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Top Vocal Coaches
/ 16th january 2023I’ve featured some of the top vocal coaches who have shared their unique insights and approaches to helping people find and refine their voices. These coaches use a range of methods, from combining voice science and brain science to focusing on emotional intelligence and mental fitness, to guide their students towards vocal excellence.
One coach takes a tough but loving approach, combining vocal training with life coaching to build endurance and emotional capacity. Another coach integrates voice science, brain science, and performance training to create personalized action plans for each client. There’s a coach who emphasizes the anatomical and physiological aspects of the voice, allowing students to make their own aesthetic choices.
Another coach believes in a holistic approach, focusing on the body and voice together to help singers overcome vocal challenges. Lastly, a coach with extensive performance experience teaches a 360-degree approach to the physical body and uses techniques to unblock and retune voices.
Do you think you or a coach that you know deserves to be featured as a top vocal coach? If yes, then fill out this form and we will consider your application and get in touch with you for the next steps.
In Brief : Top Vocal Coaches
- Dr. Jose E. Figueroa Jr. – Dr. Jose E. Figueroa Jr. is a renowned Gospel Recording Artist whose coaching style blends tough love with emotional intelligence, guiding students to reach their fullest potential.
- Jessica Doyle-Mekkes – Jessica Doyle-Mekkes, Head of Musical Theatre at East Carolina University, offers a unique coaching approach combining voice science, brain science, and performance training.
- Marie-Catherine Bouchard – Marie-Catherine Bouchard, a certified Estill Master Trainer, teaches students how to understand and control their voices across different music styles.
- Laura Talbert – Laura Talbert began voice lessons at the age of 10, and was immediately in love! She went on to train in a conservatory in high school and to get a master’s and bachelor’s degree in voice performance.
- John Norton – John is a talented and highly sought after vocal coach In Europe. With high level training and postgraduate qualifications from UK, USA and Europe he provides ground-up expertise to help singers and vocalists sustainably gain stamina, confidence, resilience and technique resulting in vocal, musical and interpretative excellence.
- Dr. Joshua R. Wentz – Dr. Joshua R. Wentz has had the privilege of performing throughout the US and abroad and is in high demand as a singer, director, and conductor of opera, oratorio and musical theater worldwide.
- Jennifer Greene – Jennifer Greene is a world-renowned vocal coach and professional performer, known for her expertise in training singers of all levels and genres.
- Rashmi Shetty – Jennifer Greene is a world-renowned vocal coach and professional performer, known for her expertise in training singers of all levels and genres.
- Cheryl Porter – If you are a beginning singer and don’t know where to start this is the perfect course for you and if you are an experienced singer or a singer trying to get your voice back in shape, this course works great to brush up on your singing skills and improve your overall technique and performance.
- Chris Johnson – More experienced singers often have strong direction in their stylistic identity but occasionally experience limitations in their range, flexibility or power, or may even be suffering from tiredness and vocal health problems.
- Frédérik Robert – Frédérik Robert is one of Canada’s top vocal coaches. For over 20 years Frédérik has dedicated his work to training and supporting a multitude of artists.
- Tara Simon – Tara Simon is a professional singer, songwriter and celebrity vocal coach. She became widely recognized as a top finalist on the second season of the X Factor.
Dr. Jose E. Figueroa Jr.
Dr. Jose E. Figueroa Jr., Ph.D is a multi-award winning Gospel Recording Artist whose professional musical career began at the tender age of 13. Since then, he has been privileged enough to perform in venues all over the world. Recently, his gift earned him a 2 chair turn on Season 20 of NBC’s The Voice, where he finished in the TOP 12. Months after his success on the show, he was scouted by Stellar Award Inductee, Kerry Douglas, and signed to BlackSmoke Music Worldwide. As a gifted artist and entertainer, Jose’s music inspires, ignites, and impacts audiences everywhere. With a fresh sound and style, his raw talent and natural singing ability leave his audiences wanting more. From music that will make you want to jump out of your seat and dance to songs that will tug at your hearts strings, Jose’s shows have a little something for everyone.
What do you do differently or how is your coaching different from others?
