Toby Smith

English Tutor at Lancaster University | Literature, Writing, Reading, Debate

4.9(152)

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Verified degree or teaching certification of Toby

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Toby Smith

Bachelors degree

/ 55 min

Your english tutor - Toby

Hi there! My name is Toby, and I am an experienced, TEFL certified teacher, of both English and Spanish, from the UK. I have over 3 years of experience teaching students of all ages to become the best linguists they can be. If you are looking for a professor to push you in your studies, to tailor the learning experience to you, and provide you with skills that will help you in the real world, not just boring textbook exercises and vocab tests, then look no further! My specialities range from accent coaching, to test prep strategies, to business english, ensuring that each student has a comprehensive grounding that allows them to master English or Spanish to the highest level. Whether you are a beginner, or an experienced speaker looking to refine your English or Spanish skills, I am here to help you succeed. Let’s embark on this language journey together and unlock your full potential in English or Spanish.

Meet Toby

Toby graduated from Lancaster University

Toby graduated from Lancaster University
Toby graduated from Lancaster University

English tutor specialities

Speaking fluency icon

Speaking fluency

Cultural immersion icon

Cultural immersion

Real world application icon

Real world application

Writing assistance icon

Writing assistance

Accent coaching icon

Accent coaching

Listening skill icon

Listening skill

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AI modules

Summary

Podcast

Quiz

Learnings

Flashcard

Spotlight

Zero Risk Guaranteed

15-days refund

Free tutor swap

No cancel fee

1-yr validity

24/7 support

Learner types for english class

ADHD icon

ADHD

ASD icon

ASD

Home schooled icon

Home schooled

English for beginners icon

English for beginners

English for kids icon

English for kids

English for adults icon

English for adults

Anxiety or Stress Disorders icon

Anxiety or Stress Disorders

English classes quick guide

My teaching methodology is unique in that I incorporate the latest and most up to date teaching strategies within my curriculum. I have eliminated the outdated and actively damaging practises of learning by rote and standardised class structures from my approach, as these have been proven to not only slow learning progress, but also weaken a students adaptability in the target language. As such I employ an approach of fully immersive classes, in which 90-95% of the content is taught in and around the target language, only using translations when absolutely necessary to ensure student understanding. I create a personalised and tailored curriculum for each student, using an initial aptitude test and my own insights in the first few sessions to target the weaknesses within their fluency, and to actively improve the areas that will support the purpose of their learning. With over 100 successful students taught, and over 5000 hours of classes under my belt, I have a proven track record in my style and my ability to accelerate a student’s learning by making lessons engaging and personalised.

Toby - also teaches

English Listening

English Listening

English Literature

English Literature

English Speaking

English Speaking

English Vocabulary

English Vocabulary

English Writing

English Writing

English

English

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English concepts taught by Toby

Student learned 1 day ago

The Student and Tutor worked on fundamental singing techniques, including maintaining an open throat, using diaphragm support for high notes, and understanding different vocal registers. They discussed the importance of hearing music and practicing vocal slides while beginning to learn the song "Ain't No Sunshine." The Student was assigned practice for the song's first verse and a vocal warm-up exercise involving sliding through their entire vocal range.

The Voice as an External Instrument (Staircase Analogy)

Full Range Vocal Slide Warm-up

Avoiding Vocal Tension for High Notes

Diaphragmatic Breathing for Volume Control

Healthy Larynx Position and Open Throat

Understanding Vocal Registers (Zones)

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Student learned 3 days ago

The Student and Tutor worked on vocal techniques, primarily focusing on the art of riffing in singing, using "The Thrill Is Gone" as a key example. They also practiced breath control strategies for faster pieces, specifically with the song "Wouldn't You Like." The Student was assigned to extensively practice riffing in "The Thrill Is Gone" for the upcoming week.

The Central Note Principle in Riffing

Understanding Riffing Fundamentals

Complementary Notes and Resolution in Riffing

Strategic Breathing for Dynamic Performance

Cultivating Riffing Creativity through Practice

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Student learned 4 days ago

The Student and Tutor engaged in a singing lesson focusing on vocal warm-ups, breath control, and voice placement. They practiced specific exercises to improve pitching and falsetto transitions, then analyzed the song "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran to address breath control and projection. The Student was assigned to practice phrasing and breath support for "Perfect," with a plan to work on projection with "Stupid Song" in the next session.

Strategic Breath Control in Songs

Unlocking Dynamic Projection and Vocal Power

Navigating Vocal Register Transitions

Core Support: Diaphragmatic Breathing & Posture

Vocal Health: Pre-Singing Nutrition

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Student learned 5 days ago

Student and Tutor focused on preparing for an upcoming musical audition, analyzing the song "Don't Be the Bunny" from "Urinetown." They practiced speak-singing techniques and characterization, using "Friends on the Other Side" as a reference. The Tutor recommended an additional lesson next week to further refine the audition piece, ensuring the Student has the best possible preparation.

Seamless Speak-Singing Transition

Consistent Character Embodiment

Strategic Audition Preparation

Attacking Notes with Intent & Power

Overcoming Performance Inhibition

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Student learned 5 days ago

Student and Tutor had an introductory singing session where the student discussed their musical preferences and goals. The Tutor assessed the student's vocal range and identified strengths, such as falsetto access and natural vibrato, along with areas for development, particularly vocal transitions. They selected three initial songs for practice and discussed the structure of future lessons and practice recommendations.

Structured Lessons & Effective Practice

Natural Vibrato & Neutral Voice Tone

Vocal Transition Challenges: The 'Wobble'

Initial Vocal Range & Type

The Four Voice Parts

Perceived vs. Actual Voice Sound

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Student learned 5 days ago

The Student and Tutor engaged in a singing lesson focusing on vocal warm-ups and a new song, "Love Will Find a Way" by Lionel Richie. They practiced the song with and without music, analyzing its rhythmic complexities and emotional delivery. Homework was assigned to practice the song using backing tracks and acapella, with specific guidance on vocal energy and maintaining pitch in high registers.

Embracing Your Unique Voice

Mastering Vocal Attack and Dynamic Energy

Advanced Pitching and Seamless Register Transitions

Enhancing Performance through A Cappella Practice

Strategic Octave and Energy Shaping for Song Impact

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Teaching tools used by english tutor

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Grammar practice

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Writing prompts

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Interactive quizzes

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Game based learning tools

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Translation tools

Engaging english lessons

Pets are welcomed icon

Pets are welcomed

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Note taking

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Chat for quick help

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Mobile joining

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Open Q&A

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