Who am I? Attributes of the Singing Teacher: A Preliminary Report on Research into Qualities of Singing Teachers

Abstract

A body of research exists that investigates the role of the teachers in the lives of students. The latest study of Hargreaves D, Welch G, Purves, R and Marshall N, (forthcoming) into the attributes of music teachers, along with the works of Yang (2002) in the field of piano pedagogy have contributed much to this debate. In the field of singing, Collins (2001), Ostrow (2002), Monks (2003), and Patenaude-Yarnell (2003) have recently reflected on desirable traits of singing teachers.

This paper seeks to investigate some of the qualities that are desirable for a singing teacher from the perspective of students, teachers and others. The balance of the teacher-performer is examined, along with personality traits, musical competency skills, knowledge of the vocal mechanism and organisation. The recent research cited above is reviewed and some new data from students and teachers is presented in an attempt to provide some guidance and solutions to the singing teaching community.