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




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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


English tutor specialities
Listening skill
Real world application
Homework help
Writing assistance
Cultural immersion
Speaking fluency
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
English for College students
English for Adults
English for School students
Home schooled
Anxiety or Stress Disorders
ASD
English for Beginners
English for Kids
ADHD
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 I have eliminated the outdated and actively damaging practises of learning by rote and standardised class structures from my approach, as these have been proven to not only slow learning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 Literature
English Speaking
English Vocabulary
English Writing
English

English concepts taught by Toby
The Student and Tutor engaged in vocal warm-ups, focusing on breath support and accurate note pitching using various exercises. They then practiced the first verse of the song "Thunderbrer," addressing challenges with pitch perception and vocal characterization. The Tutor provided a detailed explanation of vibrato, and the Student was assigned to listen to the song and practice it slowly for the next session.
Breath Support & Pitch Accuracy
Vocal Range Exploration: Bridging Chest and Head Voice
Introduction to Vibrato Techniques
Deliberate Practice & Visualization for Musicians
Conveying Character & Power in Performance
The Tutor and Student had an introductory singing lesson, covering vocal theory including the four voice sections and the role of the soft palate. They practiced vocal exercises to assess range, transition points, and breath control, identifying areas for improvement in higher range and tension. The session concluded with a discussion of a personalized lesson structure and potential songs for future practice.
Minimizing Vocal Tension
The Psychology of High Notes
Vocal Transitions and the Soft Palate
The Four Vocal Sections
Diaphragmatic Breathing for Vocal Support
The session was an introductory Spanish class where the Tutor explained the nuances of Spanish dialects, common pronunciation challenges, and grammatical differences from English. They also outlined their personalized teaching methodology and commitment to helping the Student achieve conversational fluency efficiently. The Student expressed interest in visiting Guatemala and using Spanish for travel.
Regional Variations in Spanish
Key Spanish Pronunciation Differences
Formal vs. Informal 'You'
Spanish Word Order: Adjectives After Nouns
Effective Language Learning Strategies
The Student and Tutor worked on foundational singing techniques, including various warm-up exercises focusing on vocal connection, pitching, and vowel placement. They practiced breathing mechanics and learned about diaphragm support and the 'diaphragm kick' for strong note entry. The session concluded with initial practice of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water,' where the Student applied these techniques, focusing on consistent pitching and smooth note transitions. Homework included practicing the song with a backing track, focusing on pitch consistency and vowel sounds, and continuing the 'numbers exercise' for ear training.
Vowel Placement Technique
Diaphragm Breathing & Core Support
Octaves and Voice Range Matching
Smooth Head and Chest Voice Transition
Ear Training: The Numbers Exercise
Diaphragm Kick for Strong & Precise Starts
The Student and Tutor engaged in conversational Spanish practice, discussing the Student's week, travel plans, and cultural topics. They reviewed specific grammar points including adjective placement, the usage of 'fin' versus 'final,' and the context-dependent nature of Spanish vocabulary, including regionally specific verbs. The session also touched on comparatives like 'más,' 'mejor,' and 'mayor,' and the Tutor noted that reflexive verbs would be a focus for the next lesson.
Regionally Specific (Potentially Offensive) Verbs
'Qué' vs. 'Cuál' (What vs. Which)
Information Density in Languages
Context-Specific Spanish Vocabulary
Comparative Adjectives: 'Más'
'Mejor'
'Mayor'
Differentiating 'Fin' vs. 'Final'
The Student and Tutor worked on singing techniques, focusing on falsetto warm-ups and exercises to improve pitching and vocal connection across different registers. They practiced sections of a Daniel Caesar song, addressing melodic variations and the introduction of riffs. For homework, the Tutor recommended practicing a complex song for quick note changes and breath control.
Developing Vocal Agility and Breath Endurance
Differentiating Closely Related Melodies (Half-Note Precision)
Melodic Noodling and Basic Improvisation
Pitch Consistency Across Vocal Breaks
Seamless Vocal Transitions (Head Voice to Falsetto)
Falsetto Technique and Comfort
Teaching tools used by english tutor
Language simulations
Translation tools
Writing prompts
Interactive quizzes
Grammar practice
Engaging english lessons
Parent feedback
Chat for quick help
Mobile joining
Weekend lessons
Record lessons

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Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
