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
Ear training
Rhythm & Beat
Melody & Pitch
Harmony and Chords
Harmony & Counterpoint
CoTutorAI 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 kids
Singing for beginners
Singing for intermediate
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
Classical Singing
Movie Singing
Singing concepts taught by Toby
The Student and Tutor engaged in vocal warm-ups, specifically focusing on pitching, phrasing, and transitioning between head voice and falsetto. They then applied these techniques by practicing the song "No Longer You," addressing challenges related to breath control and vocal placement. For follow-up, the Student was encouraged to practice the song with mini warm-ups, and future lessons will cover vocal placement techniques, the song "Agony," and the second half of "No Longer You."
Larynx Dropping: A Vocal Health Warning
Vocal Placement and Energy Conservation
Vowel Rounding and Open Mouth Technique
Breath Support for Dynamic Range
Vocal Strain and Relaxation
Falsetto and Head Voice Transitions
Student and Tutor worked on vocal technique, focusing on smooth transitions between vocal registers and efficient breath control. They practiced with the song "Thunderbringer," refining tone and power by allowing natural vocal transitions. They also introduced "Wouldn't You Like" to develop agility with quicker note transitions and breath control over long phrases, with the Student tasked to find a new song to work on for the next session.
The Power of Relaxation in Vocal Delivery
Cultivating Your Unique Vocal Identity
Mastering Quick Note Transitions and Long Phrasing
Smooth Vocal Transitions (Chest
Head
Falsetto)
Optimized Breath Support & Diaphragmatic Breathing
The Student and Tutor engaged in vocal warm-ups and practiced two songs, "No Longer You" and "Grace," focusing on vocal transitions between registers, breath support, and managing vocal tension. They also began working on "Wouldn't You Like" to further develop quick vocal transitions and precise pitching. The plan for the next session includes continuing with "Wouldn't You Like" and revisiting "No Longer You" as a complete piece.
Mastering Complex Rhythms & Pitch Agility
Posture & Tension Management in Mixed Voice
Activating Power in Falsetto
Seamless Vocal Register Transitions
Vocal Warm-ups for Range & Recovery
The Student and Tutor conducted an introductory singing lesson to assess the Student's current vocal abilities and discuss their musical goals. They explored vocal types, performed initial warm-ups to identify areas for improvement in range and control, and selected three musical theater songs to begin working on specific vocal techniques. The Tutor also outlined a structured lesson approach focusing on warm-ups, technique drills, and active song application.
Understanding the Four Voice Parts
Navigating Vocal Transitions and 'Breaks'
Overcoming Vocal Tension for Higher Notes
Mastering Breath Control and Diaphragm Support
Impact of Vowel Placement on Tone and Power
Effective Structured Vocal Lesson Methodology
The session focused on vocal warm-ups and song practice after the Student's vacation. They worked on pitching and characterization for "Thunderbringer," with the Tutor guiding them on active pitch control during transitions. The Student also analyzed a new song, "Wouldn't You Like," for its vocal challenges, and was assigned to practice "Thunderbringer" and listen to the new song for homework.
Conscious Pitching & Avoiding Transposition
Vocal Warm-ups: Range & Pitch Accuracy
Managing Vocal Breaks & Airflow
Vowel Separation & Clarity (E A I O)
Song Analysis for Advanced Vocal Techniques
The session focused on enhancing the Student's vocal technique and performance, particularly in relation to the song "Thunderbringer." They practiced warm-ups to improve falsetto transitions, octave jumps, and breath control, then applied these to the song, emphasizing characterization, connected phrasing, and strategic breathing. The Tutor suggested continued practice of these refinements and recommended a high-end vocal piece from Epic the Musical for future listening and practice after an upcoming road trip.
Vocal Relearning & Temporary Instability
The Impact of Multitasking on Vocal Performance
Smooth Transitions Between Vocal Registers (Falsetto/Head Voice)
Theatrical Phrasing & Character-Driven Delivery
Developing Octave Leap Accuracy & Agility
Strategic Breath Management for Extended Phrasing
Tools & techniques used in voice lessons
Vocal pitch training apps
Karaoke & backing track apps
Metronome Apps
Digital sheet music & lyric databases
Interactive voice lessons
Pets are welcomed
Open Q&A
Weekend lessons
Chat for quick help
Note taking
Vocal coaches on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.