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
Rhythm & Beat
Melody & Pitch
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 intermediate
Singing for adults
Singing for beginners
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 session focused on enhancing the Student's vocal performance through rhythm exercises, musical theory, and stylistic singing. Student practiced differentiating note durations, understanding jazz 'swing' rhythm, and applying a smooth, suave vocal style to 'Mac the Knife.' Tutor provided detailed feedback on pitching and vocal transitions, and offered specific performance tips for the Student's upcoming presentation of 'Curtain Falls,' including warm-up routines, breathing techniques, and diaphragm support.
Swung Rhythm for Jazz Vocals
Effective Performance Preparation Strategies
Vocal Blending & Diaphragm Support
Jazz Vocal Style: The Bobby Darin Approach
Rhythmic Foundation: Notes and Triplets
The Student and Tutor worked on vocal warm-ups, focusing on high-end and low-end range, and then delved into practicing the opening number from the musical *In the Heights*. They focused on the challenges of rapid annunciation, rhythmic accuracy, and maintaining consistent tempo in spoken-word singing, using a metronome to aid practice. They also discussed upcoming practice on 'Curtain Falls' and 'Epic 3' for the next session.
Tempo Stability through Metronome & Physical Cues
Character-Driven Performance in Spoken Sections
Utilizing Accents for Rhythmic Anchoring
Enhancing Annunciation for Speed and Clarity
Mastering Rhythmic Delivery in Musical Theatre
The Tutor and Student reviewed the Student's significant progress in singing techniques, including breath control, pitching, and vocal transitions. They collaboratively set future learning goals focusing on lower voice projection, connecting head and falsetto, understanding vocal mix, and improving rhythm. The session concluded with warm-ups and initial practice on 'Epic III' to address vocal transitions.
Pitching and Aural Awareness
Rhythm and Tempo Mastery
Adding Vocal Edge (Growl)
Vocal Projection in Lower Registers
Connecting Head and Falsetto Voices
Vowel Placement and Tone Development
Diaphragmatic Breath Control
The Student and Tutor focused on vocal technique, starting with warm-ups for breath control and pitch. They extensively practiced sections of 'Epic 3,' emphasizing proper posture, falsetto delivery, and the challenging transition into and sustainment of the mix voice. The Student was assigned to continue practicing vocal placement and projection for the next session.
Diaphragmatic Support & Breath Control
Mastering Vocal Transitions
Understanding & Utilizing Mix Voice
Optimizing Vocal Posture
Dynamic Delivery: Energy in Ballads
Projecting with Air
Not Tension
Student and Tutor began by discussing the student's successful application of vocal techniques during a recent church performance, noting reduced vocal strain and improved voice strength. They then clarified the difference between diaphragm and abdominal tension and performed vocal warm-ups focusing on transitions and pitching. The main academic work involved introducing and practicing "Epic Three" from Hadestown, with a focus on falsetto transitions and a new "diaphragm kick" technique. The student was assigned to continue practicing this song.
Open Vowel Sounds & Throat Relaxation
Voice Projection & Sustained Support
Managing Speak-Singing & Diaphragm Re-engagement
Training Descending Falsetto & Smooth Transitions
Diaphragm Kick Technique for High Notes
Diaphragm vs. Abdominal Tension
The Student and Tutor worked on advanced Spanish translation, starting with a review of the Student's written practice and clarifying grammar points, including the use of "más de" versus "más que." They then completed a Level 3 translation exercise from an article about social media and dangerous driving, focusing on accurate vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. As homework, the Student was assigned to translate a song from *Encanto*, emphasizing listening comprehension and handling poetic language.
Translating Poetic vs. Prose Language
Spanish Comparatives: más de vs. más que
Verb Agreement and Contextual Choices
Vocabulary for Current Events & Social Media Context
Advanced Spanish Article Translation Strategies
Tools & techniques used in voice lessons
Digital sheet music & lyric databases
Karaoke & backing track apps
Metronome Apps
Vocal pitch training apps
Interactive voice lessons
Weekend lessons
Mobile joining
Parent feedback
Note taking
Record lessons

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