Like most singers, you probably have several questions.  While I can’t answer them all online, I can answer some of the most common ones. 

 

So here we go…………..

Question 1

 

Why do I need vocal lessons?

 

Although sound quality, power and style are at their best in some areas of your voice, your entire voice must be developed in order to have control over your entire range, from the lowest notes to the highest notes.

 

Poor vocal technique will have a negative impact on your voice.  Your throat and body will tighten up restricting your singing ability.  You will not be able to hit high notes properly.  You will push to reach a note rather then sing them easily.  Vocal cord damage and range reduction will occur.  You will experience vocal fatigue and burn-out.  

 

Learning how to care for your instrument, your voice, in a healthy way will allow your voice to improve over the years rather than deteriorate. 

 

Singers also take lessons to create their own unique singing style.  As an example, there are six voice qualities used to produce different expressions.  Three of the most common are Speech Singing, Belt (for those wanting to maximize their power), and Falsetto (for those wanting to hit soulful funky high notes).  This enhances the technique you learn and expands you as a vocalist.

 

Someone singing for recreation will increase their ability to sing what they want to sing.  Aspiring singings and professional singers need coaching to develop their craft.  If you want to sing professionally you need to train.  It’s just that simple !!!

 

 

Question 2

 

 

I have taken lessons before.  Why didn’t my voice improve?

 

That is a familiar complaint.  If you attended class and followed the instructions given to you, you should hear and feel a difference.  If you did not, it’s because you did not receive the proper exercises and information needed to address your specific voice issues.  That may sound blunt but it is the truth.

 

People often pick a coach based on location and price.  The best coach for you may not be minutes away.  It is better to take fewer lessons of a higher caliber then more lessons of lesser quality if cost is a key factor. 

 

Poor training usually involves time fillers such as singing songs that do not teach you anything or fit your style.  Scales are done without knowing what they are or why you are doing them.   They are often taught by people teaching part-time such as school teachers, performer etc.  Gimmicks and free offers are used to draw in large volumes of people.  Reputable coaches do not use any of these tricks.  Keeping an eye out for these pitfalls will put you in a better position to connect with the coach that is right for you. 

 

As Keith Richard of The Rolling Stones once said……………

 

           “You either pay for experience

                  or you pay for the experience”

 

Question 3

 

I have to be really gifted to be a singer don’t I?

 

Well, that certainly must not be true.  Think about your favorite singers.  They certainly have spent a lot of time learning vocal technique and developing their craft but are they really the best voices you can think of?  Probably not!  Most of our favorite singers are successful because they found what is unique and distinct in their voices and made it work for them.  We often bury our talent trying to mimic our favorite singers rather then expanding our own unique gifts. 

 

Whether you are singing for the pure joy of it or working towards a professional career, voice training will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.   Be who you truly are and let that be reflected in your singing.   People will love it.

 

You can do it!

 

 

Question 4

 

How many lessons do I need?

 

Most people are concerned with the number and frequency of lessons needed to be a good singer.  Don’t !!!  Singing is a labor of love and should be enjoyed based on your time and budget.  For those aspiring to be professional singers the amount of effort put in will determine the outcome but remember “Rome was not built in a day” and neither will your voice.

 

Lessons are based on the goals you have set for yourself and the quality of voice you want to develop. 

 

Initially students should meet with their coach for as many sessions as are needed in order to have a full understanding of the exercises and be able to do them on their own accurately.

 

Once this is established, less frequent lessons are needed to maintain and expand your vocal capabilities.  As a singer is unable to hear the exact sound of their own voice, classes are needed in order to avoid forming any bad habits or settling into a rut from out of date routines.  

 

You may also choose to book a lesson to work on problem areas, work on performance or audition material, stage presence, or simply work through a block either technically or creatively that you may be experiencing.

 

 

 

            Tel:  416-436-8063    donnavocalcoach@yahoo.ca   

            Location:  Hwy 401 & Leslie