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

Harmony and Chords icon

Harmony and Chords

Melody & Pitch icon

Melody & Pitch

Rhythm & Beat icon

Rhythm & Beat

Harmony & Counterpoint icon

Harmony & Counterpoint

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 intermediate icon

Singing for intermediate

Singing for advanced icon

Singing for advanced

Singing for beginners icon

Singing for beginners

Singing for kids icon

Singing for kids

Singing for adults icon

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

Singing

Classical Singing

Classical Singing

Movie Singing

Movie Singing

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Singing concepts taught by Toby

Student learned about 13 hours ago

The Tutor and Student had an introductory singing lesson, covering vocal theory including the four voice sections and the role of the soft palate. They practiced vocal exercises to assess range, transition points, and breath control, identifying areas for improvement in higher range and tension. The session concluded with a discussion of a personalized lesson structure and potential songs for future practice.

Minimizing Vocal Tension

The Psychology of High Notes

Vocal Transitions and the Soft Palate

The Four Vocal Sections

Diaphragmatic Breathing for Vocal Support

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Student learned 1 day ago

The session was an introductory Spanish class where the Tutor explained the nuances of Spanish dialects, common pronunciation challenges, and grammatical differences from English. They also outlined their personalized teaching methodology and commitment to helping the Student achieve conversational fluency efficiently. The Student expressed interest in visiting Guatemala and using Spanish for travel.

Regional Variations in Spanish

Key Spanish Pronunciation Differences

Formal vs. Informal 'You'

Spanish Word Order: Adjectives After Nouns

Effective Language Learning Strategies

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Student learned 2 days ago

The Student and Tutor worked on foundational singing techniques, including various warm-up exercises focusing on vocal connection, pitching, and vowel placement. They practiced breathing mechanics and learned about diaphragm support and the 'diaphragm kick' for strong note entry. The session concluded with initial practice of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water,' where the Student applied these techniques, focusing on consistent pitching and smooth note transitions. Homework included practicing the song with a backing track, focusing on pitch consistency and vowel sounds, and continuing the 'numbers exercise' for ear training.

Vowel Placement Technique

Diaphragm Breathing & Core Support

Octaves and Voice Range Matching

Smooth Head and Chest Voice Transition

Ear Training: The Numbers Exercise

Diaphragm Kick for Strong & Precise Starts

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Student learned 3 days ago

The Student and Tutor engaged in conversational Spanish practice, discussing the Student's week, travel plans, and cultural topics. They reviewed specific grammar points including adjective placement, the usage of 'fin' versus 'final,' and the context-dependent nature of Spanish vocabulary, including regionally specific verbs. The session also touched on comparatives like 'más,' 'mejor,' and 'mayor,' and the Tutor noted that reflexive verbs would be a focus for the next lesson.

Regionally Specific (Potentially Offensive) Verbs

'Qué' vs. 'Cuál' (What vs. Which)

Information Density in Languages

Context-Specific Spanish Vocabulary

Comparative Adjectives: 'Más'

'Mejor'

'Mayor'

Differentiating 'Fin' vs. 'Final'

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Student learned 3 days ago

The Student and Tutor worked on singing techniques, focusing on falsetto warm-ups and exercises to improve pitching and vocal connection across different registers. They practiced sections of a Daniel Caesar song, addressing melodic variations and the introduction of riffs. For homework, the Tutor recommended practicing a complex song for quick note changes and breath control.

Developing Vocal Agility and Breath Endurance

Differentiating Closely Related Melodies (Half-Note Precision)

Melodic Noodling and Basic Improvisation

Pitch Consistency Across Vocal Breaks

Seamless Vocal Transitions (Head Voice to Falsetto)

Falsetto Technique and Comfort

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Student learned 5 days ago

The student and tutor reviewed Spanish vocabulary for clothing items and practiced translating sentences incorporating this vocabulary. They focused on correct verb conjugation, article usage, and the distinction between preterite and imperfect tenses, with plans to continue practicing sentence translation.

Conjugating Multiple Verbs Together

Spanish Clothing Vocabulary - Key Distinctions

The Verb `Llevar` (To Wear)

Adjective Placement in Spanish

Definite vs. Indefinite Articles

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Tools & techniques used in voice lessons

Digital sheet music & lyric databases image

Digital sheet music & lyric databases

Karaoke & backing track apps image

Karaoke & backing track apps

Vocal pitch training apps image

Vocal pitch training apps

Metronome Apps image

Metronome Apps

Interactive voice lessons

Mobile joining icon

Mobile joining

Pets are welcomed icon

Pets are welcomed

Record lessons icon

Record lessons

Weekend lessons icon

Weekend lessons

Parent feedback icon

Parent feedback

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