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

Toby graduated from Lancaster University
Toby graduated from Lancaster University

English tutor specialities

Listening skill icon

Listening skill

Real world application icon

Real world application

Homework help icon

Homework help

Writing assistance icon

Writing assistance

Cultural immersion icon

Cultural immersion

Speaking fluency icon

Speaking fluency

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AI modules

Summary

Podcast

Quiz

Learnings

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Zero Risk Guaranteed

15-days refund

Free tutor swap

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1-yr validity

24/7 support

Learner types for english class

English for College students icon

English for College students

English for Adults icon

English for Adults

English for School students icon

English for School students

Home schooled icon

Home schooled

Anxiety or Stress Disorders icon

Anxiety or Stress Disorders

ASD icon

ASD

English for Beginners icon

English for Beginners

English for Kids icon

English for Kids

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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 I have eliminated the outdated and actively damaging practises of learning by rote and standardised class structures from my approach, as these have been proven to not only slow learning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 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 3 days ago

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

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Student learned 4 days ago

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

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Student learned 5 days ago

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

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Student learned 6 days ago

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

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Student learned 6 days ago

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'

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Student learned 6 days ago

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

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Teaching tools used by english tutor

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Language simulations

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Translation tools

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Writing prompts

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Interactive quizzes

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Grammar practice

Engaging english lessons

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Parent feedback

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Chat for quick help

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Mobile joining

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Weekend lessons

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Record lessons

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