Frequently Asked Questions

Can Anyone Sing?

If you can speak you can sing (or learn to sing). You have been born with all the raw tools you need. Learning and applying vocal techniques can then help you gain the freedom within your voice so that you can find and master your own unique style and communicate the emotion that truly brings a song to life.

Why Have Singing Lessons?

We all learn in different ways; from the radio, our friends, our teachers. All of these methods are equally valid. However sessions with a good coach can bypass a lot of trial and error based learning at home, give you confidence and support and motivate you towards attaining your goals. Singing lessons are also a lot of fun!

How Often Should I Have Lessons?

This depends on what you are looking to achieve. As a general rule, weekly or fortnightly sessions are what suit most people. Regular sessions maintain progression and development.

How Quickly Will I Improve?

Often improvements are instant in the lessons but the techniques then need to be practiced and practiced well (in lessons/at home) to become habitual. All instruments require practise.

How Many Lessons Will I Need?

You need as many lessons as it takes to get your voice where you want it to be! Beginner and intermediate singers will generally take weekly or fortnightly lessons. Professional vocalists will generally touch base every now and again in-between tours to keep their voices in check. Singers experiencing voice issues (e.g. hoarseness) will usually be asked to book a course of lessons to enable us to get to the crux of the matter and establish better habits. Thereafter checking in regularly is advisable.

Who Is The Right Teacher For Me?

There are many varied and valid ways to teach and learn singing. Singing teachers are a diverse bunch and this diversity is a good thing. The best advice is to book a lesson with a teacher and see how you get on. It should be quite obvious to you whether your teacher understands the style of music you wish to sing. At Expressive voice we have two very experienced professionals who teach in very different ways. Some clients prefer one style over another, other clients choose to alternate between teachers.

If I Have Singing Lessons, Will I Lose My Individual Sound?

Our aim at Expressive Voice is to enable you to find and develop your own unique and interesting voice, not to fit you into a mould of what we think is ‘good singing’. The vocal technique work we teach is purely to overcome any barriers. As contemporary vocalists we all want to have a individual, recognisable voice and style.

I Am Having Health Issues With My Voice Can You Help?

We can certainly help you improve your vocal technique. However there are a multitude of reasons why you may be having issues with your voice; stress, lack of sleep/fatigue, acid reflux, bad technique, bacterial/viral infections, allergies, neck injuries, polyps, nodules, etc. So we may advise you to see your GP. Singing teachers often work in conjunction with Physios/oesteopaths. Well practised bad habits will require dedicated work on your part to remedy.

Who Are Your Favourite Singers?

Our personal favourites include; Jeff Buckley, Tori Amos, Leonard Cohen, Kate Bush, Nina Simone, Johnny Rotten, P.J.Harvey, Maria Callas, Paul Simon, Billie Holiday, Thom Yorke, Jimi Hendrix, Marianne Faithful, Sheryl Crow, Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, Jim Morrisson, Diamanda Galás, Janis Joplin, Beth Orton, Johnny Cash, Jane Siberry, Sinead O'Connor, Nick Drake, Eva Cassidy, Joni Mitchell, Kurt Cobain....to name but a few..

Can I Meet up with you to Discuss Making a Booking?

Due to our busy schedules we are unable to meet with clients prior to their making an initial booking. Please feel free to e-mail us any questions you may have regarding your lessons.

Seeking Artists/Session Singers?

Please feel free to submit any material to our e-mail and we will be selective in it's distribution amongst clients/colleagues.

Signed Artist/Management/Record Company Info.

All Expressive Voice clients receive the same service and confidentiality. Signed artists will not find themselves used as a marketing tool. Our coaching services are for the benefit of our clients not ourselves. Where signed artists approach us directly they will be charged the same fee as unsigned artists. Record companies should mail requirements and a contact number so Jenny can quote based on the work required.