How 1-on-1 singing lessons helped Paul explore musical theater repertoire and improve vocal lift

Paul, a dedicated adult singer passionate about musical theater and opera, wanted to expand his song repertoire while refining vocal technique, especially improving vocal lift and breathing.

Though already singing regularly, Paul sought coaching to develop a healthier, more expressive legit voice and to work on songs with complex lyrics and dynamic expression.

He began 1-on-1 sessions with vocal coach Abiane Stroebel at Wiingy, who guided him through song selection, breath management, vocal placement, and interpretive skills.

Together, they explored a variety of musical theater songs, balancing fun pieces with challenging legit vocal work to build both skill and confidence. Here’s how personalized lessons helped Paul grow as a musical theater singer and deepen his vocal technique.

Why Paul started singing lessons

Paul’s passion lies in musical theater and opera, and he wanted to broaden his song list with pieces that matched his interests and vocal style. 

He was particularly interested in developing a lifted, resonant voice suitable for legit singing roles while maintaining healthy technique. 

Paul also aimed to master breath support and vocal placement for greater ease and expressiveness, especially for songs with rapid or talky lyrics. 

If you are a musical theater singer starting to learn breath and vocal lift, check out this helpful resource: How to learn singing.

Real class insight: What Paul worked on with Abiane

Song selection and repertoire exploration

Abiane helped Paul explore songs like Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha, Dentist from Little Shop of Horrors, and selections from The Producers and Hadestown.

They focused on choosing pieces that were both enjoyable and appropriate for his vocal range and technique goals.

Paul particularly liked humorous and talky songs such as Betrayed and Road to Hell which challenged his articulation and expressiveness.

Breath control and vocal lift

They worked on maintaining a lifted voice placement “in the mask” and mouth, avoiding “singing down” or straining the throat. Abiane coached Paul on keeping his head level during singing and creating space in the mouth for better resonance.

Paul practiced adjusting vocal placement on sustained notes and transitions, gaining a clearer, brighter sound.

Technique integration with songs

Paul revisited songs he knew, such as Living It Up by George Ezra, practicing to bring more lift and breath support into performance. Abiane guided him in shifting from muscle memory habits to more deliberate, healthy technique while singing familiar material.

They also worked on managing asthma-related breath challenges in cold weather, ensuring vocal stamina and safety.

The outcome: Stronger vocal technique and exciting repertoire

Paul developed improved breath support and vocal placement, enabling him to sing higher and more clearly with less strain.

He gained confidence tackling complex musical theater pieces that require rapid lyrics and varied vocal colors.

Paul reported feeling the difference in his singing immediately during the session and expressed excitement to learn new songs.

Abiane assigned the first minute of Betrayed and Road to Hell to prepare for future lessons and continued technique focus.

What you can learn from Paul’s journey

• Choosing repertoire that balances fun and challenge supports motivation and skill development.
• Proper vocal lift and placement in the mask increase resonance and reduce throat strain.
• Breath control practice is vital for sustained notes and managing health considerations like asthma.
• Consistent work on vocal technique can transform muscle memory habits into healthier singing.

For adults pursuing legit singing, this guide offers great tips: How to learn singing as an adult

Try 1-on-1 coaching with expert vocal tutors

Personalized lessons with tutors like Abiane Stroebel can help singers:

• Expand and refine song repertoire
• Improve breath support and vocal lift
• Build technique for rapid and expressive singing
• Safely manage vocal health challenges

Book your free trial lesson today on Wiingy!

Meet the tutor – Abiane Stroebel

Abiane Stroebel is a skilled and empathetic vocal coach specializing in musical theater and legit singing techniques. She helps adult singers develop healthy, expressive voices with tailored repertoire and technical guidance.

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Footnote: Student’s name has been changed for privacy.