Will learning to sing improve my overall confidence?
I'm a good singer but I get very nervous in front of other people. Can I get over this?
What style of music will I learn?
How can good vocal technique work for every style?
Can you help me to prepare for a particular performance/audition?
What is the difference between singing lessons and voice lessons?
Is it better to have private (one-to-one) lessons or group classes?
Can children take singing lessons?
How much should I practice?
I think I'm tone deaf. Could I ever become a singer?
Do you teach complete beginners?
Yes! Complete beginners, including adult or older beginners, are most welcome. Learning to sing is enjoyable no matter what your age. Adult and teen beginners at the New School can start with our Introducing Singing for Adults or Glee Club for Teens group courses, although private (one-to-one) lessons are also possible for students at all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced singers.
Will my voice need to be assessed before I begin lessons?
We believe that any student can benefit from voice lessons, and it is not necessary to be assessed before you begin. Hearing you sing the exercises during the first few lessons will provide your teacher with sufficient information about your initial abilities to know where the most focus will need to be placed in order to maximize what you have naturally. Your teacher will also ask you about your singing goals and can tailor the lessons to your individual needs. A student who wishes to sing casually, for example, will have a very different attitude and approach to his/her lessons than someone who wishes to sing professionally. Also, the lesson plan for a student who struggles to hear pitch and ‘sing on tune’ will necessarily be different than the plan for someone who comes to us already able to begin working on more advanced skills.
Will learning to sing improve my overall confidence?
Yes. As your vocal ability improves, you will find yourself becoming more comfortable expressing yourself and your thoughts, as you do in the songs you sing.
I'm a good singer but I get very nervous in front of other people.
Can I get over this?
This is quite a common complaint among many singers, from beginners to professionals. There are a number of useful techniques available to overcome performance anxiety and even panic attacks relating to getting onstage and singing in public, and our regular school concerts provide opportunities to put these into practice, should you choose to do so. We also offer a unique Performance Techniques for Musicians workshop that introduces simple and effective methods for handling stage fright, presentation and communication with your audience.
What style of music will I learn?
Regardless of the style of music you are interested in singing, you will focus in voice lessons on techniques for healthy and safe voice production that can be applied to any style of music. But in addition to this training, you will receive coaching in the style of singing that you wish to master. And we encourage students to explore different musical styles in their lessons/classes, including classical, pop or rock, musical theatre, r’n’b, jazz, gospel and others. We also offer vocal workshops for intermediate-advanced singers that specialise in particular styles, including a Contemporary Vocal Workshop, a Jazz Vocal Workshop and a Musical Theatre Workshop.
How can good vocal technique work for every style?
The piano doesn't change depending on the style of music you play – classical, jazz, etc. Good vocal technique works because you are learning how to sing, not what to sing. In other words, build a good instrument, and then play (sing) anything you like!
Can you help me to prepare for a particular performance/audition?
Yes. Many singers have used our Intensive Lessons to provide them with extra preparation for performances, auditions or examinations. And our Performance Techniques for Singers workshop provides participants with an essential toolkit of proven techniques that will help them to get the most out of any performance.
What is the difference between singing lessons and voice lessons?
There isn’t really any difference. People who look to begin singing generally enquire about ‘singing lessons’, but people who teach singing generally call themselves ‘voice teachers’ because they teach you how to master your instrument, which is the voice. Just as in piano lessons you learn to master the instrument, the piano.
Is it better to have private (one-to-one) lessons or group classes?
That really depends on the student. Private lessons allow nervous singers to develop confidence with a supportive teacher, and enable vocal students to focus on problems and solutions that are specific to their own voices and styles. Group classes allow singers not only to hear and observe the training of other individuals but also to develop confidence and performing skills by singing in front of others on a weekly basis.
Can children take singing lessons?
Yes, as long as they are ready and willing to apply themselves to it. Children are often already doing naturally what adult students have to train to develop (or re-learn). Singing lessons can help them to maintain the natural balance that often gets lost as they start to imitate adult singers. However, it is very important not to strain children’s voices, so vocal technique and range development is not generally introduced before the age of 15.
How much should I practice?
To begin with, ideally 20 to 30 minutes a day – divided between vocal exercises and songs – should be your goal. To develop good vocal habits and technique takes the constant reinforcement that comes from a daily practice routine. It is also very important not to overdo it; the muscles get tired and need rest after a vocal workout. Even 5 or 10 minutes every day is far better than an hour once a week.
I think I'm tone deaf. Could I ever become a singer?
If you think you are tone deaf, you are more than likely not. A tone deaf singer is someone who unfortunately can’t sing in tune but truly believes he/she can. The fact you think you are out of tune means that you are more musical than you thought, and through ear training and specific exercises your voice and intonation will definitely improve. Some people have a very difficult time getting their voices to reproduce the sounds they hear in their head. This comes from a lack of co-ordination between the ear and larynx (voice box), and is a problem that can be fixed with time and practice.
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