13 Levels To Our Vocal Artist Singing Development Program

September 17, 2008 by Paul Gasztold

Vocal Artist Singing Development Has 13 Levels

Vancouver Singer: I'd like to understand the bigger picture of how a Singer's vocal development progresses. Is there a MAP/model that Singers progress through that shows the stages of growth and what can be expected at each vocal/artistry level?




Vancouver Singing Teacher: Understanding the bigger picture is very valuable. When you plan a long trip you can look at a map and plan your journey. You know what to expect and most importantly what it takes to get there.

Vancouver Singer: I can see that. I expect that every Singer, regardless of their experience or musical style would go through a similar process of growth through the years.



Vancouver Singing Teacher: Absolutely, the way people go through the phases can be different but
accomplished vocal artists have completed all phases. Just like if you were driving across Canada. You cannot skip a province or territory. With singing you might do them in a different order but you need them all in my experience.



Vancouver Singer: I expected that.



Vancouver Singing Teacher: Wanting to understand the process is a sign to me that a vocal artist is starting to look beyond a quick fix, instant gratification mentality and look at their vocal development journey as a life process.

Singing development is a journey much more than a destination

Vancouver Singer: One that can be tremendously rewarding and fulfilling and fun.



Vancouver Singing Teacher: Beautifully said. This is the most important thing. It is very much a journey and not a destinatation.


Vancouver Singing Teacher: Here is a breakdown of the 13 phases of vocal development as I see it.

( editor's note: this map is in the process of being edited and completed )

Level 1 : FREEING the singing voice Level I. This involves removing vocal coordinations/habits that limit the correct use of the vocal chords and physical body. Unlocking the singing muscles that limit your singing voice. This phase can take a few weeks, or months depending on how quickly the singer is willing to change. Change is key here.

Level 2: INTRODUCE new vocal coordinations. With the right vocal coach this phase can be begun simultaneously with level 1. There are techniques that simultaneously remove obsolete singing habits while introducing NEW VOCAL Coordinations. This phase can take weeks or months depending on willingness to change and exposure to new techniques ( ie. frequency of working with vocal coach in person or using CD system ).

Level 3: CONDITIONING and integrating the new vocal coordinations. In this phase Singers develop consistency in their use of the vocal coordinations that serve them. This phase can take weeks to months depending on focus and habits. And willingness to change and release old habits completely. New singers can have an advantage here. Some more experienced singers might cling to what 'worked' for them yesterday. Releasing the old completely is the fastest and only way to progress through this phase.

Level 4: Emotional Connection ( Personal ). This phase really should start with phase 1. At this time the Singer now has a vocal instrument with freedom and range. The singing voice is becoming more and more free and it is time to focus very much on the personal emotional connection with the song. This phase is about connecting with SELF.

Level 5:Emotional Connection Audience. The singer in the previous phase has learned to connect with themselves deeply and in a very fulfilling way. Now they take it and learn to sing to another making them feel the same way. This involves confidence training in a systematic way. The vocal coach can assist tremendously in helping the Singer identify and progressively move through blocks. This is a very liberating stage. ANYONE can succeed at this with the right tools, techniques and a caring coach. This is a very fulfilling and rewarding process. It is all about FREEDOM and connection.

Level 6: Style Development. Do you wish to be a copy or an original? Your original self is always the most potent by far. This is about finding and refining your own voice style and personality. We can model the great singers and artists to attain those traits that we want for ourselves.

Level 7:Artist 'Career' Mapping. Professional as well as Amateur minded Singers need to progress to the next level where they share their music with others. Whether it is recording, or performance to family or on a much larger scale.


This level is about mapping out the path and beginning the journey. Much learing is needed for the artist to move beyond the media conditioned limiting mindset to understand 1) what is really possible 2) what the Singer really wants and WHY and 3 ) ways to get there


With niche marketing and the Internet there are many ways to do this that didn't exist before. At the same time the old ways of the recording industry have changed. Singers must learn the differences.




Level 8:Vocal Mastery I

Level 9:Artist Career Development. Now that the Singer has a viable map and knows what is involved in getting there. Working with their vocal or artist career coach they set out a plan to accomplish their goals and work the plan. Not all vocal coaches know how to help Singers through this step so they might need to hire a consultant.


( Paul Gasztold is an expert career coach especially in the arena of independent music promotion and career development ).

Level 10: Vocal Mastery II




Level 11: Artist Development - Style and originality


Level 12: Emotional Depth and Connection Level 2. This phase alone can make the difference between a Singer who moves the listener in a profound and meaningful way. This level supercedes all other levels in importance. With mastery of emotional connection and delivery you can reach someone even without vocal technique. Without this mastery of the emotions all technique is rendered meaningless. Mastery of this phase takes the Singer to the level or great artistry. You know you are at this level when listeners cannot get enough of you because of what you do for them. This is the grail of Singing.


Level 13: Vocal Mastery III. This level never ends. A Master Singer always seeks to:

-> be more, reach their audience on a deeper more genuine level
-> reach a deeper audience on a niche or wider scale
-> connect more and more with self
-> Spiritual connection - many Singers realize that for them this is an essential key to their growth and what they have to give others
-> making a living from their music
-> more vocal freedom in singing technique
-> style development - being an original is always the best
-> etc etc etc

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Paul Gasztold is an Expert Vocal Coach, Singing Teacher and Artist Development Specialist


Singers in Canada and Internationally study with Paul in person or by phone to discover the genuine, natural and free singing voice that has always been wihin them.