When it comes to my coaching style, I would have to say that I am tough but loving. I make sure that my students reach their fullest potentials. I am strong believer in not only pushing them to their max levels when it comes to singing, but I also make it my business to tackle their emotional intelligence and mental fitness. The entertainment business is not the easiest business to be a part of so I do what’s necessary coach my students to vocally, as well as, help to build their endurance, patience, understanding, and their emotional and mental capacities. With me, you get more than just a vocal coach, you also get a life coach. For me, both go hand-in-hand.
What according to you has been the single most important thing that has contributed to your success as a coach?
For me, the single most important thing that has contributed to my success has been my ability to connect with my students. More importantly, though, and this goes beyond just my coaching, but my faith in and relationship with God has been the number one thing that has made me successful overall.
Jessica Doyle-Mekkes
Jessica Doyle-Mekkes is t he Head of Musical Theatre at East Carolina University where she has taught voice and vocal pedagogy since 2017.
Jessica has spent the last 15 years studying the human voice and working as a vocal coach for actors, singers, and public speakers.
An internationally published writer and sought after clinician, her debut book, I’m Speaking: every woman’s guide to finding your voice & using it fearlessly, available now, was recently quoted in Publisher’s Weekly as being, “..a bible in standing your ground without trepidation.”
Jessica works as a speaker, advisor, and clinician to individuals, groups, NGO’s and businesses small and large teaching women how to harness the power of their voices: in their heads & out of their mouths. Jessica lives in Greenville, NC with her husband Don, their daughters Tallulah and Jolie, and a codependent chihuahua named Sebastian.
What do you do differently or how is your coaching different from others?
My work uniquely combines voice science, brain science, and performance training. My background as a performer plus my research, knowledge, and experience as a vocal coach have allowed me to create a vast and varied tool box so I can meet each client’s unique needs and goals. I always start by asking the same three questions: Where are you know? Where do you want to be? How long do you have to get there? Once those parameters are established, I’m able to create an action plan to help my client achieve success be ii in public speaking, acting, or singing.
What according to you has been the single most important thing that has contributed to your success as a coach?
Being a lifelong learner. I am continuously building my toolbox and updating practices that no longer serve my clients. Brain science over the past decade has given new and exciting insights into how humans learn and I utilize that research to make my work more effective and efficient. The reality is, we can prime our brains and bodies to do their best work: to learn things faster, retain them longer, and recall them more quickly. It is the same with the voice. We can take small, actionable steps to ensure our voices sound clear, confident, and consistent regardless of situation.
Marie-Catherine Bouchard
Marie-Catherine Bouchard studied at Laval University in Quebec City where she got a master’s degree in vocal performance. Then, she started voice coaching in her private studio and in many different music schools where she teaches musical theater, jazz-pop singing, voice technique, choral lessons, etc.
In 2017, she got certified as an Estill Master Trainer to improve her vocal coaching skills. She is now working a Ste-Foy’s College as a voice singing teacher.
What do you do differently or how is your coaching different from others?
I teach my students how the voice works anatomically, acoustically and physiologically, so they can make their own esthetic choices. I will never tell a student “You have to sing like this”! My teaching is about voice control and being able to sing whatever the student wants. I give them the the knowledge to control voice configuration in order to fit all the different music styles and registers they want to sing.
What according to you has been the single most important thing that has contributed to your success as a coach?
I think the most important thing that has contributed to my voice teaching career is to be receptive to my students. Also, to be well organized, to have good communication and to be passionate about voice pedagogy certainly contributed! I want my students to improve and and I continue studying voice in my everyday life, so I can be a better teacher for them!
Laura Talbert
Laura Talbert began voice lessons at the age of 10, and was immediately in love! She went on to train in a conservatory in high school and to get a master’s and bachelor’s degree in voice performance. She moved to Beaumont, AB in 2010 and founded Talbert Voice Studios with the conviction that anyone can sing. In 2015, she started the Beaumont Songbirds Choirs program. Laura also coaches musical theatre and choral programs in local schools.
What do you do differently or how is your coaching different from others?
Singing training ought to be a holistic activity – the voice is the only instrument that we all carry around with us. If our body is struggling, so is our voice. Because of this, I firmly believe that anyone can sing. I love being able to work with a singer who has struggled with vocal damage, poor vocal habits, or poor vocal self-confidence. Working on all of that together creates a singer who understands and loves their own voice – what a triumph for them!
