Berlayne Smith
Expert vocal coaching in diverse musical genres, with individualized guidance to help refine technique and build confidence.




Show all photos
Berlayne Smith
Masters degree
/ 55 min
Berlayne - Get to know your vocal coach
With over 15 years of teaching experience and a Master’s degree in Music, I provide expert vocal training designed to help you discover and develop your unique voice. My lessons are personalized to meet your individual goals and interests, whether you're passionate about musical theatre, classical, jazz, pop, folk, blues, or rock. My comprehensive approach goes beyond vocal technique, incorporating ear training, music theory, harmony, counterpoint, improvisation, and other essential musicianship skills. This well-rounded foundation helps students become confident, versatile, and expressive performers. I welcome students of all ages and experience levels—from complete beginners and young aspiring singers to intermediate and advanced vocalists. Each lesson is carefully tailored to strengthen your vocal technique, expand your musical knowledge, and deepen your appreciation for the art of singing. In addition to developing tone, range, melody, and rhythm, I focus on performance skills and stage confidence, empowering you to communicate with authenticity and emotion. Whether your goal is personal enjoyment, auditions, performances, or professional development, I am committed to helping you reach your full potential. Join me on an inspiring musical journey and unlock the true power of your voice. Book your first lesson today, and let's explore new possibilities, achieve your vocal goals, and take your singing to the next level.
Berlayne graduated from New York University


Your vocal coach specialities
Ear training
Music theory
Sight Singing
Vocal Training
Scales and Modes
Singing
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 adults
Singing for intermediate
Singing for kids
Singing for beginners
Singing for advanced
Types of singing lessons
Classical Singing
Pop Singing
Jazz Singing
Movie Singing
Blues Singing
Folk Singing

Singing concepts taught by Berlayne
The Student and Tutor focused on vocal technique, starting with pitch matching warm-ups and exercises in vocal placement for improved resonance. They practiced two songs, concentrating on breath control, melodic and harmonic interpretation, and clear diction in rap sections. The session also included a discussion on vocal registers and strategies for accessing higher notes.
Vocal Placement & Resonance (Mask Singing)
Understanding Vocal Registers
Pitch Awareness & Utilizing Technology
Melody vs. Harmony in Songs
Overcoming High Note Anxiety
Diction & Clarity in Rap/Fast Passages
The Student and Tutor worked on vocal technique, focusing on deep breathing, vowel modification for specific sounds, and appropriate mouth shape for singing. They practiced two songs, "Yeshua" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," concentrating on pitch accuracy, expressive delivery, and breath management within musical phrases. For homework, the Student was assigned to practice the 'A' vowel sounds in "Yeshua" with sufficient breath, and to work on the chorus of "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" using finger guards to maintain proper lip rounding.
Diaphragmatic Breathing for Vocal Support
Vowel Modification & Tongue Placement
Lip Rounding for Vowel Shaping
Active & Conversational Phrasing
Pitch Accuracy vs. Smooth Register Transitions
Self-Assessment Through Recording
The Student and Tutor worked on foundational singing techniques, starting with breathing exercises and various vocal warm-ups focusing on range, diction, and resonance. The Student then applied these concepts while practicing songs by Jasmine Sullivan and Michael Jackson, receiving feedback on breath management and utilizing a technique for air pressure control. The session concluded with a discussion of future lesson topics, including R&B history and advanced vocal agility.
Developing Artistic Instincts & Personalization
Genre Exploration and Vocal Versatility
Foundational Breathing Techniques
Airflow Management & Vocal Resonance (The Balloon Technique)
Dynamic Vocal Warm-ups for Range & Diction
The student and tutor focused on vocal technique and song performance. They practiced breath control exercises, worked on vocal placement and pitch accuracy in specific song sections, and reviewed lyrical interpretation for an original song. The session concluded with a discussion of vocal range and comfort, and plans to continue working on the original song in the next session.
Vocal Placement and Resonance
Songwriting: Bridge and Structure
Song Analysis and Application
Vocal Range and Extension
Vocal Breathing Techniques
The student and tutor focused on vocal technique, practicing breathing exercises, resonance placement, and transitions between vocal registers. They began applying these techniques to the songs "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and "Yeshua," with the tutor providing feedback on breath support and vocal production. The student also discussed their progress in an online vocal course.
Vocal Placement & Resonance
Breath Support and Sustaining Notes
Head Voice vs. Chest Voice & Mixed Register
Vocal Runs and Ornamentation
Navigating Performance Challenges
The student worked with the tutor on vocal technique and rapping, focusing on two songs: a Busta Rhymes track requiring attention to lyrical speed and clarity, and a song by Lauren where they practiced vocal placement and higher range execution. They also began working on a neo-soul song 'Closer to My Dreams,' practicing higher vocal registers. The next session will involve discussing a melody the student recorded.
Rhythmic Nuance and Articulation in Rap
Conscious Rap & Lyrical Interpretation
Vocal Warm-ups and Technique Application
Vocal Placement & Accessing Head Voice
Tools & techniques used in voice lessons
Digital sheet music & lyric databases

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