Toby Smith

Professional vocal coach with over 15 years of teaching experience- Elevate your voice and learn to use your full vocal potential!

4.9(152)

FREE TRIAL

Profile photo of Toby, Singing tutor at Wiingy
Verified degree or teaching certification of Toby
Verified degree or teaching certification of Toby
Verified degree or teaching certification of Toby

Show all photos

tutor-image
tutor-image

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

Harmony & Counterpoint icon

Harmony & Counterpoint

Melody & Pitch icon

Melody & Pitch

Rhythm & Beat icon

Rhythm & Beat

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 adults icon

Singing for adults

Singing for beginners icon

Singing for beginners

Singing for advanced icon

Singing for advanced

Singing for intermediate icon

Singing for intermediate

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

Icons

Singing concepts taught by Toby

Student learned 2 days ago

The session focused on vocal technique and musical theatre performance, including warm-ups and exercises for pitching and vocal control. The Student practiced "Music of the Night" from *Phantom of the Opera*, receiving detailed feedback on dynamics, high note execution, and maintaining a smooth, tension-free delivery. Homework includes practicing "Close Every Door" and "Edelweiss," with the option to send recordings to the Tutor for ongoing feedback outside of lessons.

Andrew Lloyd Webber Vocal Style: Smoothness & Legato

Dynamic Phrasing & High Note Approach

Advanced Vocal Warm-ups for Agility & Pitch

Identifying and Releasing Vocal Tension

Strategic Breathing for Endurance

Vowel Formation & Characterization without Tension

Show more

Student learned 3 days ago

The session began with vocal warm-ups, including pitch matching exercises and singing "Do-Re-Mi." The Student then practiced lines from Michael Jackson's "Thriller" using a call-and-response method, focusing on pronunciation and vocal energy, followed by a powerful rendition of the chorus from "Fight Song." Homework was assigned to continue practicing "Fight Song" with increased energy.

Managing Performance Nerves

Active Listening and Self-Assessment

Energetic Song Performance

Lyric Repetition and Projection

Vocal Warm-ups: Range & Solfege

Show more

Student learned 6 days ago

The session focused on vocal technique and song performance. The Student engaged in warm-ups, practiced breath support, and refined their mixed voice transition. They worked extensively on the song "Thunderbrer," focusing on characterization, phrasing, and pitch, and had an initial review of "Elanig." Homework includes continued practice of these techniques and songs, with plans to cover the next sections of "Thunderbrer" and a detailed review of "Elanig" next time.

Diaphragmatic Breath Support

Mixed Voice Development

Speak Singing: Character vs. Support

Legato & Pacing for Characterization

Mix Voice Placement for High Notes

Vocal Projection & Open Vowels

Show more

Student learned 6 days ago

The Student and Tutor focused on vocal warm-ups, including an advanced pitching exercise, and applied singing techniques to two songs. They addressed challenges related to vocal support, projection, and vowel clarity, particularly in higher registers. The Student was assigned to practice specific vocal techniques on both songs and note any difficulties for the next session.

Vowel Rounding for High Head Voice Clarity

Musical Phrasing and Flow

Vocal Bridge (The Gap) Management

Supported Projection vs. Shouting

Pitching Accuracy with Scale Drills

Show more

Student learned 9 days ago

The Student and Tutor engaged in Spanish conversation practice, with the Student detailing their weekend activities and discussing personal study methods. They then worked on a research task where the Student chose a cultural theme from the Spanish-speaking world ('Las Fallas') to investigate and present, discussing its characteristics and potential for replication in their own country. The session concluded with the Student describing a local festival, with the Tutor providing feedback on grammar and encouraging continued practice.

Adjective Placement: Gran vs. Grande

Cultural Research & Presentation in Spanish

The Present Perfect Continuous: Ha Estado

Key Concepts & Vocabulary for Las Fallas

Describing Unique Event Locations & Atmosphere

Show more

Student learned 10 days ago

The session focused on diagnosing the Student's current singing ability, covering vocal range, breath support, and voice parts. The Tutor identified specific areas for improvement, particularly in the Student's mix voice and breathing technique, to prepare for upcoming solo performances. Future lessons will include working on solo pieces, breathing exercises, and vowel placement.

The Four Vocal Registers

Strengthening the Mix Voice Transition

Diaphragmatic Breathing & Support

Managing Vocal Tension

Structured Vocal Practice & Repertoire Selection

Show more

Tools & techniques used in voice lessons

Karaoke & backing track apps image

Karaoke & backing track apps

Vocal pitch training apps image

Vocal pitch training apps

Metronome Apps image

Metronome Apps

Digital sheet music & lyric databases image

Digital sheet music & lyric databases

Interactive voice lessons

Pets are welcomed icon

Pets are welcomed

Record lessons icon

Record lessons

Chat for quick help icon

Chat for quick help

Mobile joining icon

Mobile joining

Parent feedback icon

Parent feedback

tutorFooter

Vocal coaches on Wiingy are vetted for quality

Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.