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
Harmony and Chords
Melody & Pitch
Rhythm & Beat
Harmony & Counterpoint
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 intermediate
Singing for advanced
Singing for beginners
Singing for kids
Singing for adults
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 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
The student and tutor reviewed Spanish vocabulary for clothing items and practiced translating sentences incorporating this vocabulary. They focused on correct verb conjugation, article usage, and the distinction between preterite and imperfect tenses, with plans to continue practicing sentence translation.
Conjugating Multiple Verbs Together
Spanish Clothing Vocabulary - Key Distinctions
The Verb `Llevar` (To Wear)
Adjective Placement in Spanish
Definite vs. Indefinite Articles
Tools & techniques used in voice lessons
Digital sheet music & lyric databases
Karaoke & backing track apps
Vocal pitch training apps
Metronome Apps
Interactive voice lessons
Mobile joining
Pets are welcomed
Record lessons
Weekend lessons
Parent feedback

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