by Bob Rose

"You either can sing or you can't" ... "Lessons are for people who can't sing" ... "I sing fine ­why would I need singing lessons? Training is just for people who have problems singing."

Have you ever said or thought any of these tired clichés? Be honest!

Have you ever heard a doctor, an airline pilot, a lawyer, an athlete, or a famous dancer or singer talk like this? Of course not! They not only know better but are depended upon to have specialized training to perform up to the standards of their professions.

Nearly all successful artists in most idioms of music are aware that training is essential to their singing as well as their career. Vocal health and hygiene on the road, in concert, in the studio, or in general are essential­not a luxury­for a professional.

Music is a competitive industry and people are seeing vocal instructors by the thousands these days and for many good reasons.

For example: When Clint Black was getting going in the big arena, his management sent him to a good vocal teacher­ he sounds a lot better now, doesn't he? Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey had many years of training, as did Freddie Mercury.

Ask Barry Gordy, former owner of Motown Records. His acts had a stage staff on hand (in the style of old Hollywood), including a vocal trainer.

Basketball players, martial artists, football players, Olympic athletes, gymnasts, Little League teams­ all train out of necessity.

Ask yourself a few honest career questions:

• Am I competitive with the artist I admire?
• Am I on pitch at all times?
• Do I think music is more or less competitive than it was 15 years ago?
• Do I really want to do everything it takes to become successful?

If you're writing songs only, or have no intention of being a vocalist, of course this does not apply to you. If you have any aspirations of, or are pursuing, being an artist, then until you have done everything possible - including going to a vocal coach or trainer- you may never know why you're not getting any further in your career.

I always tell people to look for three main things in a vocal coach:

Background

This includes education and experience. Make sure he or she studied with a good teacher or teachers and has many years of teaching experience, along with performance experience.

Professionalism

He or she should use a proven technique that will improve your voice in all necessary areas. He or she should be clear and vocally articulate.

Facilities

Your coach should have a good facility with all the equipment necessary for state-of-the-art training.Don't just employ someone who started gigging that week and decided to teach voice.

Don't be afraid to ask about these things and whatever else you want to know. If it sound and feels good, go for it­at least until it doesn't sound and feel good anymore. Remember, as a friend of mine used to say: "Very few people can help you, but almost anyone can hurt you." When you find a good teacher, stick with him or her until you get where you're going.