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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Verified degree or teaching certification of Toby
Verified degree or teaching certification of Toby

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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

Toby graduated from Lancaster University
Toby graduated from Lancaster University

Your vocal coach specialities

Melody & Pitch icon

Melody & Pitch

Rhythm & Beat icon

Rhythm & Beat

Harmony & Counterpoint icon

Harmony & Counterpoint

Harmony and Chords icon

Harmony and Chords

Ear training icon

Ear training

CoTutorCoTutor

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 icon

Singing for kids

Singing for beginners icon

Singing for beginners

Singing for intermediate icon

Singing for intermediate

Singing for adults icon

Singing for adults

Singing for advanced icon

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

Singing

Classical Singing

Classical Singing

Movie Singing

Movie Singing

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Singing concepts taught by Toby

Student learned about 16 hours ago

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)

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Student learned about 17 hours ago

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

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Student learned 2 days ago

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

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Student learned 7 days ago

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

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Student learned 7 days ago

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

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Student learned 7 days ago

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

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Tools & techniques used in voice lessons

Vocal pitch training apps image

Vocal pitch training apps

Digital sheet music & lyric databases image

Digital sheet music & lyric databases

Metronome Apps image

Metronome Apps

Karaoke & backing track apps image

Karaoke & backing track apps

Interactive voice lessons

Parent feedback icon

Parent feedback

Weekend lessons icon

Weekend lessons

Note taking icon

Note taking

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Chat for quick help

Open Q&A icon

Open Q&A

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