Contemporary audiences have an expectation regarding how a contemporary song should be delivered and so, from a pedagogical point of view, there is an almost mechanical approach to teaching vocal technique in these styles.

Many adult singing students present  to me in my Melbourne Voice Studio with existing vocal problems or (potentially) tired or hoarse voices. Elements particularly requiring attention include ease of phonation, both thick and thin fold application and simultaneous onset of tone.

Many different factors might have contributed to their vocal damage, such as incorrect vocal technique, postural alignment, drying vocal folds, vocal injury, colds or flu, and many other reasons. At times the methodology previously used in teaching these singers has not been adjusted to address the individual’s needs. Once again there is no ‘one size fits all’ method of teaching singing !

It is hard work being a good singer. It takes practice and effort; and a budding singer needs to work diligently at developing good vocal technique.

Added to this the the conditions in which singers can find themselves, in rooms with insufficient amplification, poor ventilation and air-conditioning mean working singers are subject to vocal damage if not trained to protect themselves from these elements.

A working singer can be required to sing for 3- 4 hours in these conditions at times as the only singer in a band. Even restaurant gigs, while seemingly romantic easy gigs, are very hard on a singer who needs to carry the responsibility for the whole evening, singing a variety of contemporary styles.

Performance must be consistent and energetic for the duration of the gig, and it is the vocalist’s job to inspire the audience to get up on the dance floor if required by the venue.

A program of vocal exercises should be given to singing students in Melbourne by well trained singing teachers who are experts in the field of vocal health to ensure vocal longevity.

In both children’s private singing lessons and children’s singing groups the emphasis should not be completely on pop songs, but of course the development of vocal skills. Singing lessons for children should include the classic songs for children, which are age appropriate, and a repertoire suitable for any future auditions. For example if auditioning for a child’s role it is normally not appropriate to sing an adult song at audition, but a song in the style and genre of the show the child is trying out for.

Allowing the children in a singing class to sing 1 pop song in each lesson after warm ups, is a sensible way for the singing teacher to please them, while the rest of the lesson can be on skill and repertoire building which is age appropriate. Very rarely is the same pop song brought in twice !

Of course it is important for parents and singing teachers not to burst the bubble for the children who love to sing but to teach them that the reality of becoming a singer at any age, is far from what we see on our TV screens.

It seems to me that the pursuit of excellence in contemporary performance is not considered in these situations, but the marketable package a child brings to the screen at casting, is where the ‘journey’ stops.  From there it is a roller coaster ride of getting to learn as much repertoire as they can, in the shortest time, in order that filming can continue and the ‘product’ out on the screens week to week.

Parents of children who wish to sing must understand that the journey of learning as a singer with attention to fundamental vocal principles is equally as important as the excitement of being recognised.

Recently on one of the latest TV shows featuring an all singing all dancing troupe, and weekly talent contest (with celebrity judges and mentors), one of the mentors (a talented singer songwriter himself) did not pick up and comment on an incredibly obvious enunciation and articulation defect one of these young singers had. The mentor could have shown the child a better way of singing the song, but the only element discussed was ‘following the dream’…. “Don’t let anyone stop you following your dream” etc.

It is very simple to teach children easy vocal exercises in order that while singing pop songs they still adhere to solid vocal principles and don’t ‘dirty up the diction’ to the point where it actually sounds like an impediment.

It is clear that a committed singing teacher or vocal coach will possibly be the only person assisting children to seriously pursue excellence first and celebrity second in their young lives, and in my work I constantly see the job of teaching children and teenagers to sing correctly not being done!

Children emulating their heroes with the ‘licks’ and riffs taken straight from the recording, singing in ranges far too high for their own natural voices, and straining to try to achieve the rough tonal quality often heard, particularly in Rnb, are often trying to copy an obviously (to the trained ear) damaged voice.  Making millions, sure, but damaged just the same.

While many vocal exercises for children are simple, a singing teacher for children should not be taking the generic approach and teaching the same exercises to each child, as vocal needs vary from one child to another.  While one child can benefit from say na na naw naw nee nee exercises, another may need some extremely forward shapes to improve tone, and free them from vocal and facial tension.

The one size fits all approach taught in many singing schools in Melbourne is inadequate for singing students of any age, and particularly little ones who soak up information like sponges.  In my voice studio in Melbourne, sadly I see the results of this approach too often, and work on rehabilitation these days with all ages.  It is unfortunate that parents have spent money on lessons, only to have the child’s voice damaged.

Children’s singing classes should be fun but sound vocal principles built into the structure of each class.  Not just a few trills before they start singing!!

One of the advantages for example of group lessons are they are cheaper. One of the Cons on the other hand is that they give less opportunity for singing teachers to give individual attention and to pick up vocal faults in each student. Bad vocal habits can be overlooked in group singing classes. However, if the class numbers are kept to a maximum of say 3 or 4, a teacher has the time to address the individual’s needs. Larger groups make it almost impossible to be aware of faults in techniques.

Of course, private singing lessons are more expensive, but are tailored for the individual singing student’s needs, and cater to singing students individual vocal requirements. Private singing lessons are the best option to improve singing technique and to develop singing style. Lyn Gillett Voice Studio offers private singing lessons because the singers taught are serious working professional vocal performers, or potential professional singers with commitment and the focus required to become working professional vocalists. Small groups are now offered through 2012 also with an emphasis on vocal health and numbers in the groups kept to a minimum for exactly that reason.

