Optimize your coaching session
So, all is ready and your coach has confirmed. They have made all travel arrangements. Now what…?
The success of a coaching session can be much improved by having a good preparation. Isn´t that always in our chorus life? Preparation is key? To maximize the value of a coaching session for your choir, we suggest to work in three steps, before, during and after the coaching.
Before the Session
Prepare specific goals for the session. This can be done by the MD, together with the music team and section leaders. Or this can be done as a specific session with the whole chorus. We like to dedicate all our time to singing but sometimes a short 15 minutes discussion on goals can be very relevant and can improve the idea of going into the coaching together. Are you preparing for a performance or competition? Do you want to focus on technique, interpretation, or both? What specific results are you hoping for?
Identify particular problem areas you want addressed. Maybe you have some technical difficulties you're struggling with (pitch, rhythm), there can be stylistic elements you want help with (story telling, performance, embellishments). You can have balance issues between sections or some problem spots in particular pieces (think chord structure, breathing points etc…).
Think beforehand of the songs and material that you want the coach to work on. Have your music well prepared and make sure all singers have their music in place as well.
Brief the coach on some basic context of the chorus like size and makeup (number of singers, voice parts, age range, experience levels), your choir's background and (competition) history, regular rehearsal schedule and typical rehearsal structure (sectionals, voice coaching).
Be well prepared logistically. Groups move slow (my favourite expression in chorus logistics) so make a time schedule that incorporates time to move, to relax and to evaluate.
Session duration and schedule
Available equipment (piano, audio system, etc.)
Room setup and acoustics
Ask all members to bring their water bottles (and straws for bubbling…)
Create time to work with the full chorus, and maybe with sections or section leaders separately.
During the Session
Of course you will start with a brief introduction between coach and chorus. After that you might review the agenda and goals for the session. It is important to create an atmosphere of openness to feedback and new ideas.
Maximizing Learning by allowing the coach to lead without interruption during their dedicated time. Be strict about not interrupting the coach. They are your guest and it is crucial to be polite at all times and not start discussion while working with the chorus. Designate one person (usually the musical director) to facilitate between coach and choir
Create a ´learning atmosphere´ where singers mark their scores with feedback in pencil. Maybe not all are able to read sheet music but most are familiar with the lyrics part and can use that for general instructions. Avoid defensive responses to critiques.
Take videos of demonstrated techniques (with permission) for later reference. From personal experience a good video says more than a 1000 words. It is some work to edit all later on but it is a very good way to increase the coaching value.
Create regular schedule short breaks to prevent vocal fatigue. Allow time for the coach to work with individual sections if needed. Balance run-throughs with focused work on specific passages and save time at the end for a complete performance incorporating new techniques.
Schedule a brief reflection period at the end to summarize key takeaways. Or use videos as suggested. Ask the coach for specific resources for future reference. Document all specific exercises or techniques the coach introduces. Express appreciation for specific insights the coach provided.
After the Session
Review notes and recordings with your choir. Also check on the emotional part. How do we feel? Stronger or more confused? Motivated or demotivated? Was there a good fit between coach and chorus? Evaluate what worked well and what could be improved for future sessions.
Develop a plan to implement the coach's suggestions. Schedule focused rehearsal time to work on specific techniques covered and consider follow-up questions for the coach if needed.
Try to develop the coaching learnings in overall, more general learnings by creating a common language, based on the improvements.