FAQS; Commonly asked questions

Can anyone sing?
If you have the passion and dedication to sing you probably can.  If you can speak, whimper, whine and yell you have all the raw tools you need. It's then a case of using techniques to gain control so you're voice is free to communicate the emotion and the metaphysics that truly brings a song and voice to life.

Did you watch X factor last night?
No. I get asked this a lot, it's just not my cup of tea.

Why have singing lessons?
We all learn in different ways; from the radio, our friends, our teachers.  All of these methods are absolutely valid.  However sessons with a good coach can bypass a lot of trial and error based learning at home, give you confidence in your voice and motivate you towards attaining your goals.  It can also be a fun way to spend an hour experimenting with your voice in a safe environment.

How often should I have lessons?
This depends a lot of what you are looking to achieve.  You must take charge of your progress and development and only you know what's right for you.  However as a general guide for clients who are learning new techniques I suggest weekly or fortnightly sessions to ensure that new techniques are being learned and implemented correctly and to maintain your momentum.

How quickly will I improve?
Often improvements are instant in the lessons but the techniques then need to be practiced and practiced well (in lessons/at home) to become habitual.

How many lessons will I need?
There are no rules i'm afraid.  Some of my clients have come regularly for years and treat the sessions as you would piano/guitar lessons challenging their voices with new material, preferring to work with guidance than alone.  Other clients come in to fix specific issues they are having in which case I generally suggest a commitment of 6 sessions to enable us to get to the crux of the matter.  Then I also have clients who are bought gifts of one off sessions or courses, some I see 2/3 times a year for fun.  Everyones reason for attending is different. 

I am concerned that if I have singing lessons I may lose my individual sound.
My aim is to enable you to find and develop your own unique and interesting voice. The vocal technique work I teach is purely to overcome any barriers to your freedom of expression.

I am having health issues with my voice can you help?
If you are concerned about health issues with your voice you need to see your GP who will be able to give you advise and refer you appropriately if necessary.  Please see my vocal health page.  There are a multitude of reasons why you may be having issues with your voice; stress, lack of sleep/fatigue, acid reflux, bad technique, bacterial/viral infections, allergies, neck injuries, polyps, nodules, etc.  I can help you address poor vocal technique.  It may be appropriate to have other health professionals involved to work on other issues; SLT/ENT/Physio/oesteopath.  Please speak to me about this.  These issues are not uncommon but require some dedicated work on your part to remedy.  I can advise you on what to do but you have to do it.  Again, I advise a minimum of 6 lessons to work on the basic underlying issues.

I am a bit confused about the different teaching methods, who is the right teacher for me?
There are many varied and valid ways to teach/learn singing. Singing teachers are a diverse bunch.  Most singing teachers use their own terminology and methodology.  This can make things a little confusing but it doesn't really matter so long as what you are learning is working and appropriate for your style of singing. Ask your teacher to demonstrate what they are teaching you (in a line from a song, not an exercise) so that you can MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND as to whether it suits you.

Seeking artists/session singers?
Please feel free to submit any material to my e-mail and I will be selective in it's distribution amongst my clients/colleagues.

Signed artist/Management/Record company info.
Signed artists and all clients are assured absolute confidentiality. I do not publish client lists. My sessions are for the benefit of my clients not myself.  I prefer that management and record companies direct their artists to my website so they can see what I'm about and that the artist themselves contact me.  Please note that ALL clients must follow the same payment policies.

Meeting before lessons
I am unable to meet with clients prior to booking.  Please feel free to e-mail me any questions you may have.  First sessions are naturally like consultation sessions with lots of chatting about goals and aims.  These sessions are the same price as ordinary 1-1 lessons.