Voice Acting

Voice Over Coaching: Selecting a Voice Over Coach

Tara Parachuk | December 15, 2023

People put their hands into the centre of a table. They are holding onto puzzle pieces. One is light blue, one is dark blue.

When it comes to voice over coaching, there’s a lot for voice talent to consider — and a few myths to bust.

In this article

  1. What Does a Voice Over Coach Do?
  2. How Voice Over Coaching Can Benefit Voice Actors of All Levels
  3. Voice Over Coaching Comes in Many Different Forms
  4. Where and How Do I Find a Good Voice Over Coach?
  5. The ‘Right Voice Over Coach’ is the One That Feels Right for You
  6. Have Patience With the Vocal Coaching Process
  7. Are You a Voice Over Coach With an Upcoming Class or Workshop?

For one, voice over coaches aren’t just for beginners. Even voice actors who have been behind the microphone for years can benefit from the guidance and feedback of an expert voice over coach.

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At Voices, we believe that personalized coaching is critical to a voice actor’s success. So, we developed a voice coach directory that provides access to coaches who can help a voice actor at any stage of their career. It’s updated regularly and contains voice over coaches who are based in the United States and beyond. On average, voice actors on Voices who have received training book 21 percent more jobs

What Does a Voice Over Coach Do?

Voice over coaches work with talent to help them discover and make the most of their talent and unique vocal qualities. They help voice actors hone skills in their craft, tackle script interpretation or address any unique challenges that they are experiencing in their career.

Voice over coaches are often experienced voice actors themselves and uniquely equipped to guide both beginner and seasoned voice actors toward the next stage in their careers. Some instructors even have experience producing audio or video.

Voice over coaching can include one-on-one vocal training sessions, in-studio recording and demo production sessions, voice acting classes and webinars held remotely or instructive videos and podcasts, such as the Voices podcast, Mission Audition.

How Voice Over Coaching Can Benefit Voice Actors of All Levels

Voice acting is a singular profession that requires its own approach. A one-on-one voice over coach can be instrumental in helping emerging voice actors find their unique take and style. If you’re considering getting into the world of voice acting, coaching should be one of the first steps you take to make sure that it will be a good fit for you.

For more advanced professionals, coaches are often a helpful resource for voice actors who have reached a roadblock in their career — whether they’re having a hard time breaking into a new facet of the industry (e.g. video games as opposed to radio work) or simply growing their business

So, if you haven’t had the success as voice over artist you’re looking for, a voice over coach can listen to your needs, support you through your journey to step up your game and help you get the job.

Experienced coaches also assist clients with a voice actor’s longevity, in terms of their business or vocal care.

In general, successful voice actors can employ voice over coaches to ensure they stay on the trajectory of continued success by expanding and fine-tuning their existing skillset.

Voice Over Coaching Comes in Many Different Forms

The formats for the coaching sessions can be varied. For instance, there are individual sessions, workshops, virtual schools or group audition workout sessions, to name a few.

When considering all of the options, a voice actor needs to select what makes the most sense for them based on their comfort level, finances and educational goals.

One plus of living in the modern age is that digital coaching through an online platform is now an effective option, especially for those clients who are located far from their voice over coach of choice. This allows you to study with the coach of your choice from anywhere in the world.

In contrast, workshops offer a vastly different setup and offer unique benefits. Specifically, the group environment allows individuals to receive feedback on their career or job while also receiving the benefit of learning from others. Networking is another important element of building up a voice over career.

When workshops integrate group auditions, the learnings gleaned from students listening in on others’ interpretations of the reads can be instrumental in a professional’s development.

Where and How Do I Find a Good Voice Over Coach?

There are many ways to find an experienced coach who can help you achieve success.

While we highly recommend visiting our voice over coaches directory for a curated lineup of coaches who are Voices-approved, there are several other routes you can take to source an experienced voice coach. Reaching out to your professional network, perusing the web and attending voice acting webinars are all effective methods for finding a good voice over coach.

