More Singing Lesson Information

Every singer has different needs, so every lesson is a little different. I work hard to make sure we're covering material that's relevant to you as a singer. Here's some more information so you have some idea of what to expect: 

Beginning Singers 

If you've never studied singing, here's what often happens that first lesson: I briefly talk anatomy, then we look at breathing and resonance. That first lesson we'll probably spend more time on exercises and technique, and then if time get to a song later in the hour. At subsequent lessons we'll work more with songs. 

Singers with Some Experience 

If you are a singer who has some experience, what helps me the most is hearing you sing fairly early in the hour. If possible, come prepared to sing a chorus of any song you like. A cappella is fine.  This is not an audition, so don't take it too seriously. I just need to hear you to get an idea of what our focus should be. If you have a specific vocal problem you know you want to work on, sing me something that will show me the problem. 

All Singers 

Online lessons: if we're working online I record instructional tracks, warmups, and accompaniment tracks during our lesson that I email to you later that same day.

In-person lessons: usually working on songs I'll accompany singers on piano, but some students prefer I play guitar, and some bring in karaoke CDs or tracks to sing with. I have a bluetooth speaker if you want to play tracks from your phone. I always have a guitar here for the player/singers. If you want I can burn a CD of each lesson so you have instruction, exercises and accompaniment to work with at home--I have the recorder and CD burner here, and I provide blank CDs. Or I can send you mp3s after our lesson, as I do with my online students.

What to Have at Lessons

If you have sheet music, lyrics with chords, or just a lyric sheet for any songs you want to sing, please send me a copy before the lesson. If you accompanying yourself, it helps me to have a lyric sheet, and chord charts are even better. If you don't have any sheet music don't worry: I have loads of sheet music in many styles if you need it. 

If you're singing to tracks, make sure that they don't have a lead singer—use tracks minus vocals, if possible. If you're in a band and have band tracks without your voice on them, use those. If your tracks are on your phone that's fine. If we're working online it's better if you play your accompaniment on a different device than the device you're using for Skype or Zoom.

Several of my students purchase sheet music at musicnotes.com and then send me a pdf as well. Many musicnotes purchases come with accompaniment tracks, and many of the songs in their catalogue can be transposed to a better key for you pre-purchase.