Struggling to Stand Out in Auditions for Film and Stage? Don't Blame Your Performance... Blame Your Vocal Coach.

If you're notgetting callbacks and booking jobs, it's time to find a new coach!

In 2019, at a TONY® event, Bernie Telsey—the world’s top casting agent—told me something I’ll never forget:

“I can always spot one of your singers in auditions. Their audition material is noticeably specific and always true to who they are, unlike the rest who come in singing the same ten songs on repeat.”

Coming from someone of his caliber, it just might have been the greatest compliment I've ever received. Bernie, who regularly casts my singers for major television, film, and stage projects, affirmed what I’ve always believed: authenticity is key.

(For more about the importance of authenticity, check out this other blog post.)

But authenticity doesn’t happen by accident. A standout audition starts long before a singer enters the room. It begins with a vocal coach who takes the time to uncover and amplify what makes each singer unique. At least, that's what the world's top casting agent believes, and he's the one who decides whether you have a career or not.

Me, Joseph Stanek, on the red carpet of the TONY® Awards 2019

Why Cookie-Cutter Vocal Training Fails in Auditions for Film and Stage

Unfortunately, many singers never experience this level of personalized guidance. Even in New York City, I’ve encountered countless vocal coaches who rely on cookie-cutter curricula. While the percentage of such coaches may be lower here than elsewhere, the detrimental effects of this one-size-fits-all approach remain consistent—and damaging.

When singers are subjected to standardized training, the magic that makes their voices unique is often overlooked or suppressed, leading to serious consequences:

• Loss of Authenticity: Singers are molded into homogenous vocalists, stripped of the individuality and nuance that make their voices memorable.

• Misguided Technique: Without tailored training, singers risk developing poor habits, inadequate technique, and even long-term vocal strain.

• Stalled Careers: Generic training leads to generic auditions. Singers struggle to stand out, limiting their opportunities and long-term success. Generic auditions don't get callbacks; without callbacks, you don't book the job; without the job, you're not making money. Most singers don't realize how something like their vocal coach's methods of teaching severely affects their livelihood.

Why does this happen? Often, these vocal coaches lack the ability—or training—to recognize and nurture what makes a voice special. Many are products of the same rigid systems they perpetuate, clinging to outdated techniques that underestimate the voice’s potential. The result? A cycle that churns out singers who all sound the same and don't book jobs.

Cookie-cutter voice lessons are great... if you want to sound like everyone else. Wouldn't you want a voice coach that doesn't train away the magic in your voice?

A Different Approach

In contrast, my teaching philosophy centers on celebrating what makes each singer unique. Every voice tells a story, and my role is to help uncover and amplify that story. By listening—truly listening—I create lessons and audition material that reflect a singer’s individuality and aspirations.

This tailored approach doesn’t just build better singers; it creates confident, authentic artists who stand out in auditions and beyond.

A Success Story in Personalized Coaching

Take one of my newest Fiverr students, for example. When she booked her first lesson, I didn’t start with scales or repertoire. Instead, I focused on something far more important: getting to know her.

I learned that she’d never sung before, but she had a remarkable knowledge of music across genres and dreamed of releasing covers on social media. She’s also a passionate gamer, with a tenacity for mastering new skills. By listening to her speaking voice, I identified her rare, stratospheric coloratura soprano range.

That's all I needed to know in order to prepare a customized plan for her second lesson:

“I reached out to X, the composer behind Y video game, and he’s given us permission to use orchestrations from the soundtrack for a cover project,” I told her.

Though skeptical at first, she embraced the idea. We transformed instrumental pieces into vocalises, using her voice as the instrument. This approach not only showcased her unique sound in a completely unique way, but also helped her develop essential vocal skills.

Four lessons later, we released her first cover. Within 24 hours, it had over 400,000 views, and my student was over the moon.

The Power of Listening

To create a fully realized artist, a coach must meet students where they are—not impose a rigid system upon them. Listening helps uncover the stories, passions, and potential within each student, allowing them to discover their authentic selves through music.

So, what’s the secret to success in auditions for film and stage?

You've got to have a vocal coach who gives a damn. And the most important thing they can do it listen. Listen to your goals, listen to your interests, and listen for the golden nuggets in each voice that comes their way, then polishing those nuggets up, instead of eliminating them.

If you’re ready to uncover your voice’s unique magic, book your first lesson today.