Let’s take a look at how to find and select the perfect voice over coach who suits your specific career path in the world of voice acting:

  1. Determine why you have decided to seek voice over coaching. Do you need guidance as you transition between industries with one-on-one instruction? Are you interested in learning to perform an accent for a particular role or job? Would you like help interpreting copy?
  2. Search the web. Many voice over coaches have websites where you can access all the details of the voice over coaching they offer, including skills and areas of expertise.
  3. Reach out to your network. A referral from a fellow voice actor in your professional network is, of course, a great way to find a new voice acting coach. Speak with your peers on a regular basis to make sure you’re not missing any opportunities.
  4. Peruse our voice coach directory. Voices has a curated directory of voice over coaches that can be filtered by region, language, category, specialization and budget.
  5. Narrow your options based on coaching styles and specialties. A particular style of coaching program may resonate more with you than others. Familiarize yourself with the options available as you narrow down your list of voice coaches to work with.
  6. Select the coach who is right for you. Ultimately, selecting the best voice coach for your needs will boil down to a range of factors: availability, budget, industry and more.

The ‘Right Voice Over Coach’ is the One That Feels Right for You

Because coaching is an investment in both time and finances, a voice actor can feel a lot of pressure to find the ‘right’ coach to teach them.

Similar to making any other investment, voice actors often read reviews online and vet a coach’s experience, skills and claims against what seems reasonable.

On this front, there are a lot of highly accomplished coaches who are interested in taking on students at various price points and in many different formats. Whenever possible, take advantage of free introductory phone calls or opportunities to get to know the voice over coach and ask them questions about their skills. This way, you can feel sure that you’ve found a good coach and the right person for you.

Have Patience With the Vocal Coaching Process

One of the most common questions that voice over students have for voice coaches is, “How long will it take?”

A normal answer to receive is, “It depends.”

Truly, the success of a coaching session will depend on many factors, not the least of which are the student’s expectations and goals, previously identified challenges, newly identified roadblocks and the willingness to commit to the process.

Are You a Voice Over Coach With an Upcoming Class or Workshop?

If you are an instructor and have a workshop coming up (or a series of scheduled workshops/lectures), send us an email and we’ll add them to our voice coaches directory

We’ve received inquiries from voice actors about who to study with and how to find workshops specific to a particular voice over niche.

Many of these individuals also want to network with fellow voice actors in a friendly, educational setting offline (that is, in person, face-to-face) and develop communities to perfect their voice acting craft and be a support system for each other.

There is no better way to reach a substantial audience looking for these kinds of educational opportunities. Plus, you’ll be helping students connect with each other. That’s a win-win!

Once you’ve worked closely with a voice coach and feel ready to launch your voice acting career, get started by signing up for a Voices account.

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Comments

  • Avatar for Lazarus Carver
    Lazarus Carver
    June 9, 2019, 12:39 pm

    I would really love too voice act like. It seems really fun too be on a fun cartoon and make friends.

    Reply
  • Avatar for Desiree Diggs
    Desiree Diggs
    June 13, 2019, 2:36 am

    I’m trying to find a class to get started with the voiceover career. Can you help?

    Reply
  • Avatar for Matthew Garrett
    Matthew Garrett
    November 14, 2019, 3:19 pm

    I’ve been a huge fan of cartoons, anime, and video games my whole life, if not for these things I wouldn’t be who I am today. I’m new to this whole voice over thing, but I’m thankful for the people who voice over my favorite characters, and bring life to them. I’d like to bring life to characters too. I’m just not sure about how to get started.

    P.S. I’m not sure either one would specifically remember me, but I’ve met a couple of voice actors that are the ones who got me interested in voice over being Todd Haberkorn the english voice actor of Natsu Dragneal from the anime Fairy Tail as well as many more, and Charles Martinet the voice of Super Mario the mustachioed plumber from the Super Mario Bros. video games.

    Reply
  • Avatar for Randolph Bowers
    Randolph Bowers
    November 24, 2019, 12:42 pm

    I often hear that my voice should be on radio or in voice overs because of it’s Barry White type sound… Lol! A friend of mine told me to seriously look into voice acting. I’m intrigued by it all and curious to see what I can make of it.

