Singing Lessons | Voice Training | Voice Lessons

Singing lessons are tailor made to suit the individual. One size doesn’t fit all. Exercises are prescriptive based on your current vocal condition, what kind of repertoire you want to sing and your preferred learning style.

Singing Showcase Video. December 2007

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FAQ

Do I need any previous experience to have lessons?
Absolutely not! Closet singers welcome along with professionals alike. No experience or loads of experience, it doesn't matter.

Am I too told to have singing lessons?
No way! If you can speak, you can sing. Singing can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone at any age and should be for your all round health.

I am a confident singer and performer but sometimes I find it difficult to make a connection to the song/audience. Will singing lessons with you help that?
Yes. If you have become so used to performing while thinking about your technique you may have become sterile which stops you connecting fully to your emotions. An audience would much rather see an authentic performance with a few ‘mistakes’ than a ‘note perfect’ performer with no spark.

I am very nervous, what will a lesson entail?
I will never force you to do anything that you can't do. Lessons normally begin with a visualization exercise to focus the mind, and decide on an outcome. I then get you to sing an easy scale or part of a song so that I can hear where you voice is at that day. I will then walk you through some prescriptive exercises designed to get you working your voice and mind. We will then choose a song to sing applying the techniques we've learned.

I really don’t like the sound of my voice, will lessons make me sound better?
By working with your singing voice you will learn to accept the individual tones that you produce. The more you tune into it the more your perception of it will change, for the better. It is normal to dislike the sound of your own voice at first but you must remember that we hear our voices through the filter of our own conditioning and what sounds strange to us is usually very normal to a person on the outside. After a bit of vocal training your perception will change about what you hear along with the quality of the sound you are producing.

How often should I have lessons?
As with learning anything new, once a week for 6 weeks will help you change old habits quickly, then you can trail it off as your time and budget allows. Since this is about changing habits, it’s good to immerse yourself in it for a while until you fluctuate between conscious competence (“I can do but I have to think about it”) and unconscious competence (“I can do it and I don’t have to think about it).

I am bored of singing the same scales over and over again. How are lessons with you different?
We use the realm of the imagination! So while we are exercising the voice, we will be improvising and having fun too. If you laugh, you learn!

Does having a break in my voice mean that I am doing it wrong?
No! There are certain ways to override or disguise the break and you will learn them with me. Breaking, is either a choice, a habit, lack of physical support or lack of emotional with the song. If you want to avoid breaking, I can show you how.

How long will it take before I start to see an improvement?
You will start accessing the vocal freedom that you are looking for within the first session. Usually it depends how committed you are to changing old habits as to how quickly you will be able to hear a solid difference in your voice. The trick is to be patient and not desperate.

Recording lessons?
Lessons are available to be videoed or recorded which is invalable. If you would like your lesson recorded please bring your own SD card with you. These are available from places like Argoz, Amazon, Curry's and come in various sizes.

Do I have to bring my own songs or will you choose songs for me?
This is totally up to you. I like the more advanced students to bring their own material, however, if you have come because you want to expand your repertoire then certainly feel free to leave song choices up to me. For beginners, it is useful to have in mind one or two songs that you would like to sing that I can help you with in the lessons. Feel free to bring your own backing tracks on CD or MP3 player or sheet music although I do have access to most backing tracks here via Spotify and YouTube.

If I have singing lessons with you what positive changes can I expect to occur?
You will become freer in the mind so your ability to improvise will improve in everyday conversation and in singing.
You will be able to let go and realize that who you are and what you sound like is ok.
You will be able to color your voice using your emotions and natural reflexes.
Your ear will become more tuned into melody and your body more tuned into rhythm.
You will be able to express yourself more freely.
Your voice will become more flexible and interesting.
Your muscle tone will improve.
Your awareness of your general health (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) will improve.
Your mental state of mind will become clearer each time you focus on what is wanted rather than unwanted.
Your appreciation of language and lyrics will improve.
You will calm that negative mental chatter.
Your appreciation of external and internal sounds (aural awareness) will open up.
You will leave the sessions with a feeling of having done something great for yourself.
You will connect with feelings that may need healing and expressing thereby ridding them from your energy field.
You will become more connected to your feelings if you have a hard time expressing them.

Can you run workshops for a group of people? There are a few of us that would like to have some fun with singing.
Yes. Singing workshops can be part of a team building day or just for fun! Time wise they can be whatever you choose, they are tailor made to your needs, from one hour to a full day. My hourly rate is the same whether it’s private lessons or group workshops, I simply include a fee for traveling time and petrol. Group workshops are extremely fun and are designed to open you up creatively, boost your confidence and raise the roof with our collective voices.

What happens if I can’t make my lesson and need to cancel or postpone?
Lessons booked cannot be freely changed or postponed without giving 24 hours notice. If 24 hours notice is not given the lesson will automatically be charged unless it can be rescheduled within the same week during operating hours.