mrdutt

Really would appreciate some input....

My 14-year-old daughter will be a 9th grader this fall. She has been taking voice lessons for several years. For the past few months, she has been taking classical voice lessons from a college professor at the University of Georgia - in the Voice department. We feel very fortunate that he has decided to take her on. She also has performed in nearly a dozen musicals over the past few years at our local playhouse. She has been cast in a few leads such as Little Red (Into the Woods), Gerturde McFuzz (Seussical), and Dorothy (Wizard of Oz). Just thought I would provide some background info....

Do you think that it would be too early to arrange for her to have a Vocal Coach? Someone specifically trained to help her with auditions? She will be taking Drama during the fall of this year in high school. Our local theater is producing the following plays this year: Thoroughly Modern Millie, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Beauty and the Beast. I really feel as though my daughter has a realistic shot at getting some leads. Do you think that hiring a Vocal Coach could assist with her overall presentation skills? We do know that eventually - when she is older - we will hire a coach to help prepare for auditions into a musical theater college. We are fortunate to have access to several quality professors at UGA in the Drama and Theater programs - we live just minutes from the campus.

Secondly, what should we look for in a Vocal Coach? Qualifications, characteristics, etc. What do Vocal Coaches typically charge per hour? Thanks!

Lulu'sMomma

At the present time, I would stick with what you are doing. It is very easy to overwork a young voice and once nodes develop, one has to spend a long time in silence to undo the damage. Your daughter is the same age as mine and I can guarantee you that this is the advice we have been given. Also, please remember that your daughter is ONLY 14 and no matter how good she may be, she is going to HAVE to "pay her dues" and what her turn while the older kds get the leads in the community productions (even if she is clearly better than they are). I know it's not fair, and it's not the way that it works in the "real world", but that's it among the high-school and community theatre set. It is difficult to watch my D wow them as "Sarah Brown" and then lose the audition to a woman that is 35, but that's just the way it goes, I am learning that is simply the way it goes... Good luck to her!