Henry Ashby
A vocal coach who can help you with Musical Theatre, Classical and Rock singing styles, trained in New Zealand.
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Henry Ashby
Bachelors degree
/ 55 min
Henry - Get to know your vocal coach
I am an experienced Vocal Tutor and qualified Teacher from New Zealand, with experience in Professional Musical Theatre as well as Rock singing. Having worked as a performer in a multitude of contexts, and trained and worked as a qualified music teacher in New Zealand, I can help you expand your range and develop your technique, as well as build confidence in singing and enjoying your voice. Below is a bio outlining some of my skills and experience. Henry Ashby is a non binary Pōneke performer, best known as a Musical Theatre performer and the Lead singer of Theatrical Pop group Skram. Notable roles include Ricky Potts in Ride The Cyclone (Aotearoa Premiere), Nino Quincampoix in Amélie (Australasian premiere), Anatole in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Aotearoa Premiere), Alternate Fiyero in Wicked, and Ensemble/Various roles in Monster Songs, Frank The Musical, & Antonio! Skram most recently opened for OneRepublic at Spark Arena, and have notably released two albums, with multiple songs entering the Aotearoa charts including a #1 placement with Serendripity in March of 2024, as well as completed multiple tours of Aotearoa, including a spot on the Splore mainstage.
Henry graduated from University of Canterbury
Your vocal coach specialities
Ear training
Singing
Music production & recording
Harmony and Chords
Music Performance Techniques
Improvisation & Composition
Music Technology
Melody & Pitch
Music theory
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 intermediate
Singing for beginners
Singing for kids
Singing for adults
Types of singing lessons
Singing
Classical Singing
Pop Singing
Jazz Singing
Rock Singing
Folk Singing
Singing concepts taught by Henry
The session focused on vocal technique, including breath support, vocal onset, and pitch accuracy, while addressing the Student's self-perception and performance anxiety. The Tutor challenged the Student's belief of being 'pitchy' and introduced learning stages. Homework includes practicing singing while lying down, learning a complex new song, and maintaining a reflective performance journal.
The Four States of Learning
Building Momentum & Overcoming Perfectionism
Debunking Pitch Perfection & Autotune Myths
Understanding Vocal Onset
Active Breath Support
Vocal Confidence & Overcoming Self-Criticism
Student and Tutor discussed the student's homework on identifying song keys, reviewing C# minor and B flat major, and the concept of relative minors. They then practiced the song "Last Midnight" from *Into the Woods*, focusing on identifying its key, executing complex rhythms, interpreting dynamic markings, and improving vocal technique. The Tutor recommended continued practice with attention to rhythmic accuracy, dynamic control, and decisive vibrato.
Vocal Technique: Decisive Vibrato
Dynamic Markings and Characterization
Sondheim's Performance Precision
Relative Minor and Major Keys
Key Signatures: Sharps and Flats
Time Signatures: Common and Cut Time
Student and Tutor had a detailed discussion on vocal technique, focusing on breath support, muscle activation, and the critical impact of sleep and hydration on vocal health. They worked on specific breathing exercises and discussed psychological barriers affecting the student's performance. Homework includes improving sleep and hydration, practicing deep breathing and side abdominal engagement, and reflecting on self-confidence during singing.
Holistic Vocal Health: Sleep & Hydration
Practicing with Pacing and Support
Overcoming Psychological Barriers: Confidence & Self-Belief
The Body as a Vocal Instrument
Targeted Muscle Engagement for Vocal Support
Mastering Deep Abdominal Breathing
The Student and Tutor reviewed music theory, specifically using the Circle of Fifths to identify key signatures and the sharps within them. They then focused on vocal technique, practicing breath control and silent, deep breathing to improve tone and phrasing while working on the song "Inside Out." The Student was assigned homework to find a song with sharps to practice note reading and to continue exploring breath capacity and technique.
Circle of Fifths: Sharps & Major Keys
Vocal Breathing for Clarity and Open Tone
Musical Phrasing and Storytelling
Vocal Health: The Benefits of Steaming
Performance Mindset: Overcoming Self-Criticism
The Student and Tutor focused on vocal technique and audition preparation, specifically for a solo in "Jolene." They worked on vocal self-assessment, warm-up exercises emphasizing breath control and open throat singing, and strategies for confidently hitting high notes. The Tutor also provided guidance on audition mindset and performance psychology.
Auditioning Mindset & Practice
Stages of Vocal Skill Mastery
Identifying Vocal Strengths and Areas for Improvement
Vocal Warm-up Techniques for Control
Mastering High Notes & Confident Belting
Artistic Choices and Audience Awareness
Student and Tutor focused on foundational singing techniques and psychological barriers to performance. They discussed confidence, self-criticism, breath control, vocal posture, and navigating the 'passaggio' (mixed voice) through warm-ups and exercises. The Tutor assigned a specific physical exercise for diaphragmatic breathing practice to improve breath support.
Fundamental Vocal Posture & Deep Breathing
Overcoming Self-Criticism & Building Confidence
Exploring Vocal Colors and Expanding Tonal Range
Understanding the Passaggio (Vocal "Break") and Mixed Voice
Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract (SOVT) Exercises for Vocal Health
Tools & techniques used in voice lessons
DAWs
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.
