How can you address disagreements about feedback with your students?

As a vocal coach, you know how important feedback is for your students' progress and confidence. But sometimes, you may encounter disagreements or conflicts with your students about the feedback you give them. How can you handle these situations in a respectful and constructive way? In this article, we will share some tips and strategies to address disagreements about feedback with your students, and how to maintain a positive and professional relationship with them.

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1 Understand their perspective

The first step to address disagreements about feedback is to understand where your students are coming from. They may have different expectations, goals, preferences, or learning styles than you. They may also have emotional reactions to your feedback, such as frustration, disappointment, or defensiveness. Try to listen to their point of view, and acknowledge their feelings and concerns. Ask them open-ended questions, such as "What did you like or dislike about the feedback?" or "How do you think the feedback can help you improve?" This will show them that you care about their input and experience, and that you are willing to have a dialogue with them.

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Timothy Buckley

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In the past 3 decades in an instructional role, I have discovered that giving feedback can sometimes be a double-edged sword. On one edge of the blade, students expect feedback in some form or another IF they are using that feedback for introspection about their performance. On the other edge, students adopt the mind-set that no feedback means all is well and there's no need to revisit their performance or production. These types will sometimes see feedback as an attack and not the constructive criticism that it's meant to be. It's an imperative that instructors be prepared to for this type of response and take an adaptive approach that still holds ground without being confrontational.

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2 Explain your rationale

The next step is to explain why you gave the feedback you did, and how it is based on your expertise and experience as a vocal coach. You can use specific examples, demonstrations, or references to support your feedback, and show how it aligns with the standards and criteria of vocal performance. You can also relate your feedback to their goals and aspirations, and show how it can help them achieve them. For example, you can say "I suggested that you lower your larynx because it will help you produce a richer and fuller tone, which is what you wanted to work on." or "I pointed out that you need to work on your breath support because it is essential for singing with power and control, which is what the judges will look for in the audition." By explaining your rationale, you can help your students see the value and relevance of your feedback, and how it is meant to help them grow and succeed as singers.

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3 Offer alternatives and options

Another way to address disagreements about feedback is to offer alternatives and options for your students to consider. You can acknowledge that there may be different ways to approach a vocal challenge, and that your feedback is not the only or final solution. You can invite your students to try out different techniques, exercises, or styles, and see what works best for them. You can also encourage them to seek out other sources of feedback, such as peers, mentors, or recordings, and compare them with yours. By offering alternatives and options, you can show your students that you respect their autonomy and creativity, and that you are open to learning from them as well.

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4 Focus on the positive

One of the most important things to do when addressing disagreements about feedback is to focus on the positive aspects of your students' performance and potential. You can start and end your feedback session with sincere compliments, praise, or encouragement. You can also highlight their strengths, achievements, or improvements, and how they can build on them. You can also express your confidence and support for their vocal journey, and remind them of their passion and purpose for singing. By focusing on the positive, you can help your students feel valued, motivated, and inspired, and prevent them from feeling discouraged, demoralized, or resentful.

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Timothy Buckley

Licensed Financial Professional
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In the past, one of the largely accepted ways of presenting feedback was to take the negative, constructive part of the performance and "sandwich" it between a lot of positives. Start with accentuating the positive first, get the student's mind open and off the defense so when you hit them with where they can improve, it won't come as an "attack". Then finish with more positive accolades and leave them at the end of session feeling appreciated and respected for their efforts. This approach keeps even the most sensitive student from feeling demoralized and ready to take your advice to heart for the next presentation.

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5 Agree on the next steps

The final step to address disagreements about feedback is to agree on the next steps for your students' vocal development. You can ask them what they learned from the feedback, and what they plan to do with it. You can also suggest some specific actions, goals, or strategies for them to follow, and how you can help them achieve them. You can also set a timeline, a frequency, or a format for the next feedback session, and how you can make it more effective and enjoyable. By agreeing on the next steps, you can show your students that you are committed to their progress and satisfaction, and that you are looking forward to working with them again.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you address disagreements about feedback with your students?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Understand their perspective

2 Explain your rationale

3 Offer alternatives and options

4 Focus on the positive

5 Agree on the next steps

6 Here’s what else to consider

Vocal Coaching

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How can you address disagreements about feedback with your students?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand their perspective

2 Explain your rationale

3 Offer alternatives and options

4 Focus on the positive

5 Agree on the next steps

6 Here’s what else to consider

Vocal Coaching

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