Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Voice Over Instructor

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a seasoned voice over artist with a passion for teaching? Do you find joy in helping others find their unique voice and launch their careers? As a Voice Over Instructor, you will be a pivotal guide and mentor for aspiring artists. You'll be responsible for creating and delivering an inspiring, industry-relevant curriculum that covers everything from foundational vocal techniques to the business of voice over. This is an opportunity to shape talent, foster creativity, and make a lasting impact on the next generation of storytellers and performers in a vibrant and growing field. You will serve as both a technical expert and a creative coach, empowering students to succeed behind the microphone and beyond.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Professional Voice Over Artist
Acting Coach or Instructor
Vocal Teacher or Singing Coach

Advancement To:

Head of Voice Department / Lead Instructor
Curriculum Director
Senior Faculty Member or Academic Dean

Lateral Moves:

Dialect Coach
Public Speaking Consultant
Casting Director

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, develop, and continuously update a comprehensive curriculum for various voice over courses, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Deliver engaging and interactive group lectures and workshops on topics such as microphone technique, breath control, articulation, and vocal health.
Provide personalized, one-on-one coaching sessions to help students identify their vocal strengths and areas for improvement.
Guide students through the process of script analysis and interpretation across multiple genres, including commercial, narration, animation, and video games.
Instruct students on the technical aspects of setting up and optimizing a professional-quality home recording studio.
Teach industry-standard audio editing software (e.g., Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, Audacity) for recording, editing, and mastering voice over auditions and projects.
Evaluate and provide detailed, constructive feedback on student performances, assignments, and recording submissions.
Mentor students in the creation and production of a compelling and marketable professional demo reel, from script selection to final mix.
Conduct mock audition sessions to prepare students for real-world casting scenarios and industry pressures.
Educate students on the business and marketing aspects of a voice over career, including finding agents, setting rates, and building a client base.
Foster a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative learning environment where students feel safe to experiment and grow.
Stay current with industry trends, technological advancements (like AI voice), and evolving market demands to ensure curriculum relevance.
Develop and maintain a library of scripts, practice materials, and educational resources for student use.
Assess student progress through formal and informal evaluations, tracking their development and performance throughout the course.
Provide career guidance and mentorship, helping students set realistic goals and navigate their entry into the voice over industry.
Facilitate character development exercises, helping students create unique and believable vocal personas for animation and gaming.
Instruct on the nuances of various narration styles, including e-learning, corporate, audiobook, and documentary.
Organize and potentially host guest speaker sessions with industry professionals, such as casting directors, agents, or established voice actors.
Assist students in understanding and overcoming performance anxiety and building confidence behind the microphone.
Provide tailored instruction for specialized voice over niches, such as IVR/telephony, promos, or medical narration, based on student interest.
Review and critique student marketing materials, including websites, social media presence, and professional correspondence.
Offer guidance on union (e.g., SAG-AFTRA) and non-union work, explaining the pros and cons of each career path.

Secondary Functions

Support prospective student inquiries and participate in open house events or virtual information sessions.
Contribute to the school's curriculum development committee and overall educational strategy.
Collaborate with administrative staff to manage class schedules, enrollment, and student records.
Participate in faculty meetings, professional development workshops, and institutional events to foster a strong academic community.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expert-level knowledge of voice over performance techniques (pacing, intonation, inflection).
Proficiency with Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) such as Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, or Logic Pro.
Deep understanding of microphone types, placement, and professional recording techniques (e.g., gain staging).
Knowledge of audio engineering principles including editing, mixing, and mastering for voice.
Strong script analysis and interpretation skills across commercial, animation, and narration genres.
Comprehensive knowledge of vocal anatomy, health, and proper breath support (vocal pedagogy).
Experience in directing talent and providing actionable, specific performance feedback.
Familiarity with home studio acoustics, soundproofing, setup, and troubleshooting.
Expertise in demo reel production, from script selection and direction to final mastering.
In-depth knowledge of the business of voice over, including marketing, agents, and casting platforms (e.g., Voices.com, Voice123).

Soft Skills

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
Patience, empathy, and the ability to motivate and inspire students from diverse backgrounds.
Strong active listening skills to diagnose student-specific vocal issues and performance habits.
Ability to provide clear, constructive, and encouraging feedback that fosters growth.
Adaptability in teaching methods to suit different learning styles and skill levels.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills to juggle teaching, coaching, and administrative tasks.
A genuine passion for teaching, mentorship, and student success.
Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with students and collaborate with faculty.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by extensive professional experience.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's of Fine Arts (BFA) or Master's of Fine Arts (MFA).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Theatre Arts
Vocal Performance
Communication
Media Production

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5-10 years of professional experience as a working voice over artist with a demonstrable portfolio.

Preferred:

A significant and verifiable body of professional voice over credits across multiple genres (commercial, animation, narration, etc.).
2+ years of prior experience in a teaching, coaching, or corporate training capacity is highly desirable.
Experience with online/remote teaching platforms and technologies.