5 Experts Every Singer Should Have On Their Team
When you’re serious about your singing career, one of the most powerful shifts you can make is this: Stop thinking of yourself as “just a singer,” and start thinking of yourself as a business.
And like any successful business, you’re going to need a solid team around you.
Too many singers – especially early in their careers – try to go it alone. We think we have to be self-sufficient, prove ourselves, work everything out by ourselves. But the truth is, no one builds a sustainable, thriving career solo. You need your people.
So who are those people?
Here are five essential professionals I believe every serious singer should have in their corner.
1. A Singing Teacher Who Gets You
You need someone who understands your instrument and your artistry. Someone who can help you develop your technique, keep your voice healthy and guide your progress in a way that aligns with your goals. This is not about turning you into a copy of them. It’s about helping you sing more like YOU – with skill, style, and confidence.
And a great voice teacher knows when to say, “This bit isn’t mine – let’s bring someone else in.” That’s gold.
2. A Specialist Voice Coach
This is the person who helps you bring the song off the page. Think interpretation, style, audition cuts, phrasing, emotional connection – all the performance polish that makes you compelling. They might cross over with your singing teacher, or they might be a separate part of your team.
Especially for musical theatre and multi-genre singers, having both a technical guide and an interpretive coach can be a game-changer.
3. A Laryngologist or ENT Who Understands Performers
Notice I didn’t just say “any ENT.” You want someone who’s experienced in working with singers, actors, and professional voice users. Someone who knows that your voice is your career, and can give you both the clinical insight and the empathy you need if anything goes wrong.
Don’t wait for a crisis. Build this connection early – find out who’s respected in your area, who works in a voice clinic, and get on their radar.
4. A Speech and Language Therapist/Pathologist
This is your go-to if you need support with voice function, vocal fatigue, or recovering after illness or injury. They’re trained to help you regain vocal efficiency and manage behaviour patterns that could be affecting your voice day to day.
And if you’re lucky enough to find an SLT/SLP who also has a singing background? Even better. They’ll understand the nuance of your vocal demands.
5. A Mental Health Professional or Mentor You Trust
We don’t talk about this enough. Your mental and emotional well-being directly impacts your performance, your resilience, your voice, your career choices – everything.
Whether it’s a therapist, counsellor, or a trusted mentor who can hold space for you when things get tough, having someone outside your work and family life to talk to is crucial. You are not a machine.
Bonus: Other Modalities That Support Your Whole Self
Depending on your needs, your extended team might include a physio, osteopath, massage therapist, Alexander Technique teacher, yoga practitioner, or nutritionist. Think of this as your holistic support crew – the people who help keep the rest of you in tune, not just your voice.
Build Your Team Before You Need Them
This is a key mindset shift. Don’t wait until you’re injured, burnt out, or overwhelmed. Start forming your team now – even if it’s just reaching out, making connections, having that first conversation.
You don’t need to do everything alone. We have our own list of preferred professionals that we go to so contact us if you have any issues finding your team.
Think of yourself as the CEO of your own vocal career.
Build your village.
Check out our “Meet The Team” page – we’ve just added more Registered Teachers to our roster, including singing teachers, vocal coaches and an SLT
Check out our podcast episode “A Voice Teacher’s Dilemma: Rehab vs Outreach” with Broadway Singing Voice Specialist Mike Ruckles where we talk about the team he has collected.
Want help figuring out your next move or building the right support around your voice and career? This is what I do. Book a career coaching session and let’s talk.
