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 & Counterpoint
Melody & Pitch
Rhythm & Beat
Ear training
Harmony and Chords
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 beginners
Singing for kids
Singing for advanced
Singing for intermediate
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
Student and Tutor focused on preparing for an upcoming musical audition, analyzing the song "Don't Be the Bunny" from "Urinetown." They practiced speak-singing techniques and characterization, using "Friends on the Other Side" as a reference. The Tutor recommended an additional lesson next week to further refine the audition piece, ensuring the Student has the best possible preparation.
Seamless Speak-Singing Transition
Consistent Character Embodiment
Strategic Audition Preparation
Attacking Notes with Intent & Power
Overcoming Performance Inhibition
Student and Tutor had an introductory singing session where the student discussed their musical preferences and goals. The Tutor assessed the student's vocal range and identified strengths, such as falsetto access and natural vibrato, along with areas for development, particularly vocal transitions. They selected three initial songs for practice and discussed the structure of future lessons and practice recommendations.
Structured Lessons & Effective Practice
Natural Vibrato & Neutral Voice Tone
Vocal Transition Challenges: The 'Wobble'
Initial Vocal Range & Type
The Four Voice Parts
Perceived vs. Actual Voice Sound
The Student and Tutor engaged in a singing lesson focusing on vocal warm-ups and a new song, "Love Will Find a Way" by Lionel Richie. They practiced the song with and without music, analyzing its rhythmic complexities and emotional delivery. Homework was assigned to practice the song using backing tracks and acapella, with specific guidance on vocal energy and maintaining pitch in high registers.
Embracing Your Unique Voice
Mastering Vocal Attack and Dynamic Energy
Advanced Pitching and Seamless Register Transitions
Enhancing Performance through A Cappella Practice
Strategic Octave and Energy Shaping for Song Impact
A student and tutor had an introductory Spanish class where they discussed the student's background and goals for learning Castellian Spanish. The session included an assessment of the student's existing knowledge in basic vocabulary, verbs, and pronunciation, and the tutor outlined a personalized, conversational teaching approach. They also identified history as a topic of interest for future lessons.
`Tú` vs. `Usted`: Informal & Formal "You"
Personalized & Speaking-Focused Learning
Discussing Hobbies: Movies & Series
Cultural Insight: The `Mañana` Mindset
Adjective Placement in Spanish
Essential Spanish Pronunciation
The Student and Tutor worked on advanced vocal warm-ups, focusing on pitching accuracy and smooth transitions. They explored new musical genres, selecting specific country, blues, and rock songs for future study. The Student practiced the initial lines of a blues song, with homework assigned to experiment with personal stylistic interpretation.
Blues Vocal Freedom: Flexibility with Pitch and Modes
Genre Transition and Repertoire Expansion
Blues Singing: Energy
Personality
and Riffing
Country Vocal Pitfalls: Closed Vowel Sounds
Country Singing Style: Finesse and Smoothness
Warm-up Pitching Refinement
The session was an initial singing lesson where the Student introduced their vocal goals, emphasizing rock music and an interest in growl vocals. The Tutor conducted an introductory vocal assessment, discussing vocal registers and common challenges like straining in higher ranges. They introduced core concepts of vocal physiology and technique, outlining a personalized curriculum focused on breath control, smooth transitions, and advanced vocal methods for future lessons.
Vocal Control & Stylization
Vocal Registers & Transitions
The Soft Palate & Mix Voice
Posture and Diaphragmatic Support
Mouth Opening for Clearer Sound
False Chords for Growl Vocals
Tools & techniques used in voice lessons
Vocal pitch training apps
Digital sheet music & lyric databases
Metronome Apps
Karaoke & backing track apps
Interactive voice lessons
Note taking
Record lessons
Chat for quick help
Weekend lessons
Open Q&A
Vocal coaches on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
