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
Harmony and Chords
Ear training
Melody & Pitch
Rhythm & Beat
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 advanced
Singing for adults
Singing for beginners
Singing for kids
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
Classical Singing
Movie Singing

Singing concepts taught by Toby
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.
Vocabulary for Current Events & Social Media Context
Verb Agreement and Contextual Choices
Advanced Spanish Article Translation Strategies
Translating Poetic vs. Prose Language
Spanish Comparatives: más de vs. más que
The Student and Tutor worked on vocal warm-ups, including descending scales and numerical patterns to strengthen vocal transitions. They then focused on the song "Epic 3" from Hades Town, practicing falsetto technique, breath control, and smooth transitions between vocal registers. The plan is to continue working on this song in the next session, exploring more lively sections.
Voice Registers & Seamless Transitions
Mastering High Notes with Diaphragmatic Support
Eliminating Neck Tension & Improving Posture
Optimizing Vowel Shapes for Resonance and Pitch
Navigating Speak Singing: Re-engaging Support
Student and Tutor focused on refining vocal technique, beginning with warm-ups to improve pitch accuracy and falsetto transitions. They then extensively practiced "Thunderbringer," working on consistent pitching within chromatic movements and dynamic control. The session concluded by introducing "The Parting Glass" for future practice, after the student decided not to pursue "Hallelujah."
Strategic Practice for Pitch Accuracy
Dynamic Vocal Control and Song Interpretation
Building Falsetto Confidence and Smooth Transitions
Consistent Pitching & Internal Musicality in Chromatic Songs
Vocal Warm-ups and Range Expansion
Student and Tutor engaged in vocal warm-ups, focusing on octave leaps and half-note scales. They practiced "No Longer You" and "Wouldn't You Like," emphasizing falsetto power, seamless vocal transitions, and precise pitching. The Tutor recommended new songs for future practice, and the Student informed them of an upcoming week-long absence.
Precise Pitching: Mastering Half-Notes
Falsetto Engagement and Power
Seamless Vocal Transitions
Breath Control & Diaphragm Support
Vocal Warm-up Techniques
The Tutor and Student reviewed Spanish verb tenses, specifically the present perfect continuous and past tenses (preterite vs. imperfect). They also discussed vocabulary related to video games and current events, practicing sentence construction and translation from English to Spanish. The Student was assigned to submit their written answer to a previous philosophical question for review.
Present Perfect Continuous Tense
Spanish Imperfect vs. Preterite Tenses
Vocabulary: "Parar" and "Medio"
Spanish Verb Conjugation: "Tener"
Spanish Idioms and Expressions
Tools & techniques used in voice lessons
Vocal pitch training apps
Karaoke & backing track apps
Metronome Apps
Digital sheet music & lyric databases
Interactive voice lessons
Record lessons
Mobile joining
Parent feedback
Open Q&A
Pets are welcomed

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