advisers

7 Here’s what else to consider

Vocal Coaching

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills