Taka-Töölö & Punavuori, Helsinki
SINGING LESSONS
In singing lessons, you'll get to know your own voice better, and develop its expressive powers with varying excercises as well as with the songs of your choise. The basis is a healthy voice in different styles, and your wishes and goals quide the learning.
Topics for your lessons (for example):
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A healthy vocal technique in different styles so you can express yourself freely with your voice
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Widening your range and increasing strength in your voice so what you sing isn't restricted by what you "can't sing".
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Relaxed breathing to make singing feel and sound easier
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Different sounds, colours and voice qualities inthe voice (e.g. twang)
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Reducing vocal fatigue and learning to take care of your voice
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Phrasing, rhythmics and improvisation (ie. in a jazz context) to broaden your musicality
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Confidence in performing and engaging the audience as well as preparing for an audition
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Learning to trust your voice through awareness of the physiology of the voice
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On your lessons, we can also focus on music theory or the basics for piano if you want to learn to accompany yourself with the piano while you sing
FAQ
I have never taken a singing lesson, I'm a total beginner. Can I come?
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Of course! The beginning is a perfect place to start.
You won't either need knowledge of musical theory or notation to start developing your voice. Interest and curiosity towards the voice are absolutely enough!
I've never been to a singing lesson, what happens there?
First, we'll have a little chat of what brings you to singing lessons, and what kind of questions, goals or objectives you have in mind. Then we'll warm up our instrument, the body, a bit and with simple vocal exercises get the first taste of what learning vocal habits can be like. The rest of the lesson we usually spend with a song of your choice, so that you get a chance to incorporate the things we've learned in a song.
I'll usually be accompanying you with the piano, occasionally we'll use backing tracks as well.
Should I bring something to the lesson?
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The most important thing you need in the lesson is you, as you are.
It's often smart to bring a song with you, so we can try the new things we learn right away in a song. By printing or writing down the lyrics of the song you also have a template to write your possible notes in.
Bringing your own water bottle with you is a good idea!
Which lesson duration should I choose?
After the first lesson, you can choose from a couple of different options to take lessons. The most common lesson length is 45 minutes. Then we'll have nicely time to focus on a thing your voice needs right now, and practice it in a song. A 60-minute lesson time is a good choice if you want to work with more songs or spend more time focused on the exact technical interests you have. By talking with the teacher you'll find the most suitable lesson length for you.
What if I have a lesson and I'm not sure if I want to continue?
That's exactly the reason for the first lesson: to see if I'm the right teacher for you. I can't possibly be the best teacher for every single singer, and it's ok if you feel like you want to keep looking. :)
How much should I practice?
The amount of practising time needed depends on your goals. If you wish to improve your singing rapidly, a consistent, focused practising is your best bet. However, that doesn't necessarily mean devoting several hours of the week to vocal practice, but rather using your practice time smartly; rather with quality than quantity.
The things you learn stay with you better when you repeat them at home - preferably already on the day of the lesson or during the next day. Naturally, the time you are spending on the lesson is also about teaching your voice good new habits.
Since we are always carrying our singing instrument with us, we can pay attention to many things in singing also outside of the practice room; tuning into your breathing, posture or for example relaxing your jaw won't even make a sound! ;)
The lessons are also about feeling good, getting to know yourself better and letting your body relax, and it can be a relaxing time without strict goals. It's a time for winding down and focusing on you and your voice for a moment.
How often should I take lessons?
Getting to see the effects of your efforts depend on many things, and it depends also on the individual, which pace works the best.
Taking lessons every week is an effective way to improve your singing since you'll be getting feedback and guidance frequently; things you learn stay fresh in your mind, and we'll have the chance to adjust things with your voice regularly. For some, meeting every other week suits their timetables better while still enabling a regular pace for the lessons and keeping the learning consistent.
Sometimes attending lessons for example once a month can be a perfect "check-up" for your own practice and keeping you going.
If you feel like you're at the beginning of your singing path, I would recommend meeting fairly frequently in the start, to get a good grasp on some basic tools, and not letting the new things slip away from the memory with long gaps between the lessons.
I'm still really nervous!
It is scary to open yourself up to new learning experiences and be open with your own, unique voice. Taking singing lessons will most probably widen your comfort zone little by little! Singing and learning more about your voice are amazing ways to deepen your self-knowledge as well.
I'm not there to evaluate or change you, just to help you do things you do easier, and with greater freedom and joy!