Toby Smith
Professional vocal coach with over 15 years of teaching experience- Elevate your voice and learn to use your full vocal potential!




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Toby Smith
Bachelors degree
/ 55 min
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
Melody & Pitch
Rhythm & Beat
Harmony & Counterpoint
Harmony and Chords
Ear training
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 singing lessons
Singing for kids
Singing for beginners
Singing for intermediate
Singing for adults
Singing for advanced
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 Student and Tutor engaged in vocal warm-ups, including note matching and solfège exercises. They practiced "Amazing Grace" with a focus on pitch consistency and discussed vocal power. For follow-up, the Student was assigned to listen to and practice "Fight Song" and complete warm-up exercises.
Vocal Warm-ups & Pitch Matching
Diaphragmatic Breathing for Stamina
Developing Vocal Power and Volume
Sustaining Consistent Pitch
Introduction to Solfege (Do-Re-Mi)
Student and Tutor engaged in a singing lesson, starting with vocal warm-ups that covered range and breath control. They practiced various rhythm exercises, which included recognizing patterns from the target song. The core of the session involved practicing "Wouldn't You Like" from Epic 3 at slower speeds, with the Tutor providing detailed feedback on pitching, breath support, vocal attacks, and enunciation. For follow-up, the Student was advised to continue practicing at gradually increasing speeds, with plans to work on Epic 3 at full speed in the next session.
Pitching on Transitions and Phrase Endings
Accelerated Song Practice Method
Strategic Breath Management Under Pressure
Rhythm & Enunciation for Speed
Dynamic Voice Control: Falsetto
Mixed Voice
& Volume
Student and Tutor worked on vocal warm-ups and practiced sections of "The Vagabond" by Vaughan Williams, focusing on pitching, rhythm, and understanding key changes. They also reviewed and practiced a section of "Epic 3," noting significant progress in the Student's pitching and vocal adaptability. Homework was assigned to practice specific sections of both songs, with a focus on ear training, pitching consistency, and falsetto.
Mastering Diaphragm Vibrato
Precision Pitching in Classical Repertoire
Navigating Mid-Piece Key Changes
Dynamic Control for Expressive Impact
Strategic Adaptation of Vocal Techniques
The Student and Tutor engaged in a singing lesson focused on vocal technique, rhythm, and song performance. They worked through vocal warm-ups and rhythm exercises, then practiced three songs: "Epic 3" (Hadestown), "Wouldn't You Like," and "St. James Infirmary." Key areas of practice included breath control, pitch accuracy, rhythmic precision, dynamic expression, and reducing vocal tension. The Student was given specific practice points for each song to work on before the next session.
Adding Personality to Jazz/Blues Phrasing
Breath Control
Pitch Stability
and Tempo Awareness
Dynamic Attack & Characterization in Performance
Developing an Internal Metronome for Rhythm
Vocal Range & Relaxation in Warm-ups
Student and Tutor engaged in a Spanish literary translation session, working through a B2-level text to practice vocabulary, grammatical structures, and idiomatic expressions. They discussed translation strategies, including handling tense distinctions and context-dependent meanings. For future study, they agreed to explore works by Gabriel García Márquez, starting with "Nobody Writes the Colonel," with a planned review of reflexive verbs and the subjunctive mood.
Idiomatic Translations and Contextual Understanding
Spanish Adverbial Phrases with 'Con'
Distinguishing Preterite vs. Imperfect Tense
B2 Spanish Literary Translation
The Verb 'Volver a' + Infinitive
Regional Vocabulary and Name Translation Conventions
Vocal warm-ups were conducted, and vocal health was discussed in light of the Student's cold. The Student practiced "St. James Infirmary," focusing on pitch accuracy and subtle note slides, then transitioned to "Epic 3," analyzing its falsetto and spoken-word elements. Line-by-line practice of "Epic 3" focused on rhythm and melody, with homework assigned to listen and practice the rhythms slowly.
Incorporating Subtle Melodic Embellishments
Vocal Health & Strategic Rest
Melodic Accuracy with Slides
Mastering Rhythmic Nuances in Narrative Songs
Maintaining Diaphragm Support in Mixed Delivery
Tools & techniques used in voice lessons
Vocal pitch training apps
Digital sheet music & lyric databases
Metronome Apps
Karaoke & backing track apps
Interactive voice lessons
Parent feedback
Weekend lessons
Note taking
Chat for quick help
Open Q&A

Vocal coaches on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
