International Zoom Lessons
None of us knew how we would carry on during lockdown and how it would affect singing but every cloud has a silver lining. The good news is I am now all set up with the technology to teach you wherever you are in the world. If you would like to check in to my zoom studio please get in touch with me by email. I have taught in Australia, China, Belgium, USA and the far-flung regions of Scotland!
Consultation Lessons
When looking for a singing teacher it is wise and advisable to have a consultation lesson with several teachers. We are naturally all different and it is quite acceptable for a perspective student to have a “one off” lesson, with no obligation, to see if a particular teacher is the right “fit” for you. The fee is £60 for a one-hour consultation. In a consultation lesson one can expect to spend a little time chatting and getting to know each other. I would normally ask a student about their past singing experience, teachers and about what is going well with the voice or what is a bit more challenging just now. I would ask about repertoire, about their current understanding of vocal technique and what their hopes and aspirations are for the future. If the student has not warmed up before the lesson I would do some simple warm up exercises, scales, arpeggios etc. If they are already warmed up I would ask them to sing a few pieces, perhaps something they know very well and find easy and also something with which they are struggling. This all gives me an opportunity for me to see what kind of a range the singer has and to detect some technical problems or issues with vowels, breathing etc. We would then finish the lesson with a short chat about how to proceed.
The Nitty Gritty
Lessons are normally an hour long and the fee is £60. I teach at my home in Kippen where I have a large studio with new Yamaha C5 grand piano. Kippen is in central Scotland, 10 miles from Stirling, and is very easily reached by car. On public transport there are hourly buses from Glasgow to Kippen via Balfron or you take the train to Stirling and then a short bus ride to Kippen (20 mins). The bus station and train station are next door to each other. Late cancellations within 24 hours of the lesson must be paid for. For students between the ages of 13 – 18, with less developed voices, lessons are normally 45 minutes approximately every 2 weeks and the charge is £30. Again late cancellations must be paid for.