WHAT I OFFER
*Classical and contemporary vocal technique
*Singing for mental health and wellbeing
*Voice work, breath work, embodiment, voice finding
*Creative coaching
*Songwriting development and recording
*Online singing lessons
*Coaching packages with face to face sessions and recorded exercises and videos
Why is my approach special?
I've been teaching singing for over 15 years, as well as working as a professional singer, recording artist, songwriter and session musician. I not only understand how to teach great vocal technique to the point where my students often feel the benefits in the first lesson, I will also work with your artistic expression, vocal nuances and 'rough edges' instead of against them.
Balancing registers and bridging the voice is crucial for a healthy, robust and beautiful voice. It shouldn't take long to be set on your way to this. Within a few sessions, I aim to have my students understand exactly how to handle their voice in terms of moving through registers.
Identifying students' habits which are holding them back, is the first step to showing them exactly how to rid themselves of strain or discomfort. The right vocal exercises for you, and demonstrations of how to execute them precisely is what will align and balance your voice, removing strain and bad tension. This should result in a stronger sounding voice, with the correct amount of 'effortful release'.
I balance tried and tested vocal technique training with intuition, finding authentic and free expression, overcoming psychological blocks and tonal detail. Ask me anything, express your opinion, find your own ways of doing things. We will develop a respectful relationship based on our shared love of singing. I'll teach you absolutely everything I know if that's what you want.
GET IN TOUCH with any questions, check out my CLIENT REVIEWS and see what my NOTABLE CLIENTS are saying.
Common problems
Clear goals students often identify are:
Voice Rehabilitation
Bridging (Connecting chest and head voice)
Finding the 'Mixed Voice'
Relieving strain
Getting rid of bad habits
Developing healthier technique
Growing the voice
Learning how to sing in a specific style or genre
Particular techniques such as belting
Vocal coaching through a recording process
'Finding' the voice
Overcoming psychological blockages
Exploring and developing tone and vocal nuances
Vocal Empowerment
"I don't even know what my REAL voice is!"
Singing for health and wellbeing is something I have come to value very highly. A very common thing I have come across over the years is people who have a psychological/body-based issue with their voice. From issues such as not liking their speaking/singing voice, having negative feelings around their voice, not being able to fully express themselves through the voice and physical tension, hoarseness and vocal fatigue, as well as breathing issues.
I can help you to feel more embodied as a singer/speaker, and release the negative emotions and physical tension locked up in your voice.
NOTABLE COACHING CLIENTS
Andrew McGuiness - Musical Director, Producer, Composer, Drummer.
"Rachel has an exceptional talent for finding techniques to build confidence and vocal strength. Her approach is warm and friendly but also straight to the point.
She immediately understood my weak points and made great suggestions on how to improve my range as well as my confidence when singing. I left the first lesson feeling like I could actually sing better. Whether you're a beginner, an intermediate or an advanced vocalist, Rachel comes highly recommended."
TECHNIQUES
The techniques I use with my students work wonderfully well, time and time again. My aim is to help you train steadily for a robust and beautiful voice which you can use with ease and comfort, and which can be pushed to its limits without damage. My goal is to help the student understand their voices so well that they can take more and more control of their training as we go along. A student's voice should never belong to their teacher, and there should never be anything esoteric or mysterious about singing technique - you should always understand the purpose of any particular exercise and feel its benefits right away. I will talk to you about what we are doing as we go then you can gain an understanding of the mechanics behind your voice.
RECORDING
I currently work with several artists, recording and mixing their tracks, as well as playing instruments on their songs and helping with composition, chords, backing vocals and beats.
A WARM APPROACH
Most of my students feel relaxed after a few lessons and say they find me warm and approachable. This is so important because singing is one of the most daunting things we can ever do in front of another person - people can feel much more exposed and vulnerable learning to sing than learning an instrument, for example. You will never have to do anything you are uncomfortable with and I regularly check in with you during the lesson to make sure you're feeling good.
I work with many autistic people, as well as those with ADHD, social anxiety, depression, bi-polar and other challenges. My aim is to find learning styles to suit each person - for example, a few of my autistic students have reported they learn better through mimicking other vocalists, which has been so useful to identify. We tend to have a lot of fun and most people say they feel loose and comfortable with me.
PROFESSIONAL SINGERS
I have a number of students who sing in bands or are recording artists. I also work with musical theatre performers and help with audition preparation or show material. I've recently had the pleasure of coaching the well-loved soul singer Gloria Scott, who has a new album out and is currently planning a tour.
QUESTIONS...
What makes you different to other singing teachers?
I am a professional singer, recording artist, composer and producer, so I understand the practical application of vocal technique over time, and in various situations, as well as realising the value of having a fully trained voice - without sounding 'trained' or wooden when performing.
What are your credentials?
I have a variety of talented mentors, and have crafted my own unique way of coaching, using classical technique, SLS (THE best technique for ironing out the voice's creases and kinks) and even some psychological techniques to break through those walls we singers all have. Have a look through my reviews to find out what other clients are saying:
Many music teachers have degrees and credentials but it doesn't mean much if you're trying to get better as a contemporary artist and your teacher has a classical music degree or does not even sing regularly. I studied Musical Performance at CCCU and Composition at Brunel University where I specialised in Singing, and have been a professional musician ever since.
Why take private tuition when you can learn from apps like 'Yousician' or '30 Day Singer'?
Music lesson apps are great for beginners who just want to get a tune out, but over time, you'll need to ask questions, pick a teacher's brain, get help with technique, hear someone demonstrate exactly what you're trying to do....plus, its more fun working alongside someone. Even I still take the occasional singing lesson with my favourite teachers, and even new ones.