Why is it called Vocal Untraining?

I’m not interested in training you toward a certain singing aesthetic, I’m interested in unlocking your sound. I’m interested in hearing how you’re unique culmination of artistic influences manifests in your voice.

You see, I believe everyone can do what I do. Everyone has a voice and, much like learning how to walk, anyone can learn how to play it if they’re willing to trip, fall and try again. Much of singing is just learning how to listen a little deeper and surrender the fear of sounding bad.

I call it Untraining because my guiding philosophy in singing is one that asks, “are you ready to let go enough to discover and develop the parameters of your instrument?”.

So…What’s in a 1:1 Vocal Untraining & Creative Mentorship Session?

I want to see singer’s leave my studio feeling grounded and embodied.

I want to hear voices that are athletic and freely flexible across a variety of styles.

I want you to feel connected to your instrument, enough so that you’re able to take the risks necessary to fully unlock and embrace your authentic sound.

I want you to be able to sit in conversation with your body and mind, to become aware of both your weaknesses and your strengths so that you may hone the art of self-directed practice and move toward your artistic goals with grace and ease.

I want you to leave my studio feeling confident, equipped with the essential knowledge and practices that are going to fuel the fire of your passions for a lifetime.

❊

I achieve this in my sessions by:

- Sharing with you the tools of self-observation, enquiry and reflection that I’ve learnt throughout my own singing journey;

- Giving you a space to play - play allows us to explore the subtleties of our instrument and brings the mind, body and voice into a more cohesive conversation.

- Exposing you to new songs / singing styles and approaches that challenge you to stretch a little further than you thought you could.

- Offering you insight into how your bio-mechanical instrument functions, as well as some practical applications of this knowledge, to enhance your proprioceptive awareness and vocal coordination (motor skills).

My methods are informed by two decades of practical experience and are influenced by my interests in various psycho-somatic practices which bridge the mind-body connection, such as Mindfulness and Qigong. My ongoing study and application of voice technique in the studio draws largely upon the research and methods presented by Thurman & Welch (‘Body-Mind Voice’), Clifton Ware, Jeremy Fisher & Dr. Gillyanne Kayes. All of whom highlight the importance of developing an embodied understanding of one’s own physiology as a way of achieving personal mastery.

Depending on your personal aims, here is a list of some singing, songwriting and performance fundamentals that may be covered during your time in the studio:

Singing Hygiene

Body Mapping & Alignment

Breathing for Singing

Developing Pitch & Rhythmic Accuracy

Developing Vocal Strength, Flexibility & Agility

Connecting & Smoothing Register Transitions for Increased Vocal Range

Highlighting Register Transitions for Effect (Yodel Flip)

Enhancing Resonance & Altering Timbre with Vowel Modification

Vocal Onsets / Offsets

Developing Balanced Vibrato

Adding Vocal Distortion / Grit / Scream Basics

Singing with Feeling / Connecting to Repertoire

Developing Stylistic Nuance & Phrasing

Microphone Technique & Stage Presence / Managing Anxiety

Songwriting & Developing an Artistic Voice

Moving through Emotional / Creative Blocks & Limiting Beliefs

Developing Positive, Productive & Consistent Practice Habits

Generally, in a 60 minute session we will:

i) 5 minutes: discuss your progress in relation to your goals & identify any technical or creative blocks arising from the previous week of practice

ii) 5 minutes: do some mind-body connection & functional vocal warm up (may include mental focusing exercise & physical stretching if required)

iii) 10 - 15 minutes: goal orientated workout for strengthening & balancing the instrument & integrating new vocal approaches relevant to repertoire style (as outlined above)

iv) 30 - 40 minutes: repertoire work & / or songwriting with constructive feedback & adjustments

v) 5 minutes: reflection & wrap-up i.e. discuss practice tasks & objectives for the upcoming week

Who are these Sessions for?

My teaching focus aims to develop balance within the instrument, in other words: healthy-functioning and efficiently produced voices that are flexible across a variety of contemporary music styles, namely Pop, Folk, Soul, Blues, Jazz, Gospel and Country.

My clients generally have an interest in performance and songwriting, are working toward a performance or recording goal, or are simply dedicating themselves to a creative discipline as a way of moving through personal blocks and unlocking their personal potential.

I do not train students in Classical, Opera or Musical Theatre disciplines.

I do not prepare students for AMEB National Exams.

I work with anyone at a Beginner, Intermediate or Professional level. If you’re hungry to learn and dedicated to putting in the work, I’m here to help you take your voice to the next level.

I possess an active Working With Children Blue Card and am currently taking clients from the age of 12 and above.

How often should I have Lessons?

Lesson length and frequency are dependant on each individuals training needs, skill level and age.

For young beginners I recommend a 30 minute lesson once per week.

For older clients, or singers at an intermediate or professional level, I recommend taking a class for 45 to 60 minutes weekly or fortnightly.

Where will my Lesson be held?

My home studio is located in Southside Gympie, Queensland. Your lesson may be held in-person at this location, or online via Zoom video conference.

More details can be found on the contact page of this website.

Download my free Singing Goal Setting & Practice Planner Templates to aid your practice at home!

Listen to some original songs written by my past students as part of their vocal / songwriting studies!