I Don't Know How I Teach Singing
08/02/25
I spend the most hours of my weeks teaching singers privately. This week, one of the singers I work with asked me when I will write a book. It was most certainly not the first time someone asked me that question!
Never say never, but it’s highly unlikely I will ever write a book on singing. I can’t imagine writing down all the ways I work with singers… And I would want to be able to come to your house, take the book you’d bought from me and edit it, because I’ve learned a new thing, I’ve gained more knowledge, my point of view has changed, I’ve acquired a new understanding, I’ve developed a new skill,…
That’s why I’m so happy with my blog and The singsing Sofa Library!
I get to edit, add, delete,… whenever I feel the need. Every day, the library becomes better and better.
But let’s get back to the subject of this blog post: Private voice lessons and vocal coaching, and how I approach these.
Is there a Road Map?
You might think that I pull up a fixed road map when you come to me with a challenge. Or maybe you think that I prepare your lessons, one at the time, or even a few lessons ahead? On the contrary! I prepare absolutely nothing. I just show up 😬
When I welcome you to my (online) classroom, I have absolutely no idea what we’re going to do, even if I would’ve written down *Let’s do this next time* at the end of your previous lesson.
I will however ask you questions like:
- “What has presented itself since last lesson?”
- “What are your thoughts on the lesson and your practice since then?”
- “Do you have questions?”
- “What’s the challenge you want to work on today?”
And then we do a check-in to become aware of what is presenting itself today in your body, mind and voice; without judgement. It’s only then that I will start to have an idea of what might be appropriate strategies, exercises, techniques, focal points,…
And even then, I will not rigidly impose those on you. It’s a collaboration.
So when you bring a certain challenge to your lesson, I don’t use a fixed “road map to the solution”. Yes, there might be a certain order of certain steps that helps most singers to reach that particular goal. But your body, brain and voice are unique. It might be that you need a totally different approach to reach the same goal and I must always stay open to hear and see the signs that tell me that you need something else.
Even if that certain order of those certain steps would indeed turn out to be the perfect approach for you, my job is not to serve it to you on a platter. I will ask you questions and facilitate playful experimentation without judgement, so you discover your personal road map. I don’t give it to you like a quick fix, but I guide you towards finding a sustainable approach yourself.
What you have learned with a quick fix will disappear quite soon after the lesson. The sustainable approach that came to you via me coaching you towards your power to get there by yourself will create long-lasting results.
The Necessary Art of Biting Ones Tongue
I have to admit that mastering the art of biting my tongue can be challenging. Sometimes, when I hear you sing, I’m screaming “THIS is what you need in order to reach your goal!” inside my head. When I hold my horses, ask questions and facilitate exploration, it happens sò often that we end up with an even better strategy. These are the moments in which I, as a teacher, also become a student. I have then learned from your process.
Sometimes I fail at biting my tongue and I enthusiastically serve you “the solution”. Was it indeed the best strategy? Maybe. Could there have been an even better strategy? Maybe. Will your learning have happened in a sustainable way? We need to go back to the future to know.
(If you’re now thinking “Huh? Back to the future?”, you’re too young to get this joke and you need to fill this hole in your culture.)
When I hear you sing and I notice some things that I would personally find interesting to work on – but you have not uttered a word on these, it’s again important that I (try to) bite my tongue. I will ALWAYS (try to, hum hum) start by asking you “What has presented itself in your body, mind and voice?”. And if it’s hard for you to reply that question, it’s my job to guide you to that awareness. Because without awarenes, no learning will take place.
When you specifically ask what I would find interesting to work on, I will tell you what I’ve noticed. I will also tell you that when I suspect that you lack a certain awareness to realize that this certain thing is really essential to tackle. Maybe it is a fundamental skill. Or it might be standing in the way of the goals you have. Even then, I will not blankly tell you “This is a problem, this is the solution and this is how you get there.” I will – again – guide you towards awareness by asking questions and facilitating playful exploration without judgement.
