I like my students to bring their phone or a recording device so they can record the lesson and then listen back to it in their own time and practise with it. The next thing is a metal straw (I will provide this on the first lesson for $5). This is used for breathing work and is yours to take home, practise with and bring back to each lesson. Another thing is a file in which to keep the student’s lyrics and writing paper to make notes. Then of course your beautiful self.

Again, this depends on the student, their experience level and how strong their mind body connection is. Singing can be a frustrating thing to learn because you can’t see the voice; it’s all by how it feels. Small improvements can happen every lesson even from day one or one could have a light bulb moment and have a big improvement. Everyone is different and the amount of dedication, patience, perseverance and practice one puts in will determine the speed of improvements.

Each lesson is different and tailored to the student and their needs. Generally, we start with posture assessment then breathing work, melodic vocal warm ups then the student’s chosen song. I believe it is important for the student to choose their own material because they must love what they’re doing and have fun.

No, reading music is not necessary in my classes.

Classes run either weekly or fortnightly all year round and are closed over the Christmas period, re-opening in late January. Classes do not run in terms like a school year.

Yes of course. I always confirm with the parent that the child loves to sing because that’s very important and I want the lessons to be a positive experience for them.

With shy students of any age, I am constantly checking in on them making sure they are comfortable in what they are learning and if not, adjusting my approach or moving on to something fun then coming back to what’s troubling them later. I like to give all my students reassurance and positive encouragement because learning singing can be an emotional journey.

I would say it does depend on the student; the strength of their ability to focus and their goals. Ten years would be the minimum age suited to my lessons, younger if they have had previous training.