Toby Smith
Professional vocal coach with over 15 years of teaching experience- Elevate your voice and learn to use your full vocal potential!
Loading...
Show all photos
Toby Smith
Bachelors degree
Enroll after the free trial
Each lesson is 55 min
50 lessons
20% off
/ lesson
30 lessons
15% off
/ lesson
20 lessons
10% off
/ lesson
10 lessons
5% off
/ lesson
5 lessons
-
/ lesson
1 lessons
-
/ lesson
Toby - Get to know your vocal coach
As a singer with over 20 years of experience, a Grade 8 Distinction in Trinity's Singing exams, and professional experience performing in the most prestigious cathedrals in the UK, (St Paul's, Westminster Abbey, Carnegie Hall), I am expertly placed to help both new and experienced singers improve to the next level. I have been teaching students for 15 years, and have experience with all manner of vocal ranges and ages, so you can be sure that your lessons will be tailored to your exact needs and profile. I specialise in vocal control and vocal techniques, making sure that not only can you sing to the best of your ability, but that you can do so safely and while protecting your voice. I focus less on musical theory and more on practical control, allowing you to get singing the pieces you want to sing, in the way you want to sing them, as quickly as possible. Let's start your vocal journey and explore the full potential of your voice together! Book a lesson to get started!
Toby graduated from Lancaster University
Your vocal coach specialities
Harmony and Chords
Melody & Pitch
Rhythm & Beat
Ear training
Harmony & Counterpoint
Learner types for singing lessons
Singing for adults
Singing for beginners
Singing for advanced
Singing for kids
Singing for intermediate
Singing lessons highlights
My lessons focus on building my students understanding of the bodily functions surrounding singing, in order to best utilise their own voice. For example, breathing exercises, diaphragm control, and an understanding of 4 main voice types, (head, chest, mix, and falsetto), are crucial, alongside knowing what vocal category you fall in to. You cannot teach a tenor, the same way you teach a baritone. This basic understanding is what underpins all my lessons. Therefore, each student receives a lesson plan that focuses on their individual vocal profile, goals, and needs, in order to make sure that singing feels like fun, not a job, as nobody wants music to feel like a chore. I have created personalised curriculums for over 100 students, helping them develop their skills for personal goals, professional opportunities, or grades, if they so wish.
Types of singing lessons
Singing
Classical Singing
Movie Singing
Singing concepts taught by Toby
The session focused on vocal warm-up techniques, breath control, and identifying vocal breaks. The student began working on a song to practice transitions between vocal registers. The homework is to practice the first two lines of the song's refrain, focusing on a challenging transition.
Finding Comfortable Song Starting Notes
Selecting Songs for Vocal Development
Pitch Matching and Octaves
Vocal Warm-up: Slides
Identifying and Addressing Vocal Breaks
Breath Control for Singing
The session focused on vocal exercises and analyzing two songs, "Empty Heart" and "Morning Glow." The Student practiced warm-up techniques and learned to identify the different sections and dynamics within the songs. The Student was assigned to practice both songs, paying close attention to the musical direction indicated by their notes on the lyrics.
Song Analysis: Identifying Verse Melodies
Song Structure: Dynamics
Tongue Twisters
Vocal Warm-ups: Bunny Hops
Vocal Warm-ups: Slides
The Student and Tutor explored how to say "Happy New Year" in multiple languages, including Italian, Spanish, Swahili, Japanese, German, Czech, French, Maltese, Turkish, and Basque. The Student practiced writing these phrases and learned cultural context behind some of them. There was a brief discussion about New Year's resolutions, though none were formally set.
Introduction to German Compound Words
Fun Facts About Languages: Basque Language
Introduction to Swahili
Basic Language Recognition
Saying 'Happy New Year' in Multiple Languages
The class covered vocal warm-ups and initial practice of two songs intended for a school performance. The student worked on breathing techniques, posture, vocal registers, and enunciation. As a follow-up, the student was assigned to practice the songs, specifically focusing on rhythm and pace.
Diaphragm
Song Structure and Timing
Vocal Differences: Male vs Female
Vocal Warm-ups
Head Voice vs. Chest Voice
Posture and Singing
Breathing for Singing
The Student and Tutor focused on foundational singing techniques, including vocal warm-ups, breath control, and posture. They explored the concept of octaves and identified areas for improvement in the Student's vocal range and tension management, particularly during higher notes. The session concluded with the introduction of a classical piece to practice these techniques.
Mindset and Vocal Performance
Vocal Technique: Head Voice and Descending Melodies
Breath Support and Resonance
Vocal Range and Octave Adaptation
Vocal Warm-ups and Breath Control
The Tutor and Student worked on vocal warm-ups and began exploring song options to fit the student's vocal range. The warm-ups focused on connecting notes and reducing tension when approaching the break in the student's voice. The student began learning "The Vagabond," and further work on high-end techniques and interval jumps were planned for the next session.
Mix Voice and the Passaggio
Breath Control for Volume and Support
Vocal Warm-ups: Slides and Vowel Sounds
Understanding and Managing the Vocal Break
Head and Chest Voice Mechanics
Vocal Range Exploration & Song Selection
Tools & techniques used in voice lessons
Metronome Apps
Digital sheet music & lyric databases
Vocal pitch training apps
Karaoke & backing track apps
Interactive voice lessons
Weekend lessons
Record lessons
Note taking
Pets are welcomed
Open Q&A
Vocal coaches on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
