Welcome to Savannah Musicians' Institute
Savannah Musicians Institute ~ Music Lesson School ~ 15 East Montgomery Crossroads Office #205
Savannah, GA 31406 (912) 388-1806
Vocal Coach vs. Vocal Teacher
Often we hear these two terms used interchangeably, but there is a difference between a "Vocal Coach" and a "Vocal Teacher".
A Vocal Coach is often a professional singer or performer that helps other singers with style, performance, and performance practice. They pass on what they have learned and seen to help those around them, but may or may not have formal education to back up their expertise. For people who already feel they have a good grasp on vocal production, a Vocal Coach can provide valuable information into the inner workings of what it takes to be a mainstream vocalist in various settings. They have knowledge that helps with fixing certain vocal problems as they arise, and can help with specific goals. We most recently see Vocal Coaches on television shows like American Idol and The Voice, but Vocal Coaches have been around as long as there have been people interested in performing.
A Vocal Teacher is a Music Teacher who teaches technique, healthy practice, and vocal production. A Vocal Teacher may also be a professional, but they have gone the extra mile to study Vocal Pedagogy (the study of how we sing physically) and techniques that help singers increase stamina, sound production, bodily health benefits, and ear training. Their knowledge is more broad based and they use various techniques to make sure your unique sound is the best it can be. Vocal Teachers include Choir Directors and Private Teachers with a focus on Pedagogy.
While both are teachers, many vocal teachers fall under one "banner" or the other. Before deciding that you or a loved one wants to take "voice lessons", it helps to know what the goal is.
Voice Lessons
Notes from our Voice Teacher Audrey Allgaier
Mrs. Audrey Allgaier is a Vocal Teacher with SMI. She holds a Music Education Bachelors Degree from Armstrong University in Savannah, GA and focuses on healthy vocal production, matching pitch, reading music/sight reading, and techniques that can help students in both solo and ensemble settings.
Voice Student Expectations
Vocal Lessons are goal centered. Vocal Lessons are about learning to produce a healthy vocal sound, and basic musicianship associated with singing in many different venues (church, school, auditions, stage, etc.) Music of many genres are used to achieve the many goals established in vocal production to achieve a well balanced sound.
I teach things like sight reading and vowel modification that help the voice work in whichever setting - solo or ensemble - that it may encounter. These techniques take time and muscle training, so there is no "quick guide to singing" and the more you are able to put into it, the faster you will see positive results. If you are serious about improving your voice, it is expected that you practice and learn a little every day. Vocal training sometimes takes a really long time to sing with healthy habits and can be frustrating all around when we don't see/feel results as quickly as we would like.
I start students starting at age 12 and up and focus on female singers.
Taking Voice Lessons will not, as song believe, necessarily turn you into an Opera Singer. These basic skills will help you sing any style you wish!
If I take you on as a Vocal Student, I will be honest with you. I will help you to be the best vocalist you can be. I will also tell you if what we are doing is working or not, and we may have to try a couple different teaching methods to help reach our goals. The following is what I require for a Vocal Audition.
Voice Auditions
Potential Vocal Students need to have the following:
~ A prepared song that shows your comfortable range of singing (A Capella is fine, or you may bring a track)
~This song does not need to be long, it could be "My country Tis of Thee" or "Happy Birthday". This is simply so I can hear your voice.
~ A desire to try new things
~ A work ethic to reach the stars! A desire to work on yourself and achieve your goals.
~ A willingness to listen to many different kinds of vocalists - because learning can come from many different sources!
In our first meeting/lesson we will:
~ Match Pitches
~ Determine Tonal Memory Ability
~ Sing the Do-Re-Mi scale (Solfeige)
~ Sight read a simple piece
~ Establish vocal goals
Potential Students should be able (and/or willing to try) to read not only the melody line, but follow the alto, tenor or bass line of a song. I am willing to teach any and all of the above after the audition process. E-mail me if you have questions! - SMISavannah@gmail.com
Whether you want to sing for yourself, for an audition, or to be the next big star, we can help with the basics to get you to the next level.
Space is very limited, E-mail Questions and we will let you know when space is available!
