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The Voice Artist as Educator:
Reimagining the Role of Teaching

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By Rudy Gaskins, April 13, 2025

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In the vibrant world of voice acting, acting, and singing, many talented individuals find themselves stepping into the role of teacher, not always by design but often by necessity. Teaching becomes a practical solution to financial gaps between gigs, a way to stay connected to their craft, or a chance to contribute meaningfully to the next generation of performers. Some do it out of passion. Others, quite simply, to make ends meet. Yet in this growing realm of artist-entrepreneurs, a critical truth often goes unspoken: being a working professional in the arts does not automatically qualify one to be a great teacher.

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And yet, many private coaches in the arts operate in an unregulated space, relying primarily on personal branding, social media presence, testimonials, and reputation to attract students. This creates a unique and sometimes precarious marketplace for learners, especially beginners, who may find themselves investing in instruction from someone with a dazzling resume but without the refined tools or structure of a true educator.

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When the student is seeking the right teacher, it’s important to recognize that a teacher’s professional credentials are only part of the story. Often, they are the part crafted to attract clients or validate their ability to record for a job. But for the student, what matters even more is the teacher’s ability to impart knowledge in a way that empowers and transforms. In the vibrant world of voice acting, acting, and singing, it’s not uncommon for talented performers to turn to teaching, sometimes out of passion, sometimes out of necessity. The question becomes: Can they teach with the same artistry and skill they bring to their performance?

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This is not a critique of artists who teach. In fact, it is quite the opposite. It is an invitation to deepen the craft of teaching with the same rigor and humility artists bring to their performances. When done well, teaching is its own art form. It requires training, empathy, and ongoing practice.

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“The classroom remains the most radical space of possibility.”
   – Bell Hooks

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The Hidden Gap: Knowing vs. Teaching

A successful voice actor may possess an extraordinary range of vocal ability, deep insight into character development, and an impressive list of credits. But translating that knowledge into a transformative experience for another person requires a very different skill set. Teaching is not simply sharing what you know. It is about helping someone else discover what they don’t yet know in a way that makes them feel empowered, capable, and curious.

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“The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.”
   – anonymous

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The best educators understand pedagogy, which is the science of how people learn. They meet students where they are. They adapt to different learning styles. They foster a safe environment where questions are welcome, mistakes are seen as growth, and progress is measured in understanding, not perfection.
That kind of impact does not happen by accident.–

The Ongoing Craft of Teaching

For those who are already working as coaches in the arts or considering it, the question is not whether you are good enough to teach. The question is: are you ready to become a student of teaching itself?

Artists who teach can benefit enormously from exploring the fundamentals of instructional design, adult learning theory, and one-on-one coaching techniques. They can shadow experienced educators, attend teaching workshops, or even engage in continuing education programs tailored to the arts. This is not about bureaucracy or formality. It is about sharpening the blade of your own potential to serve others more effectively.

Even simple practices, such as creating feedback loops with your students, seeking mentorship from master educators, or reflecting on your own teaching sessions, can go a long way in helping you evolve. This is especially important for artists who may not currently be booking professional work. Staying active as an educator and continually refining your teaching practice can keep you connected to your industry in a powerful and authentic way.

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Teaching as a Sacred Responsibility

At its best, teaching is an act of service. It requires not just knowledge, but generosity, discipline, and the courage to meet each student’s individual path with curiosity and respect. In the arts, where dreams, identities, and self-worth are often intertwined with performance, this responsibility is even more sacred.

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“A good teacher is like a candle; it consumes itself to light the way for others.”
   – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

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So yes, your years of experience matter. Your resume matters. But your presence in the room, your skill at listening, and your ability to adapt and inspire are the things that will truly define your impact as a teacher.

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Let us elevate teaching within the arts to the same level of respect we give to performance. Let us honor it not as a fallback or side hustle, but as a rich and demanding craft worthy of study and lifelong growth.

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When great artists become great teachers, the entire industry rises. ♦♦♦

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