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
Scales and Modes
Music theory
Improvisation & Composition
Sight Singing
Vocal Training
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 intermediate
Singing for advanced
Singing for adults
Singing for beginners
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 practiced singing "The Wonderful Blood," with the Student receiving feedback on breath control and rhythmic timing. They also discussed how to adapt multi-layered studio recordings for live vocal performance. The session concluded by selecting Mary J. Blige's "Everything" as the new song to work on in the next class.
Adapting Studio Recordings for Live Vocals
Vocal Tone and Song Suitability
Emotional Connection in Worship Performance
Rhythmic Precision and Timing
Breath Control for Rhythmic Alignment
Student and Tutor engaged in a singing session focusing on vocal warm-ups, exploring the Student's vocal range, and addressing performance anxiety through physical movement and emotional connection to songs. They practiced "Neon Moon" and were introduced to new pieces like "I Put a Spell on You," "The Sound of Music," and "Epiphany" from *Sweeney Todd*. The Student was advised to practice lyrics and integrate gestures to enhance performance for upcoming karaoke and future sessions.
Vocal Range Exploration & Overcoming High Note Anxiety
The Power of Physicality in Performance
Deep Lyric Immersion for Performance Confidence
Selecting Repertoire for Baritone Voice
Bridging Technical Skill and Emotional Connection
The Student and Tutor engaged in a singing lesson, starting with vocal warm-ups focused on palate lift and sound placement. They then worked on practicing "The Blood" by Tiffany Hudson, with the Tutor providing detailed feedback on vocal technique, including lip rounding, maintaining forward resonance, and appropriate posture. The Tutor acknowledged significant progress in the Student's pitch matching and mixed voice blending.
Seamless Register Blending (Mixed Voice)
The Vocal Relearning Journey
Effective Phrasing and Strategic Breathing
Avoiding Vocal Strain and Throat Fatigue
Optimal Posture for Vocal Performance
Vocal Placement: From Lateral to Rounded
Student and Tutor engaged in vocal warm-ups and practiced "Neon Moon" to prepare for an upcoming karaoke event, focusing on forward vocal placement and managing performance anxiety. They also began learning "Careless Whispers" and explored other songs like Elvis's "Can't Help Falling in Love" and a Christmas carol, planning to incorporate them into future lessons.
Expanding Vocal Repertoire and Genre Versatility
Song Dissection and Interpretation
Optimizing Vocal Placement and Resonance
Managing Performance Anxiety
Vocal Warm-ups for Flexibility and Readiness
Student and Tutor worked on vocal warm-ups and applied singing techniques to "Valerie" and "Neon Moon." They focused on improving vocal placement, connecting different vocal registers, and managing performance anxiety. For homework, the Student was asked to identify specific vocal cues within "Neon Moon." A follow-up session was scheduled for later in the week.
Forward Vocal Placement: Singing in the Mask
Strategic Song Analysis for Performance
Overcoming Performance Anxiety & Negative Self-Talk
Vocal Warm-up Techniques: Range & Smoothness
Integrating Vocal Registers for a Unified Voice
The Student and Tutor engaged in a singing lesson, beginning with vocal warm-ups to improve sound quality and range. They meticulously practiced two songs, "Going Down" and "Yeshua," focusing on mastering ad-libs, vocal placement, and refining tone. The Tutor provided guidance on vocal health and exercises to enhance sound clarity, with the next session scheduled for Thursday.
Vocal Warm-ups for Resonance and Clarity
Mastering Ad-libs for Emotional Depth
Vocal Health and Efficient Throat Resetting
Developing Your Soprano Register & Mixed Voice
Intentional Practice & Self-Awareness for Growth
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.