The Word “Problem” Is Problematic
I will never ever (pinkie swear) use the word “problem” to identify a challenge. I also avoid using “good”, “bad” and all the other words that bring judgement in the room. Judgement sabotages learning.
And if you would use this kind of wording, I’ll always try to help you rephrase what you just said. EVERYTHING that presents itself in your singing is interesting and is giving you valuable information on how you can reach your goals.
And by the way, did you know that your brain needs “mistakes” to understand and functionally train the skills you want learn? So yes, I urge you to celebrate your “mistakes”. Ugh… Another word that I don’t like. Can we call them “attempts that lead you in a less-desired direction”? Feel free to send me better suggestions 😬
I Don’t Know, It Depends…
2 years ago, I came across this quote from “Excellence in Singing” by Robert Caldwell and Joan Wall. It made me jump up and down for joy. THIS is the teacher I’m aspiring to be.
The more you include your student in the teaching equation — the more you consider their needs, capabilities, personality, and dreams — the more dynamic your teaching becomes and the less you can predict how you will teach. Like dancing, even when you are leading, you cannot expect to follow a rigid pattern of steps. Throughout the dance, you must adapt to your partner — their balance, pace, rhythms, and movements — and you won’t know exactly where or how you will take the next step. You won’t know where on the dance floor the two of you will end up.
Unpredictability is a special feature of excellent teachers. While they know precisely what they want to accomplish, they don’t know exactly how they will do it. Ask them how they will teach minute by minute and they honestly answer, “I don’t know. It depends on the student.” These teachers are a long way from presenting the same routine to every student.
Instead of plowing over their students, excellent teachers touch just the right problems with just the right solutions. They seem to offer an endless variety of responses to their students, with no two responses the same. And though their methods appear haphazard to an outside observer, their students steadily and reliably improve.
Getting to work with singers who entrust me with their voices on such a personal and often emotional journey is truly an honor. I cherish every moment spent guiding you towards your full vocal potential.
Because your voice deserves to be heard!
So, are you ready to embark on your vocal adventure with me? Book your free Discovery Call and let’s get started!
What I also appreciate very much is her respect for every one of her clients / students.
Singer
Esther De Bièvre - Recovery therapist
Kenneth Ottoy, Singer of Plagiaat & Piron
Kelly Van Hove - Entertrainer focused on Soft HR & communication workshops / Vocational Musical Theatre Singer
Nele Willekens - Library youth worker
I highly recommend Sarah if you are looking for a voice specialist!
Gwendy - Vocational singer
Amy Bebbington - Director of Training bij Association of British Choral Directors
Pieter Van Hecke, Vocational singer
Nele - Singer & Youth Library Worker
Stella Handley - Vocational Singer
Susanne Vahle - Vocational singer
Maud Retter - Speech therapist
Janet Wilson - Vocational singer
Breg Horemans - Vocational singer
Dr. Tracy Smith Bessette - Singer, Voice Instructor, Early Music Coach & Course Lecturer
M.J. Johnson, Singing Teacher and Vocal Coach
Bec Tilley, Voice Coach & Singer
Jess Blatchley, Singing Teacher and Jazz Singer
I love that she doesn’t teach by using a theoretical approach. She uses methods that allow the body to do more of what comes naturally and as a result, you get healthy vocal sounds and song.
She couples this with her use techniques that allow one to manage things like performance anxiety with much greater ease. It’s a win- win as I have in the past 6 months started to perform at jam sessions and more. I love it!
Kim, Vocational Singer
Haike D'haese - Singer & Actress
Bec Tilley, Voice Coach & Singer
Diane Speirs - Singer & Voice Teacher
It's not pre-made shit, it's to the point.
Esther De Bièvre - Recovery therapist
Ariane De Dom - Vocational singer
Manon Campens - Singer
Susanne Vahle - Vocational singer
As always, feel free to send me your thoughts, questions, and feedback in the comments below this blog, via the contact form or in the singsing! online community 
Cordially,
Sarah