Potential singing students wishing to have singing lessons in order to have longlasting results and expert vocal coaching or wishing to improve their voices and singing technique for life, should choose a teacher whose singing lessons offered fulfil the needs of the singer, and who can diagnose vocal faults and provide the expertise to assist in eliminating these faults and with expert guidance eliminate them.

Lyn Gillett Voice Studio “High Notes and High Tea’ sessions are a fun way to start to learn the principles of good singing technique in the company of friends with their personal taste in music taken into account. Harmonies will be learned and the students will have the opportunity to perform at a Concert when they are ready to ‘tread the boards’. Once again, the group numbers will be kept to a minimum. Phone 0407 625 939 for information or email info@lyngillett.com

It seems there is also a genuine need in Melbourne for small group classes for children who are interested in singing and need guidance with their technique so that bad habits do not form which can be potentially dangerous and hazardous to children’s vocal health. Small groups for children from 10 years old, will be offered at the Lyn Gillett Voice Studio in 2012 for those children wishing to experience the joy of singing and performing, while learning basic vocal techniques in a warm and friendly environment. Parents can be assured of ethical professionally qualified teachers setting up a firm foundation for future vocal development. Private singing lessons for children are still available for those children already auditioning for professional shows and appearing on stage regularly. Phone 0407 625 939 for details. Leave a message if no answer as Lyn’s phone is switched off while teaching. Alternatively, you can email info@lyngillett.com

After each singing class, High Notes and High Tea includes a musical discussion along with servings of delicious teas from Madame Flavour. Phone 0407 625 939 or email Lyn to secure your place.

Learn More about High Notes and High Tea.

From 7th November 2011, the new address is:
69 Glenferrie Road Malvern, (above Chez Statements boutique).
Street parking is available or park behind Glenferrie Road, in Malvern Central Shopping Centre in Wattletree Road.

To celebrate the opening of the new studio Lyn Gillett is offering a discount to students who refer a friend or friends who enrol for one month of singing lessons, through November/December.

Refer a friend (and they book for a month of voice lessons) to receive 50% off your next singing lesson.

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Gift Certificates for lessons are available for Christmas presents too.

Existing students can receive a 25% discount on Gift Certificates.

GROUP SINGING CLASSES – ‘HIGH NOTES AND HIGH TEAS’.

Ladies morning group singing classes will be started in November, with High notes and High tea sessions.

Learn to sing in small groups of 3 or 4 singing students, and afterwards enjoy a delightful morning tea from Madame Flavour.

Learn more about our singing classes – “High Notes and High Tea”.

HOW TO ENROL

Email Lyn or phone 0407625939 to learn more.

November 24, 2011
see www.pariscat.com.au for booking details

I was hoping to raise stylistic issues with students, but found due to the immediate need for discussion regarding mechanistic issues in some of the students who presented that I primarily needed to address vocal technique.

As a Singing Teacher primarily teaching with vocal health and production foremost in my mind (and my methodology), I could not overlook some of the potentially troublesome issues, such as alignment and support.  It is futile addressing style when a voice is hampered by lack of understanding and application in both of these important elements of voice production, and vital these issues are addressed by singing teachers teaching contemporary styles in Melbourne.

Some singing lessons in Melbourne are individual private singing lessons, while others are group singing lessons, and there are pros and cons of each singing lessons style.

Pros for example of group lessons are they are cheaper.  One of the Cons on the other hand  is that they give less opportunity for singing teachers to give individual attention and to pick up vocal faults in individual singers. Bad vocal habits can be overlooked in group singing classes.

Private singing lessons are more expensive, but are tailored for the individual singing student’s needs, and cater to singing students individual vocal requirements. Private singing lessons are the best option to improve singing technique and to develop singing style.  Lyn Gillett voice studio offers private singing lessons because the singers taught are serious working professional vocal performers, or potential professional singers with commitment and the focus required to become working professional vocalists.

Potential singing students wishing to have singing lessons in order to have longlasting results and expert vocal coaching or wishing to improve their voices  and singing technique for life, should choose a teacher whose singing lessons offered fulfil the needs of the singer, and who can diagnose vocal faults and provide the expertise to assist in eliminating these faults and with expert guidance eliminate them.

Learning to sing is a wonderful, rewarding activity, but like anything you do, you’ll need a good teacher to make the most of your singing lessons.

Here are three tips regarding how to choose the right singing teacher.

Firstly, if you don’t feel completely comfortable with your singing teacher, look around until you find a singing teacher that you do feel comfortable with. A singing teacher and their student needs to have the right rapport.

I always start with an initial consultation and the purpose of this consultation is to check to see whether that rapport exists. If I’m not comfortable with you – or you’re not comfortable with me – our singing teacher/student relationship is destined to fail.

Secondly, there are a great many people who advertise themselves as singing teachers – and far fewer that are actually qualified for the job. You should be aware that just because someone can sing themselves, it doesn’t mean that they can teach someone else to sing. If you want to learn to sing, choose a singing teacher that is qualified. Look at the length of time they have been teaching, read their testimonials, see what the students have achieved.

You can start your search for a singing teacher in Australia using the ANATS database.

Thirdly, most singing teachers have specialties so look for one that is a good fit for you. My studio specialises in people looking to perform professionally – and that includes those seeking entry into one of the prestigious performing arts academies (such as NIDA, WAAPA or LAMDA). And while I teach classical crossover, I don’t teach Opera, for example. If you wanted to learn to sing Opera, you should find someone else.