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
Harmony & Counterpoint
Rhythm & Beat
Harmony and Chords
Ear training
CoTutorAI 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 advanced
Singing for adults
Singing for beginners
Singing for intermediate
Singing for kids
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 analyzed vocal techniques in "Hallelujah," focusing on mixed voice, falsetto, vocal breaks, and breath control. They practiced exercises to improve vocal range, transitions between registers, and sustained power, with plans to continue this work in the next session.
Vocal Registers and Transitions (Mix Voice)
Manual Vibrato in Falsetto
Vocal Slides and Pitch Accuracy
Vocal Breaks and Breath Control
The class covered vocal warm-up exercises and techniques, with a specific focus on improving the student's middle vocal range transitions and achieving power in higher notes. The tutor guided the student through exercises and applied these techniques to the song "Hallelujah," emphasizing breath control and phrasing. They planned to continue working on mix transitions and other vocal techniques in the following session.
Powering High Notes
Vocal Transitions and Mixed Voice
Breath Control and Diaphragmatic Support
Vocal Placement and Tone Quality (Vibrato)
The student and tutor worked on advanced vocal techniques, focusing on smooth transitions between vocal registers, breath control for belting, and overcoming perceived vocal limitations in specific song passages. They practiced exercises to improve range, tone, and pitch accuracy, with plans to continue lessons after the student's move.
Mindset and Note Perception
Vocal Tension and its Impact
Pitch Placement and Register Shifting
Transitioning Through Vocal Registers (The Break)
Vocal Support and Airflow
This session involved a singing tutor and student discussing vocal techniques. They covered the mechanics of mix voice, strategies for improving high notes and power, and breath control. The tutor proposed a selection of songs to work on and outlined a lesson plan structure.
Vocal Placement and Range Manipulation
Breath Control and Diaphragmatic Support
The Mix Voice and Its Challenges
Vocal Resonance and Vowel Shapes
The tutor and student reviewed strategies for standardized test-taking, focusing on reading comprehension, graph interpretation, and vocabulary. They practiced with sample questions and an older SAT reading test, and the tutor provided a personalized progress summary with recommendations for future study.
Logical Completion of Text
Graph Interpretation Strategies
Identifying the Central Idea
Vocabulary Acquisition Techniques
Stamina for Sustained High Notes
Vocal Transition and Register Shifts
Vowel Modification for Power
Breath Support and Airflow
Vocal Tension Management
Tools & techniques used in voice lessons
Metronome Apps
Vocal pitch training apps
Digital sheet music & lyric databases
Karaoke & backing track apps
Interactive voice lessons
Weekend lessons
Pets are welcomed
Chat for quick help
Parent feedback
Note taking
Vocal coaches on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.