How Do I Choose the Best Voice over Training?

Choosing the best voice over training may be critical to a successful career as a voice over artist. Whether aspiring to make local radio commercials or hoping to land a role in an upcoming animated film, finding the right voice over training can make the difference between being viewed as an amateur or a consummate professional. Some things to consider when looking for coaches or classes include available references, costs, course offerings. It may also help to look for additional training that may improve voice over acting, such as improvisation classes, acting training, and singing lessons.

It may help to seek out references before signing up for a voice over course or training program. Checking online review websites is a good way to quickly narrow down possibilities; look for coaches or voice over training schools that have a long list of positive reviews. A string of negative reviews may indicate that the coach or training school is incompetent, unprofessional, or simply in it for the money. Since voice over training can be expensive, it is important to find a program that will return results for tuition.

Voice over actors are able to use their voices to create a variety of characters for different performance mediums. Good voice over training programs will not only teach students how to use their voice, but also provide important information about the different facets of the industry, how to find jobs, and how to create a great demo reel. While review websites can be helpful in determining what a voice over training class will offer, it can also be helpful to speak personally with the coach or teachers and learn about the curriculum offered firsthand. With a one-on-one coach, ask for an introductory session to get a feel for how training will proceed; with a training school, ask about class schedules and the availability of personalized sessions.

One important quality to look for when searching for voice over training is whether the course includes the creation of a demo reel. A 60 or 90 second reel is how most voice over performers audition for jobs, and serves as a calling card to the industry. In order to impress employers, a reel needs to highlight a performer's range and be recorded on quality equipment for a professional sound. Courses that help students craft a good reel can be very important to professional prospects.

In addition to classes that specialize in voice training or reel production, aspiring voice over actors may want to consider taking additional courses to improve their abilities. Acting courses can help students learn to craft believable characters, which can be very helpful in the professional world. Improvisation classes help actors learn to be fast on their feet, resourceful, and willing to try lots of different techniques to create a performance. Singing lessons may help strengthen the vocal cords as well as improving vocal range and control.