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

Rhythm & Beat icon

Rhythm & Beat

Melody & Pitch icon

Melody & Pitch

Harmony & Counterpoint icon

Harmony & Counterpoint

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 intermediate icon

Singing for intermediate

Singing for adults icon

Singing for adults

Singing for beginners icon

Singing for beginners

Singing for advanced icon

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

Singing

Classical Singing

Classical Singing

Movie Singing

Movie Singing

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Singing concepts taught by Toby

Student learned 1 day ago

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

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Student learned 2 days ago

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

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Student learned 5 days ago

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

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Student learned 7 days ago

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

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Student learned 8 days ago

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

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Student learned 8 days ago

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

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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

Metronome Apps image

Metronome Apps

Vocal pitch training apps image

Vocal pitch training apps

Interactive voice lessons

Weekend lessons icon

Weekend lessons

Mobile joining icon

Mobile joining

Parent feedback icon

Parent feedback

Note taking icon

Note taking

Record lessons icon

Record lessons

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