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




Show all photos
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
Melody & Pitch
Rhythm & Beat
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 adults
Singing for beginners
Singing for advanced
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tools & techniques used in voice lessons
Karaoke & backing track apps
Vocal pitch training apps
Metronome Apps
Digital sheet music & lyric databases
Interactive voice lessons
Pets are welcomed
Record lessons
Chat for quick help
Mobile joining
Parent feedback

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