How 1-on-1 singing lessons helped David master vocal breaks and prepare for a Eurovision-style performance

David, a passionate music lover and Eurovision fan, had always enjoyed singing but wanted to push his skills to the next level. 

With a specific goal in mind, singing the technically challenging track “Kiss Kiss Goodbye”, he knew he needed guidance beyond YouTube videos.

That’s when he started taking 1-on-1 singing lessons with Thom Isaacs through Wiingy.

Together, they dove into advanced vocal techniques like dynamic control, bridging vocal registers, soft palate activation, and phrasing, all while preparing for a performance inspired by Eurovision’s high vocal demands.

If you’re someone who’s ever felt stuck with your vocal range or unsure how to make it through “the break,” David’s journey offers valuable insight into how 1-on-1 vocal lessons can help master vocal breaks and prepare for a Eurovision-style performance.

Want to learn how to develop your vocal skills from scratch like David? Check out this complete step-by-step guide on how to learn singing.

Why David started singing lessons

David had a clear goal, he wanted to sing “Kiss Kiss Goodbye” and truly do it justice. As a Eurovision enthusiast, he was drawn to its intense emotional storytelling and challenging vocal range. But getting through the song required more than just enthusiasm. 

It demanded real vocal technique. David was especially interested in mastering dynamics, controlling his head and chest voice transitions, and tackling the daunting “vocal break” without fear.

Whether you’re prepping for a performance or just want to improve your technique, it’s never too late to start. If you’re beginning as an adult like David, this adult’s guide to learning singing can help you get started confidently.

Real class insight: What David worked on with Thom

David’s lessons with Thom were highly personalized, blending musical theory with humor, curiosity, and actionable practice.

Exploring “yawn posture” and the soft palate

To help David access a more open, resonant tone, Thom introduced the concept of “yawn posture”, a technique that encourages lifting the soft palate.

“Yawning is like doing vocal yoga,” Thom explained. “It stretches your soft palate, making your voice feel more open, like a singer’s secret weapon.”

By mimicking yawns and holding that lifted space during singing, David started creating fuller sounds with less tension.

Mastering the vocal break: Chest to head voice transitions

One of the most challenging parts of “Kiss Kiss Goodbye” was navigating the break between David’s chest and head voice, especially in lines like “Will you be my ride or die?”

Thom helped David break through that barrier by normalizing the awkwardness of singing through the break and using exercises to build muscle memory.

“The goal here isn’t to sound beautiful yet,” Thom reminded him. “It’s to get comfortable singing through the break.”

This approach helped David gain control and reduce the instinct to default to head voice.

Learning dynamic control: From pianissimo to forte

To capture the emotional contrast of “Kiss Kiss Goodbye,” Thom guided David in practicing dynamics, the variation of vocal intensity. The song begins in a soft, intimate tone and builds to a dramatic, powerful chorus.

They explored musical markings like: Pianissimo, Piano, Mezzo-forte, Forte

“It’s like a superhero movie,” said Thom. “You whisper the plan in piano, then shout in forte during the battle.”

Clarifying pronunciation: Goodbye and diphthongs

Another subtle but important fix was David’s pronunciation of words like “goodbye.” Thom explained that “bye” is a diphthong, a combo of two vowel sounds (“ah” + “ee”).

“Hold the first sound longer and clip the second,” Thom said. “So it’s ‘baaaaay’ not ‘ba-yee.’ That creates smoother, more professional phrasing.”

They practiced diphthong control across other tricky phrases too, ensuring David’s diction was clear and expressive.

The outcome: Confidence, control, and Eurovision-worthy phrasing

With Thom’s coaching, David experienced real breakthroughs:

• He expanded his vocal range and could now access higher and lower notes more easily.
• He gained control over vocal transitions, particularly singing through breaks without fear or hesitation.
• His dynamic control added more emotional weight to his performances.
• He learned to “walk it off” during mistakes, developing performance confidence and adaptability.

“I can do certain things now that I thought I couldn’t,” David shared. “It makes complete sense after seeing and feeling the difference.”

Their session ended with David practicing the entire chorus of “Kiss Kiss Goodbye” with clarity, dynamic power, and technical precision, ready to compare it with the artist’s Eurovision performance in their next session.

Bonus insight: Using music to reflect and connect

David and Thom often paused to talk about performance strategy, Eurovision rehearsals, and stage presence. From analyzing the original singer’s vocal delivery to understanding how emotions drive phrasing, these moments gave David a deeper understanding of how to tell a story through song.

“It’s not just about hitting the notes,” Thom said. “It’s about trusting yourself and knowing how to recover when things go wrong.”

What you can learn from David’s journey

• Singing through the break takes practice, but it gets easier with expert coaching.
• Techniques like yawning and dynamic control unlock powerful vocal expression.
• Even pronunciation (like “goodbye”) can dramatically improve your sound.
• A great vocal coach gives you tools to handle mistakes and grow from them.

For parents wondering how early to start vocal training, check out this practical guide to singing lessons for kids.

Try it yourself – book a free trial

Work with expert vocal coaches like Thom, who can:

• Help you sing across registers with confidence and ease
• Guide you through challenging songs like a Eurovision pro
• Use creative techniques that blend vocal science with fun
• Turn even your “off” moments into teachable wins

Book your free trial lesson today and discover the performer inside you, just like David did.

Meet the tutor – Thom Isaacs

Thom Isaacs is a professional vocal coach at Wiingy with a deep understanding of vocal anatomy and expressive technique. 

Known for his witty, insightful lessons, Thom helps students of all levels gain control over their voice, connect emotionally to their songs, and build performance confidence. Whether you’re preparing for a show or just starting out, Thom creates a safe, encouraging space to grow.

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