You know the one. That kid who got the lead every year in your school musical because she had the highest and loudest belt on the planet while the rest of us were still navigating pubescent vocal cracking. As a young singer I felt frustration and envy. As a vocal technique teacher, those are the voices that sometimes concern me the most. Here’s why:

1. “SELF-TAUGHT” LABEL
   Naturally gifted singers may wish to retain the “self-taught” label. When something doesn’t feel right, they don’t seek help.
2. VOICES PUSHED BEYOND CAPACITY
   They are often complimented on how far they can push their voice – which encourages them to push it beyond capacity.
3. YOUNG VOICES BOUNCE BACK
   Their voice bounces back easily from abuse because they are young but once they get older, issues start to snowball.
4. SURROUNDED BY “YES-MEN”
   Naturally gifted singers can be drawn to teachers who support and cheer their unbalanced vocal habits. They may shut down teachers who say things they don’t want to hear.
5. PEAK CAREER CRASHING
   They establish careers based on out-of-balance vocal habits until their voices fail, and worlds crash – often at the peak of their careers.
6. TEACH THEIR OWN IMBALANCES
   Once their voices fail, they fall back on teaching other singers. Students are drawn to them because of their performance reputations. Since they’ve never had to deconstruct and understand their own vocal problems they tend to recreate those same issues in their students.

I see it all the time – whether it’s an emerging singer or a successful singer on an international stage. Sometimes they get far enough for us to witness their voice losing its luster but, more often than not, we never hear of them beyond their 30’s – their voice doesn’t make it that far. Finding a good teacher can mean the difference between a long career and a short one. Of course, some of the most ideal voices out there are singers who continue to study with a voice instructor long after they’re successful. Don’t just find a vocal cheerleader. Find a teacher who understands how to make your voice the best it can be, for as long as possible.