What to Expect From Lessons
Most people are understandably apprehensive upon attending their first voice lesson. To put your mind at rest, here is a list of what we’ll likely be doing together – a typical lesson will consist of most of the following elements:
– an overview and explanation of concepts and techniques to be explored.
– some explanation of physiological function to contextualise the purpose of the exercises and help you self-monitor your technique when I’m not around.
– exercises to be learned and performed (sometimes with keyboard accompaniment), to encourage new vocal and psychological calibrations and co-ordinations.
– constant vigilance on my part, helping you to zone in on inhibitive habits and break down insecurities.
– and, when you’re comfortable and ready, application of the techniques to song!
And here is a small list of things that won’t be happening:
– I hear your voice, begin insulting you and order you from the premises, never to darken my doors again.
– I hear your voice and start pointing and laughing, causing you to mentally relive all the most humiliating moments of your school-days.
– I hear your voice and, gravely shaking my head, tell you there’s nothing that can be done.
– During teaching, I will impersonate R.Lee.Ermey from Full Metal Jacket. It’s for your own good.
– I try to involve you in a complex embezzlement scheme involving my friend Tony, the manufacture of rubber tubing and the Cayman Islands.
I hope that puts your mind to rest.
See if you can spot the differences between myself and this man.
I’ll start you off: I am not irredeemably awful (I flatter myself). Neither are you.
The bad news is, I’ll be setting homework! But don’t worry: that’s how you’ll make the gains and that’s when you’ll really notice them.
Those with smart-phones or portable recording devices are very welcome to record sessions.
We will explore subjects such as breath-management, posture, cord-adduction, onsets, articulation, vowel modification, formant tuning, open-throat technique and resonance-balancing, as well as equipping you
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After a few lessons, I’ll compile a warm-up and work-out routine for you, appropriate to your progress.