Singing and Public Speaking FAQs.
Is it safe to come for face to face lessons?
I am fully vaccinated and the rooms in the Music Studios are large. If you feel ill – don’t come to a lesson!!
What can I expect from my first singing or public speaking lesson?
I will show you the very basics of how we communicate vocally. I’ll make an assessment/plan of what we can do together to improve things for you and discuss some goals. Then I’ll give you a few simple exercises to practice.
How long will it take?
It depends! From zero to singing is possible within an hour but it is very much determined by how tight your muscles are and how much experience you have had already. I give you exercises to do between lessons so the more you practice the faster you can progress! For public speakers the exercises are just as important – particularly in relation to posture.
How do I know if this is a healthy way to sing?
I base my techniques on my own continuous training which is informed by the most up-to-date research, together with our natural sound-making processes, tried, tested and developed over the years. Everything we work on has to make sense to you, feel right and follow a logic. If there is anything you don’t understand you must tell me. I am there to help so if it’s not clear that’s on me!
How does my body respond to training?
Often certain exercises can result in an emotional release. Don’t worry – this is normal and healthy. We’re all under huge pressure these days so releasing that stress can be quite a big event. We can go carefully through it all.
Will I need to practice?
Yes! Singing and Public Speaking is about muscles. We need to free up tension and re-instate good functions so a little – but often, is best. I have tips for low-sound practice if you are worried about the noise, but it is ideal if you can make as much noise as you like somewhere, at least once a week.
What’s Therapeutic Singing?
Therapeutic singing has as its goal to aid recovery through the physicality of positive, life affirming sound-making. From there we can move into songs and some people like to write and sing their own. It works well for addiction, traumas and depression recovery but also for physical problems. For example, if you’re asthmatic we will focus more on the breathing techniques or if you’ve had a car accident we will gently get the body working again so you can regain confidence.
Will I have to sing in front of other people?
Only if you want to. I teach lots of performers but lots of shy people too. You decide. It’s nice to feel you can perform in front of others even if you don’t have a specific goal to do so. It’s good to have that confidence. We recently hosted a concert where most of the students had not performed in front of an audience before. They were all fantastic and, better still, each thought the others were used to performing. Result!
Will I need to take exams?
Some students enjoy taking the Trinity Performance Diplomas. These are like little concerts of whatever songs you like to choose, to a particular standard, performed in front of an examiner. I think they are a good way to gain confidence and provide useful stepping stones. It’s always up to you though.
Where do you teach?
I teach in Central London, in Marylebone W1 at the Music Studios in Marylebone Lane. They’re easy to find (if a little topsy turvey) and friendly. I also teach online. Contact me if you’d like to arrange a lesson.
What are your prices?
Please click HERE for links to prices and to book.
Do I have to pay a cancellation fee?
There are notices on invoices and the website that cancellation fees apply. 24 hours for online lessons and 48 hours for studio lessons. Why? As singers we really value the studios we use for Central London teaching and for practice. Many are linked to piano show rooms and a few are purpose built, linked to educational trusts etc. All studios need to be able to sell their studio space to keep in business. They maintain a 48/36 hour cancellation policy – some even more! – to allow them to resell the booking. As teachers we also need notice to be able to rebook the lesson slot. In this busy city with everyone running around with tight schedules, that takes time. I can manage with a 48 hour cut off policy, others need longer. Online is a little simpler but even then, at least 24 hours cancellation notice is the norm.
If you can’t commit to a 48 hour or 24 hour cancellation protocol then don’t worry. You can always contact us nearer the time and see if there is an available slot for a lesson.