Singing Lessons F.A.Q.
• Is singing a natural gift or can anyone sing? • What technique do you teach?
• What will my first lesson be like?
• Should I prepare a song?
• Can I bring my own backing track? • Do I need to read music?
• Do you teach different vocal styles?
Is singing a natural gift or can anyone sing?
Both! Different people have varying aptitudes to any skill, but regardless of starting point, commitment, focus and a growth mindset are critical to success, because you will work harder and appreciate the skills learnt.
What technique do you teach?
Cal’s approach to singing is based on cutting-edge research, informed by world-renowned voice educator, John Henny, and leading vocal scientist, Kenneth Bozeman. Singing is a complex skill to learn, but through this lens we can break it down into simple, manageable sections to give you the control and freedom to express yourself musically!
What will my first lesson be like?
Here’s what to expect from your first singing lesson (60 minute introduction lesson):
10 mins: First you’ll have a chat and discuss your specific singing goals and objectives, artists and genres that interest you, and any problems you have been having with your voice.
15 mins: Then you will go through a series of exercises to warm up your voice. When you sing, your body is your instrument, and it is important to look after it. Just like any other physical activity, you need to warm up and cool down at the beginning and end of a vocal training session, to ensure optimum performance and protect your vocal health.
10 mins: Next, you’ll move on to specific vocal exercises. Cal will ask you to sing a few simple scales to get a sense of your voice, what you can do well and where you might need support. He can then tailor vocal exercises to build on any weaknesses and enhance your strengths.
15 mins: Using the knowledge and techniques acquired from the vocal exercises, you can now delve into your chosen material, or select an appropriate song for your voice at this stage of development.
10 mins: You will end the lesson by cooling down your voice and recapping what you have covered, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions.
Should I prepare a song?
While you don’t have to prepare anything, it is certainly helpful to have a song or selection of songs in mind that you would like to sing, and would be comfortable to attempt in your first lesson. You don’t need to perfect the song or learn it by heart – Cal will work on the song with you, and you can use a lyric sheet to guide you – but it will be much easier to work on a song that is familiar and that you enjoy singing!
If you are really unsure what to sing or you are worried about picking something that is too difficult to start with, we do have a list of Suggested Songs for Beginners that you may want to consider.
Can I bring my own backing track?
If you wish to use your own backing track, please send it to Cal before the lesson as a .MP3 or .WAV file, as this will save time during the lesson. Alternatively, we can find a backing track on YouTube.
If you would like to purchase a customised backing track, www.karaoke-version.co.uk is an excellent resource. Cal will be happy to help you create a version that is best suited to your needs.
Do I need to read music?
No. All of our scales and exercises are simple and Cal will sing them to you first, so that you can simply listen and repeat. You are welcome to use sheet music for your song if you find it helpful, but it is generally easier to learn by ear, with lyrics as a guide. You can use YouTube or Spotify to listen to the original track, to secure any sections of the song which you are unsure about.
Do you teach different vocal styles?
Absolutely – experimenting with different styles is one of the most exciting parts of singing! You and Cal will discuss genres and artists that you like, and select an appropriate song for you. Over time, you may want to experiment with different sounds and really expand your vocal range. Of course, you will also want to discover what is unique and special about your voice, not just to emulate other artists! The first step is to secure the foundation of your voice, giving you the control and technique you will need to stylise with confidence and without damaging your voice. You will then be free to concentrate on the dynamics of the song and most of all, the emotion behind your performance.
Thank you for checking out our F.A.Q. If you have any questions that are not covered here, please contact info@ripleysounds.co.uk, and we will be happy to help.