What according to you has been the single most important thing that has contributed to your success as a coach?
I have had tremendous teachers that have instilled in me an understanding of the voice, a love for helping others, and a connection with how incredibly healing music can be. From the young to the mature, singing can find a deep connection with their voice through patient, consistent coaching, and it’s a delight to see that growth in my students. Almost everyone loves to sing, and it’s such a joy to see when they begin to believe that they truly can sing.
John Norton
John is a talented and highly sought after vocal coach In Europe. With high level training and postgraduate qualifications from UK, USA and Europe he provides ground-up expertise to help singers and vocalists sustainably gain stamina, confidence, resilience and technique resulting in vocal, musical and interpretative excellence.
John has accumulated over 300 live paid performances in multiple music genres and provides both technical & visionary performance techniques to further develop an individual’s unique personal sound and voice.
What do you do differently or how is your coaching different from others?
I teach a technique that can be used across all genres of music focusing on a 360 degree approach to the physical body.I listen and use techniques to unblock voices, change hearing skills and re-tune the way the brain absorbs and accepts different musical sounds.
What according to you has been the single most important thing that has contributed to your success as a coach?
Having passion, energy, being unique and fully engaging with those I coach.
Dr. Joshua R. Wentz
Dr. Joshua R. Wentz has had the privilege of performing throughout the US and abroad and is in high demand as a singer, director, and conductor of opera, oratorio and musical theater worldwide. Wentz holds a DMA from the University of South Carolina, where his published research on American Opera has become a leading source.
Dr. Wentz serves on the voice faculty at CSU Northridge and manages his own private voice studio. He is often featured in choral festivals, voice competitions, and conferences around the world. He is the Artistic & Executive Director of Mission Opera in Los Angeles and Director of Music at Santa Clarita UMC. He is a two-time quarterfinalist for the Grammy Educator of the Year Award.
What do you do differently or how is your coaching different from others?
As a voice teacher and coach, it is my job to guide each student through a holistic process of musical, artistic, and personal development. In my experience, I have learned that no two students are exactly the same and they all learn differently. My comprehensive, holistic approach to education includes setting realistic, achievable goals that are individualized for each musical artist, with a clear timeline for achievement. I act as a mentor who can help support and develop the individual, as well as the singer.
What according to you has been the single most important thing that has contributed to your success as a coach?
The single most important thing in coaching is to realize that singing and performing is a journey: a partnership between the student and the teacher. It’s important to develop the whole singer, both on stage and off. Each student requires a unique approach that can be fine-tuned as the teacher and student build a solid, trusting relationship. Both parties should be open and honest about goals, techniques, and the individuality of the student in a caring and supportive environment. When you succeed as a singer, we succeed together.
Jennifer Greene
Jennifer Greene is a world-renowned vocal coach and professional performer, known for her expertise in training singers of all levels and genres. With students located around the globe, Jennifer’s coaching is sought-after for its holistic approach to vocal technique, performance skills, and artist development. As a performer herself, Jennifer tours internationally, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and engaging stage presence.
What do you do differently or how is your coaching different from others?
What sets Jennifer Greene’s vocal coaching apart is her holistic approach to technique, which takes into account the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of singing. She not only focuses on proper breathing, posture, and vocal production but also helps singers connect with the emotional content of the music and tell a story through song. As a qualified Vocal Health First Aider, Jennifer also priorities the well-being of her students’ vocal health and provides guidance on proper vocal care and injury prevention. Through her unique approach, Jennifer has helped numerous students around the world achieve their singing goals and reach their full potential as artists.
What according to you has been the single most important thing that has contributed to your success as a coach?
One of the most important things that has contributed to Jennifer Greene’s success as a vocal coach is adopting the biopsychosocial approach. This approach recognizes that singing is not just a physical act, but is also influenced by psychological and social factors. By understanding and addressing these factors in her coaching, Jennifer is able to help her students achieve greater vocal freedom and expression. Additionally, Jennifer’s passion for her craft and dedication to staying current with the latest developments in vocal science and pedagogy has helped her to remain at the forefront of the industry and to consistently deliver high-quality coaching to her students.