    Reply
    • Avatar for oliver
      oliver
      November 26, 2019, 4:56 pm

      Hey Randolph,

      Haha! Feel free to sign up for a talent account and start browsing available voice over jobs at: https://www.voices.com/signup

      Reply
  • Avatar for Antonio Valter Souza de Jesus
    Antonio Valter Souza de Jesus
    January 15, 2020, 9:15 pm

    Outstanding
    The positive tips are related to develop our lives and for myself it doesn’t matter how long it will take.
    The right info is what matters;
    I am new flesh, people use to say that I have an outstanding voice. I wanna work it out.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dorcas Ekupe
      Dorcas Ekupe
      April 30, 2020, 3:33 am

      Well I’ve got no professional degree and I am a non US Citizen
      I’ll love to volunteer as well
      Love reading aloud and narrating books
      Fun

      Reply
  • Avatar for Dorcas Ekupe
    Dorcas Ekupe
    April 30, 2020, 3:31 am

    Wow so great
    Well I’ll need voice over course online
    Especially in the domain of audiobook Narration
    And a course on animated movies

    Reply
  • Avatar for Camera O
    Camera O'Donoghue
    May 27, 2020, 2:53 pm

    I want to be a voice actress. The reason I want to voice act is because I’m not very good at making perfect expressions.. But if I want my voice to sound sad or excited, I can make it sad or excited. Also in voice acting you can make a lot of friends and bond with them and stuff. It seems really cool.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Oliver Skinner
      Oliver Skinner
      May 28, 2020, 11:10 am

      Hi Camera,

      To start auditioning for voice over work, I’d encourage you to sign up for a Voices talent account. From there, you’ll get the opportunity to fill out your profile, get access to our vast job board of voice over casting calls, and post your demo.

      Feel free to check out our Talent Help page, and never hesitate to send us an email with any questions at [email protected].

      If you’re still in need of some tips on cutting your teeth in the industry, our Beginner’s Guide to Voice Acting is a helpful resource that’s jam-packed with info about the voice over world.

      I hope that helps. Happy recording, and best of luck on your voice over journey!
      Oliver

      Reply
  • Avatar for Damilola Abdul
    Damilola Abdul
    June 18, 2020, 3:51 pm

    I want to be a voice actor. But i don’t know how to I was told to sign up for a training class but i don’t know how to

    Reply
    • Avatar for Oliver Skinner
      Oliver Skinner
      June 29, 2020, 1:24 pm

      Hey Damilola,

      You can read up on the different types of voice acting classes that are out there. Some take place in-studio, but there are also online and remote options.

      We also have a podcast for voice actors who are looking to brush up on their audition technique. You’re bound to find some valuable info by taking a listen to that.

      Best,
      Oliver

      Reply
  • Avatar for Mel
    Mel
    July 22, 2020, 7:23 am

    People tell me I have a beautiful deep voice. How can I get voice training?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Oliver Skinner
      Oliver Skinner
      July 29, 2020, 5:02 pm

      Hi Mel,

      You may be interested in checking out our directory of voice over coaches.

      Best,
      Oliver

      Reply
  • Avatar for Charles Lewis-foster
    Charles Lewis-foster
    July 24, 2020, 5:40 pm

    Hello i am charles I am very interested in becoming a voice over Artis I am not sure where to start or how do I get going in the voice over field please help

    Reply
    • Avatar for Oliver Skinner
      Oliver Skinner
      July 27, 2020, 1:19 pm

      Hello Charles,

      Signing up for a Voices talent account is the best way to begin building your online presence and auditioning for voice over work.

      Cheers,
      Oliver

      Reply
  • Avatar for Miguel Martinez
    Miguel Martinez
    August 12, 2020, 7:28 am

    I have a robotic sound like voice that I can do.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Oliver Skinner
      Oliver Skinner
      August 12, 2020, 10:08 am

      Hey Miguel,

      When you sign up for a Voices talent account and you’re filling out your profile, you’ll have the opportunity to list your vocal expertise – such as putting on a robotic-sounding voice, or actually playing a robot character – so your profile and demos will be showcased when clients need to hire someone who sounds like you.

