Los Angeles has tons of resources for aspiring singers and vocalists. Finding a private vocal coach can help you improve your vocal technique and singing skills!
This is a curated list from my own friends locally. These are all teachers I’d personally recommend!
All prices are listed per session. Typically, vocal coach sessions are 30 minutes long. Sometimes an hourly session is possible. All of these teachers are based in Los Angeles.
- Dahlya Glick - $35/session - Dahlya is a pop and musical theater vocalist specializing in first time vocal students.
- Shannon Hunt - $65/session - One of Katie Riggs’ students (see below) focused on general voice improvements and top 40 styles. Better suited for newer vocalists or first-time singers taking lessons.
- Suzanna Griffith - $135/hr - Suzanna is a vocal coach with 15+ years of experience in pop and jazz instruction.
- Lis Lewis - $175/session - Lis is a vocal coach to many Top 40 artists.
- Katie Riggs - $200/session Versatile teacher of many styles. 20+ years of experience and many Top 40 clients.
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How to find a vocal coach in LA
I know that finding a vocal coach can seem intimidating. Here are some tips I’d recommend for finding one that meets your specific needs.
Whether you’re a new vocalist or trying to get ready for tour, here’s how to find a vocal coach:
- Ask your network: Ask other musician friends, family, and band mates for vocal coach recommendations. They may know someone with a good vocal coach or be able to recommend one. Los Angeles has tens of thousands of professional musicians. Hell, you could probably ask your yoga teacher if they know anyone and still get recommendations!
- Rehearsal studios: On the bulletin boards at most rehearsal studios in Los Angeles, you’ll find flyers and business cards for vocal coaches. With so many singers and performers, it’s hard to avoid these ads. Grab a few phone numbers next time you’re rehearsing at Pirate or Amp Studios!
- Check the reviews: For indie vocal coaches, you’ll want to connect with their current clients to see how they like the coach. Ask potential coaches for one or two current clients who you can talk to about their experience with the coach. For “bigger named” vocal coaches, you can track down Google reviews as well.
- Try a lesson: Request a trial lesson before hiring a coach full-time. This will give you a chance to see if the coach's teaching style is a good fit for you. A Top 40 vocal coach may focus more on live performance techniques, while a theater vocal coach might help you better understand harmony.
With so many musicians in a city this big, there are plenty of ways to find a new vocal coach. In my experience, asking around to friends has been the best way to find people to work with.
FAQs About Vocal Lessons
What’s the difference between voice lessons and a vocal coach?
Voice teachers teach techniques and vocal health to improve students' voices. Note accuracy, range, head vs. chest singing, voice control, and other voice-improvement techniques are covered in lessons. A singing coach helps you practice your singing and may tailor it to specific songs or techniques.
What are the basic voice types?
Knowing what kind of voice you have will help sharpen your practice and rehearsals. You can also find work as a vocalist in a choir or church if you know your vocal range. Soprano is the highest type of voice. Then alto. Tenors, baritones, and basses are typically male voices and are the lowest on the register.
Should you get a vocal coach?
Performers of all types, especially professional singers, work with vocal coaches all the time. They may take lessons to help them improve a particular part of their voice or technique. Or they may get singing lessons to help prepare for a role or rehearse specific songs.