Rashmi Shetty
Rashmi Shetty is the Founder Director of The Third Eye. The Bhagavad Gita her inspiration. Her foray into broadcasting, helped her create the VOICE framework with which she coaches leaders on Vocal Presence. VANI is her offering to women. A National & International Award for scripting & narrating Radio Documentaries, she now hosts an award-winning podcast “U n’ I with Rashmi Shetty”. She is a member of Climate Coaching Alliance.
What do you do differently or how is your coaching different from others?
I coach leaders who want to own their voice & be visible. Six to Ten weeks is the duration of a coaching assignment where the shift in their breathing, speaking & presenting becomes evident. With this framework I work on two levels. First at the basic elements of the VOICE, i.e., Volume, Oscillation, Intonation, Clarity & Emotions . Then the movement is deeper into the leadership elements that we all carry Vulnerability, Objectivity, Information filtration, Compassion & Engagement in the team. So the journey invariably is a connection to the #voiceinme.
What according to you has been the single most important thing that has contributed to your success as a coach?
Coaching for me has been a journey of self-awareness and self-connection. This is what I try and assist consciously in my coachees’ experience too. The use of the ICF core competencies for the framework of both VOICE & VANI has been the single most successful technique for success. The use of the Johari window helps them understand their areas of improvement. Principles of Mindfulness in breathing techniques and NLP’s anchoring exercise help the coachee to stay grounded & connect strongly to the self. The calmer self helps the coachee to breathe calmly & speak with complete control.
Cheryl Porter
If you are a beginning singer and don’t know where to start this is the perfect course for you and if you are an experienced singer or a singer trying to get your voice back in shape, this course works great to brush up on your singing skills and improve your overall technique and performance. This course has 60 vocal exercises, 10 intense lessons and will keep you improving your singing for years to come.
Chris Johnson
More experienced singers often have strong direction in their stylistic identity but occasionally experience limitations in their range, flexibility or power, or may even be suffering from tiredness and vocal health problems. In just a short time I can help you to develop areas of your voice that may not have been usable,
or release any tension or discomfort that has crept in over time using tools that encourage smooth coordination of the vocal folds throughout the range. On the other hand, things might be feeling wonderful but you’re keen to tick off a few more entries from the vocal ‘wish list’.
Frédérik Robert
Frédérik Robert is one of Canada’s top vocal coaches. For over 20 years Frédérik has dedicated his work to training and supporting a multitude of artists. His eclectic and diverse studio of artists includes TV & FILM actors, Broadway singers, Pop & Rock vocalists, R&B singers, Opera singers, Singer-songwriters, and many others.
Frédérik has coached for numerous shows on networks like: Disney, Showtime, Apple TV, Hulu, and Netflix. His clients have included actors & singers like Emmy Award winner Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary), Lyne Renee (HBO Gossip Girl), Taylor Hickson (Disney’s Motherland) – to name a few. Frédérik works regularly with recording artists (Juno & Canadian Folk Music Award nominees), and is a musical director (The Music of the Night: Concert Tour).
Tara Simon
Tara Simon is a professional singer, songwriter and celebrity vocal coach. She became widely recognized as a top finalist on the second season of the X Factor. Her determination and drive to succeed began early. She moved to New York City on her 18th birthday, her sights set firmly on Broadway.
When the audition dates for Fame were announced, the creative community in the Big Apple was set on fire with excitement. After waiting in line for ten hours, she sang from the heart, and landed the role of Serena Katz where she spent the next several months on an international tour with the show. After touring Europe, Tara attended Palm Beach Atlantic University, where she gained her Bachelor of Arts in Music and Performance.
Conclusion
Finding and refining your voice can be a challenging journey, but with the right guidance and support, it becomes an achievable goal.
The diverse approaches and insights shared by these top vocal coaches can inspire and help you on your path to vocal excellence.
Whether you need help building confidence, overcoming vocal challenges, or understanding voice science, these coaches offer valuable tools and perspectives to assist you in your quest for vocal mastery.
Our highest-rated course lays the necessary foundations for this for you. This is a paid course but you can register for FREE for a limited time here.
Do you think you or a coach that you know deserves to be featured as a top vocal coach? If yes, then fill out this form and we will consider your application and get in touch with you for the next steps.
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