The fact that you are viewing this page means that you have made the first step in inquiring about singing lessons. Most prospective students we speak to on the phone are very nervous about starting lessons however find the courage to make the initial call, which we applaud.

Singing is enjoyable & I think lessons should be too. Professionalism & quality of learning does not have to be compromised because of the fun & enjoyment factor. As a teacher I strive to be both positive and encouraging and offer support to all of my students. I could not teach any other way as this reflects my philosophies towards music, teaching and life in general.

I have decided to structure this page as "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ’s) which hopefully will address any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact me for additional information.

I charge $30 per half hour and charge five lessons in advance. I do not charge a deposit. On your first lesson you will be given a tax invoice for $150.00 and your five lesson times will be confirmed. This invoice is payable within seven days. I run the lessons in line with the school terms giving us four terms per year. School terms are usually ten weeks in duration with a two week break (with the exception of the six week Christmas holiday break). After your five lessons have taken place, you will be issued with another tax invoice for the balance of the term (usually five more lessons, however some terms are shorter or longer than ten weeks). Please read down further on this page to view the school terms.

I require 24 hours notice for a missed lesson or it will be charged. This allows me to reschedule. I will then try to arrange a makeup lesson for you. If lessons are consistently missed (other than due to illness), then I think I need to review your commitment. As I have a waiting list and this is my profession it would be unfair to continually cancel & expect to keep your lesson time.

A blank CD. You will be given a CD of scales and a folder of information about your voice and how to care for it. You may wish to record your lesson on your blank CD, or have a second CD for recording any practise backing tracks. One for scales & the other for backing tracks. It’s also a good idea to have a singing folder for your sheet music, lyrics & other relevant handouts to be kept in.

I have taught students ranging from eight years to retirement age. Generally I would say ten is a good starting age as concentration seems to be stronger, but it does depend on the individual.

It’s really up to the individual student and how they feel about it. Singing in front of others in the initial stages of learning may be intimidating & distracting & therefore impede learning. The training facility has a waiting area if required.

I teach the styles which I perform, being contemporary (basically songs you may hear on commercial radio) and Jazz. I also has a love of country music and music theatre. The basic singing techniques are the same regardless of musical genre. I will encourage you to bring along CD’s of songs that you like or suggest songs that are appealing. I can apply technique to any song. I may suggest certain songs that I feel may benefit you vocally or demonstrate a certain technique which we have been working on. I believe that it is important for you be happy with the choice song that you are singing.

Definitely, it’s all about learning and having fun while you’re doing it. I love teaching beginners. They have no pre-conceived ideas about the voice and are open to learning new techniques. Everyone has to start somewhere. You are a vocal instrument, which is no different to someone starting piano lessons, both require instruction on how to play their instrument. In some ways singing is more vulnerable, you are opening up a part which is uniquely you.

No, not to have lessons. Reading music is a great skill to have as it helps you to be a well rounded musician. It all depends on what you are wanting from your lessons. I can teach music reading & theory if desired.

How quickly do you want to progress? I live in the real world and know that it can often be tough to practice as often as you like. I do not chastise students for not practicing as it’s ultimately your responsibility. In the case of a child/teenager, I think the parent has a right to know if their child is not committed. Having said this, I am yet to encounter a student I have had to address this problem with. In the initial stages  say about 15 mins practice daily will benefit more than cramming practice into a couple of hours at the end of the week. Consider yourself a vocal athlete. You are training your muscles to perform new tasks, this can result in fatigue. Never practice until it hurts, pain does not equal gain.

• Voice maintenance & health and the basic physiology of the vocal mechanism
• Breathing
• Support & voice projection by employing the relevant muscles
• Resonance, placement and how this relates to vocal colour.
• Registers and how to achieve a blended mix throughout your range
• Tongue position
• Articulation, vowels and how to equalise. Diphthongs (no you don’t wear these on your feet)
• Focusing the vocal folds and the three different vocal onsets. False fold constriction & retraction.
• Soft palate control
• Vibrato
• Basic musicianship. How to sing set scales, intervals and triads, count bars in a song, and clap a rhythm.
• Musical & vocal terms. e.g. tag, coda, bridge, timbre, appoggio, glissando, a cappella, colla voce etc.
• Improvisation
• Harmony
• General stagecraft and performance skills. (over the years I have picked up a few do’s and don’ts)
• Microphone technique. How to choose a microphone or other relevant audio equipment.
• Audio production (if desired by the student. I own and operate my own PA Systems and use one for lessons)
• General advice on how to get gigs, write your own contracts, record your own songs etc.

Students are as individual as their voice. What you want to achieve from lessons may differ from the next student. You may not want to know all the music industry information for example, or how to write your own contracts. Everyone ,however, will be taught the principles of singing.

• I am always updating my knowledge by attending local & interstate Voice Symposiums & Workshops. I recently attended a 3 day Voice Symposium held at the Stamford Grand Glenelg & the Jo Estill Compulsory Figures for Voice Levels 1 & 2 held at the ABC-Adelaide.
• I advise students of visiting Voice Lecturers or relevant Workshops.
• With over 20 years performance experience I have gained a broad knowledge of the music industry.
• I currently perform three to five times a week and as this is how I  make my living I realise the importance of looking after your voice.
• In the past I have taken students into the recording studio to record a CD single of their choice. 
• I am always looking at ways to expose interested students to the music industry.
• I have invited students to perform songs at my gigs, giving them "live" experience.
• I have many industry contacts & often have bands ring asking me to recommend students for auditions.