Vocal Coach vs. Voice Teacher - is there a difference?

The terms vocal coach and voice teacher, theoretically, mean two completely different things.  A vocal coach is often a pianist or conductor, with expertise in a specific genre of music, whose sole purpose is to help a singer understand the stylistic requirements of a genre.  A vocal coach may or may not give advice on the vocal instrument.

A voice teacher, on the other hand, is interested in improving the voice.  A voice teacher does have expertise in a certain area of music, but focuses primarily on the mechanical delivery of the music, not the style.

Obviously, the lines are very blurred.  Excellent voice teachers will know the style for certain genres of music, as well as dispense acting advice, career advice etc...Visa verse, top-notch vocal coaches will often have a strong understanding of how the voice works and can give strong technical advice.  Ultimately, what matters is that the student is getting the advice that he or she needs. 

DWS