      Reply
  • Avatar for Gopika Rajendran
    Gopika Rajendran
    August 12, 2020, 10:01 am

    I am trying to find voice over classes. Can you pls help.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Oliver Skinner
      Oliver Skinner
      August 12, 2020, 10:15 am

      Hi Gopika,

      You ought to check out our list of phenomenal voice over coaches. You can filter the featured coaches based on region, language, category, specialization, and budget. If you’d like to attend coaching sessions in person, you may also want to do a search of “voice over coach + [your area].”

      You’d probably also benefit from checking out this chapter about voice over training in our Beginner’s Guide to Voice Acting.

      Best of luck,
      Oliver

      Reply
  • Avatar for Kyle Brennan
    Kyle Brennan
    October 28, 2020, 2:17 pm

    I think the most interesting thing about me is that I have been imitating voices and accents most of my life. Maybe a hobby of mine I suppose, but I have enjoyed coming up with many different voices and personas over the years. I would love to have a career with my voice. That would be a dream come true. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to go about doing that. Any information or advice from anyone would be most appreciated. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Oliver Skinner
      Oliver Skinner
      October 29, 2020, 9:21 am

      Hey Kyle,

      You sound really committed to pursuing a career in voice acting. To familiarize yourself with the industry, I’d recommend checking out our Beginner’s Guide to Voice Acting. You’re also bound to benefit from tuning into some episodes of our podcast Mission Audition, which features professional vocal coaches evaluating a number of auditions for voice over jobs.

      Once you understand the industry and feel ready to get started, I’d suggest signing up for a Voices talent account. Our YouTube channel has a ton of helpful videos that can guide you through setting up your profile, recording a high-quality demo, and more.

      Reply
  • Avatar for Doha El-Sayed
    Doha El-Sayed
    November 25, 2020, 9:54 am

    Hello,
    I would like to know more about the training/course details.
    Duration
    prices

    Reply
    • Avatar for Oliver Skinner
      Oliver Skinner
      November 28, 2020, 10:44 am

      Hi Doha,

      The duration and pricing of voice over coaching can really vary! I’d recommend browsing through our curated directory of voice over coaches to find the training program that’s right for you.

      Reply
  • Avatar for Priyanka
    Priyanka
    December 12, 2020, 1:08 pm

    Hi..my son is keen interested in dubbing and I want to enroll him in voice over course.. plz help

    Reply
  • Avatar for Thomas Barletta
    Thomas Barletta
    February 15, 2021, 11:10 pm

    I’ve always been told my voice is unique and stands out. I would love to be a voice actor or narrator.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Oliver Skinner
      Oliver Skinner
      February 18, 2021, 2:19 pm

      Hi Thomas,

      It sounds like you’re ready to launch your voice acting career. Sign up for a Voices account to get access to voice over jobs featured on our platform.

      Reply
  • Avatar for Anita Tierney
    Anita Tierney
    February 28, 2021, 10:30 pm

    Hello,
    I am very interested in becoming an audio reader. I would like to connect with a voiceover coach to discuss options and recommendations for training. Are there on-line courses and instruction available?
    Thank you and I Iook forward to hearing from you.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Oliver Skinner
      Oliver Skinner
      March 1, 2021, 9:58 am

      Hi Anita,

      Thanks for reaching out. You can learn all about the foundations of voice acting with our Beginner’s and Professional’s Guides to Voice Acting, as well as our YouTube channel. If you’d like to get in touch with a voice over coach, check out our Coaches directory.

      Reply
  • Avatar for Sujita
    Sujita
    April 8, 2021, 7:12 am

    I want a voiceover traning .
    Can you help me out?

    Reply
  • Avatar for Yann
    Yann
    April 12, 2021, 10:39 am

    Hello,
    My name is Yann and I’m 14. I would really love to be a voice actor. I can’t wait to work with u!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Oliver Skinner
      Oliver Skinner
      April 12, 2021, 11:04 am

      Hi Yann,

      Subscribe to a Voices talent membership to get started!

      Reply
  • Avatar for Sharon njeri
    Sharon njeri
    April 16, 2021, 10:59 am

    I really want to be a voice actor and I don’t really know if they will take my kind of voice but I’m excited if they do it seams really fun and I can’t wait

    Reply
  • Avatar for Débora Lima
    Débora Lima
    May 3, 2021, 8:52 pm

    I really like site….I would also like to start in this stretch in this experience has a very good experience

    Reply