How 1-on-1 singing lessons helped Harley express herself with confidence and joy

Harley, a vibrant and creative young student with a love for fashion, storytelling, and music, had never taken formal vocal lessons before. 

But she always felt a connection to singing. Inspired by her favorite artists like Mariah Carey and Rihanna, Harley dreamed of performing songs that reflected her personality and spirit.

She decided to take 1-on-1 vocal coaching with Carrington Johnson through Wiingy and it didn’t take long before her confidence and musicality began to bloom. 

From practicing vowels in “Beautiful” to hitting high notes in “Diamonds,” Harley discovered just how powerful her voice could be.

Harley’s dad even joined the lesson setup, showing support and helping schedule lessons, while Harley took the lead in her musical journey.

If you’re also a parent wondering when and how to start voice lessons for your child, check out this practical Parents’ guide to singing lessons for kids.

Why Harley started singing lessons

Harley always loved singing at home, watching musicals, and practicing songs she loved, but she wanted to take things a step further. She had a strong desire to learn how to sing properly, improve her tone and pitch, and gain the confidence to perform at her school graduation.

What made her special was her joyful self-expression, sewing clothes from birdcage fabric, talking about her big extended family, and dreaming about performing with a unique style that felt “more her.”

With a mix of fun, vulnerability, and ambition, Harley stepped into her lessons eager to grow.

Whether you’re a child, teen, or adult learner just starting out, this step-by-step guide on how to learn singing can help you build a solid foundation, just like Harley did.

Real class insight: What Harley worked on with Carrington

Carrington guided Harley through structured yet flexible lessons, using emotion, imagery, and vocal technique to bring songs to life.

Building emotional connection: Singing through real memories

To bring out authentic expression, Carrington asked Harley to think of personal moments that matched the emotions of lyrics. 

When singing “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera, Harley reflected on a summer camp memory where she learned to swim, but couldn’t show her coach before she left.

That disappointment helped her connect to the lyric, “Suddenly it’s hard to breathe.”

“I thought she’d be so happy to see me learn to swim… but she left before I could show her.”

Later, when Harley reached the empowering chorus, she drew from another experience being told her campaign ideas were better than the winning candidate’s during a mock election.

That memory helped her confidently sing, “I am beautiful no matter what they say.”

Improving technique: Exploring vowel placement and vocal phrasing

Carrington introduced Harley to vowel shaping techniques to help her sing more clearly and confidently.

By thinking of Spanish vowel sounds (Harley is fluent in Spanish), she was able to pronounce English lyrics like “wonderful” and “breathe” with stronger vocal presence.

“So instead of saying ‘wonderful,’ I said ‘wahndahful’ like in Español. That made it sound better!”

Harley also practiced how to keep her neck relaxed and use breath support when climbing to higher notes, especially during lines like “Shine bright like a diamond.”

Performance prep: Choosing a song that fits her voice and heart

Though her teachers initially suggested she sing “Beautiful” for graduation, Harley felt more connected to “Diamonds” by Rihanna.

She loved the energy, rhythm, and modern feel of the song, and how the high notes let her show off her vocal sparkle.

“I like the high parts, it’s exciting! That’s when everyone knows the song is getting good.”

With Carrington’s support, Harley committed to making “Diamonds” her performance piece, despite initial resistance and began practicing it passionately.

The outcome: A singer growing in skill and self-belief

Harley made fast progress in her lessons, not only vocally, but emotionally. She began opening up, sharing stories, and owning her performance choices. 

Even when practicing tricky lines, she showed determination and creativity, adding her “jazz” to the ending of songs and tweaking notes to make them her own.

“This is my version. I’m the one singing it now.”

Even adult beginners can relate to Harley’s journey of overcoming nerves and building vocal strength. If you’re starting later in life, explore this beginner’s guide to learning singing as an adult.

Bonus insight: Online lessons gave Harley her own space to shine

Like many first-time learners, Harley wasn’t sure what to expect from online lessons. But having the freedom to sing from her room made her feel more relaxed and expressive.

“I like taking lessons here. It’s easier to be myself.”

What you can learn from Harley’s journey

• You don’t need formal experience to start learning just curiosity and heart.
• Emotional connection transforms a song. Harley grew by singing through her real-life moments.
• The right coach helps you balance creativity and technique.
• Online lessons offer flexibility and comfort, especially for young learners and their families.

Try it yourself – book a free trial

Work with expert vocal coaches like Carrington, who can:

• Help you sing with more confidence, power, and precision
• Use fun techniques that build emotional and technical depth
• Encourage self-expression while building performance skills
• Make learning feel exciting and personalized, every step of the way

Book your free trial lesson today and start discovering the unique power of your voice, just like Harley did.

Meet the tutor – Carrington Johnson

Carrington is a professional vocal coach at Wiingy known for her dynamic and supportive teaching style. 

With experience in both performance and education, she helps students connect emotionally to their songs while improving technical skills like tone, phrasing, and stage presence. 

Her lessons are filled with storytelling, warmth, and expert vocal guidance that empowers students of all ages.

See more success stories

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