Berlayne Smith
Expert vocal coaching in diverse musical genres, with individualized guidance to help refine technique and build confidence.
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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
Singing
Scales and Modes
Music History
Improvisation & Composition
Vocal Training
Sight Singing
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 kids
Singing for beginners
Singing for advanced
Singing for adults
Singing for intermediate
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 engaged in a singing session, beginning with vocal warm-ups focusing on breath control and vocal pressure release. They then practiced three different songs, dedicating significant time to "On the Street Where You Live" and "Make You Feel My Love," with the Tutor providing guidance on pitch, phrasing, and emotional expression. The session ended with the Student expressing the need to pause due to personal reasons, with no specific homework assigned.
Vocal Warm-up Fundamentals: Mouth Taps & Vocal Fry
Tuning and Melodic Precision
Phrasing and Sustained Breath Support
Understanding Song Structure: Repetition & Variation
Emotional Expression and Song Selection
The Student and Tutor continued to work on the Student's original song, "21 Answers," focusing on lyric memorization, breathing techniques for challenging sections, and refining the song's ending. They also practiced solfège for vocal warm-ups and planned to address ad-libs in the upcoming session.
Thematic Depth: Character Over Kinship
Mastering Song Structure & Outro Delivery
Vocal Conditioning with Solfege Fundamentals
Strategic Breathing for Vocal Stamina
Lyric Memorization for Live Performance
The Tutor and Student worked on fundamental singing techniques, starting with breathing exercises and pitch matching on scales and short melodic phrases. They then applied these concepts to sing parts of a chosen song, focusing on intentional breath support and vocal placement to alleviate tension.
Understanding Performance Anxiety's Impact on Voice
Relieving Vocal Tension: The Lip Tap Technique
Intentional Breathing for Song Phrasing
Basic Vocal Warm-ups & Pitch Matching
Diaphragmatic Breathing Fundamentals
The Student and Tutor worked on vocal performance and song arrangement for the Student's original compositions. They primarily focused on practicing "21 Answers" without lead vocals, identifying and addressing challenges related to timing, breath control, and vocal clarity. They also briefly introduced and practiced another song, "Alligators in the Swamp," and discussed strategies for adapting arrangements for live performance.
Vocal Range Development & Effective Warm-ups
Vocal Timing & Instrumental Synchronization
Strategic Breathing for Vocal Performance
Lyric Clarity and Enunciation
Song Arrangement for Solo Live Performance
The Student and Tutor worked on vocal warm-ups and practiced "Oh Happy Day" from Sister Act 2, focusing on annunciation and breath control. The session then introduced and practiced a new nasal resonance technique for vocal placement, applying it to a Mary J. Blige song to achieve clearer and more resonant sound.
Vocal Warm-ups for Placement
Nasal & Facial Resonance for Clarity
Strategic Breathing for Wordy Passages
Annunciation & Melodic Nuance Interpretation
Vocal Warm-ups & Breath Control
Exploring & Expanding Vocal Range
Applying Technical Skills in Performance
Strategic Song Selection for Vocal Growth & Enjoyment
Mastering Mixed Voice & Vocal Placement
Exploring Musical Theater for Technical Development
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.