The homepage provides a broad overview of the four core areas of singing lessons. Here is more detail on the content of each of these:
The ‘singing body’ – understanding vocal anatomy, muscles and function
- posture – alignment as a dynamic (rather than static) process
- breathing technique
- vocal folds & larynx
- starting notes (onset) and ending notes (release)
- different ‘gearing’ for mode 1 / chest, mode 2 / head, and mode 3 / falsetto
- vocal acoustics & resonance
- adapting resonator spaces depending on the vowel-pitch relationship
- creating a convergent or divergent resonator for different tonal qualities
- singing words (articulation)
- combining pitch change, vowel change, and consonants fluently
- pronunciation, including how it can be different in singing compared to speech
- pronunciation help for other languages (French, German, Italian, Latin, Hebrew)
- Voice care
- vocal stamina
- extreme and high intensity singing
- vocal recovery
Extending the voice
- pitch range
- discovering your range and voice type
- singing high notes & low notes safely, artistically and effectively
- volume / dynamics
- singing loudly and softly
- moving from soft to loud and back again (crescendo & diminuendo)
- note duration
- long notes – maintaining tone and breath control
- short notes (staccato)
- fast singing
- rapid pitch change (runs and riffs)
- rapid syllables (e.g. rap, patter songs, opera buffa, recitative, scatting)
Adapting the voice for different musical styles
(e.g. opera, early music, jazz, music theatre, belt, folk, rock etc)
- larynx adjustment (height, as well as mode 1/2/3
- modifying resonators
- breath management
The music
- melody: the effect on the listener of different pitch areas of the voice, intervals and melody shapes, variations in length of notes, and the interactions between these
- harmony: the effect on the listener of different keys & scales, harmonies, and chord progressions
- musical texture: the impact of the different patterns and sound effects contributed by the instruments
- musical structure: understanding how the structure / architecture of a piece affects the performer’s presentation and the listener’s experience
- musical phrasing: how to use it effectively
The words
- using the rhythm and pulse of language
- expressing idea and feeling with verbal sounds and colours
- exploring alternative possible meanings
The story – music & words together
- deepening knowledge of the relationship between words & music
- understanding the music can give clues to how to deliver the words
- understanding the words can give clues to how to deliver the music
- understanding the context of character, situation and story
- understanding the emotional & narrative journey of a song
- singing as storytelling: delivering the message, and nuances of a song/aria
Understanding styles (performance conventions)
the musical and verbal adjustments a performer must make to sing authentically in different styles (e.g. music theatre, jazz, opera, folk)
- learning about industry standards
- recitative coaching
- art song in several languages
understanding the piece’s context – musically, culturally & artistically, historically, socially, politically, dramatically etc.
Preparation
- memorising and preparation skills
- mental rehearsal techniques
- planning a recital programme or set list
- role preparation
Live performance
- making the transition from the teaching studio and practice room into public performance
- stage presence & self-presentation
- communicating with an audience
- handling performance nerves
- balancing control and spontaneity / creativity in performance
- handling the unexpected
- audition technique
The cycle of improvement
- learning from experience, developing new preparation and performance skills
- taking the sting out of negative experiences
- handling criticism, feedback, and praise
Recording studio
- microphone technique
- working with a studio, engineer and producer
- singing with click tracks, headphones etc.
- producing your best performance in a recording booth
Professional singing & teaching
- moving into professional singing
- developing an existing singing career
- receiving mentoring as a singing teacher
Whole person approach
- the Voice Pentagon
- mastering the ‘inner game’ of successful learning & performing – all physical skills training is also mental training
Learning methods
- understanding the basic neuroscience of how we learn – we aren’t born with skill, we grow it
- finding and using the learning methods that work best for you
- clear, accurate conceptual models & explanations
- systematic exercises
- tailored warmups & practice routines
- as much repetition as you need – I have been teaching these principles and exercises for over 35 years, so I can guarantee that I am comfortable taking people through this as many times as necessary!
- methods designed to help you, the singer, become confidently independent – capable of self-monitoring, self-analysis, and vocal problem-solving for yourself
- demonstration – I show you every single technique with my own voice.
Resources
- explanatory handouts
- blog articles
- videos
- handy, memorable checklists
- book recommendations
- diagrams