About lessons in Bel Canto
"Vocal mastery is not a thing that can be quickly accomplished; it is not the work of weeks and months, but of years of consistent, constant effort."
~ Rosa Raisa, 1920
Why Bel Canto?
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Bel Canto is effortless technique, achieving perfect balance in the body to sing with ease and comfort, free from tension or strain. This healthy approach doesn’t wear out the voice prematurely, in fact it prolongs the youthful character and abilities of the voice. It cultivates your own natural tone to develop an individual and recognisable vocal identity. Emphasis is first placed on technical precision and control, so that the true aim of bel canto, expression, can be unlimited and enabled by technique.
Bel canto was widespread across Europe and hailed as the ideal of singing for roughly 300 years, making it appropriate for singing the complete western classical canon. If you want to sing any historic classical or operatic music authentically, it is essential.
It is also adaptable to other musical genres. Many of its features are not exclusive to Bel Canto, but are found in all good singing.
"If you don't have the Bel Canto, you cannot sing
any opera, as a matter of fact."
~ Maria Callas, 1968
What are you looking for in singing lessons?
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The Bel Canto technique is versatile and adaptable. I myself have sung a range of musical genres without having to learn a new technique, including folk, music theatre, jazz and blues. You may find that a few lessons in bel canto will enhance your studies in other areas, without having to adopt a fully historic or classical sound. Understanding of breathing, legato, placement, and registers, for example, are relevant to all forms of singing.
However, if you are studying classical or operatic singing with another teacher, either privately or in a conservatoire, it may not be possible to supplement your studies with a bit of my method.
There are two reasons for this:
1, The common conventional singing methods widely in use are at odds with the Bel Canto technique, which may lead to confusion to know which you should follow.
2, Your first teacher may not approve of the change in your technique or approach. This can be particularly problematic in a conservatoire.
It is up to you to decide how much of the Bel Canto approach and aesthetic you want to embrace and adopt.
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If you do want to learn to sing as did the great singers of the past, this requires commitment and dedication. If you have had lessons previously, you may have to unlearn and relearn most of it. Even if you are starting as a beginner, it also takes years of neuro-retraining.
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"It's not the kind of job you kind of like to have! You're forced, compelled. You've got no choice."
~ William Boyd, Tune in Tomorrow
What to expect from lessons with me
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Even if you have previously studied or are currently studying with a Bel Canto teacher, my approach may be different to theirs. I haven't found anyone else doing what I do, much to my disappointment.
I teach, as far as possible, by the old method as it was taught in the 18th and 19th centuries. I believe it doesn’t need updating, and that anything that was added to the Bel Canto school during or since the 19th century isn’t worth learning!
Before working on any repertoire, I believe it is essential to first learn all the tools of singing, and that trying to study songs too soon will solidify bad habits. Expect to spend months, if not years, on scales, arpeggios, and all sorts of exercises for developing all the requisite elements of singing progressively.
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“If you give a man a fish he is hungry again in an hour.
If you teach him to catch a fish you do him a good turn.”
~ Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie, 1885
I believe that the conventional practice of teaching through repertoire is flawed in that, a lot of the time, the student learns only how to perform that particular piece of music, and singers especially are dependant on vocal coaches, répétiteurs and conductors throughout their careers. The old method equips the singer to be prepared to sing anything. The exercises you have mastered in your lessons will be harder than anything you will be required to perform on stage!
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Bel Canto is taught through listening and copying, so I will demonstrate everything I ask you to do and you will imitate. I also explain what I am asking you to do and why, but I talk very little about anatomy, because I believe it is unnecessary and potentially confusing knowledge. Sensation and imagination is more effective.
Lessons include discussions around singing and music history, as well as listening to and analysing records together on my EMG gramophone.
You will be given one or more exercises to work on by yourself every day between lessons. Sometimes I will be able to provide you with recordings to practise along with. There may also be listening homework.
I want you to practise every day. Just ten minutes a day will add up over time. It is better to practise for just 5-10 minute sessions a few times a day at first, building up gradually as you build stamina. Shorter, focussed practice sessions are far more valuable than long, unfocussed ones.
Remember, a singing teacher can only be a guide. The hard work can only be done by yourself. Your success depends on your attitude and dedication.
How online lessons work
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I teach in quarterly 11-week terms, from Tuesday-Thursday.
You can book multiple lessons at once through the online booking form. I would recommend one lesson a week for long-term progress, or a few sessions back-to-back if you want to work on something specific, such as preparing for a performance.
Of course, you can also book a single taster session.
Lessons are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be responsible for booking early if you want to commit to regular lessons.
Before your first lesson, I ask you to tell me a bit about yourself.
Lessons are held on Skype. Online lessons aren’t ideal, but if you have access to a good quality USB mic or external phone mic, I will be able to hear you better.
Lessons are online by default, but if you want to come to my studio, please email me to make arrangements.
However, I strongly recommend trying an online lesson first to find out if you like what I have to teach you. I am in a somewhat remote area, so unless by a wonderful coincidence you are near to me, a lesson in person will mean at least a day trip for you. From personal experience I know how frustrating it can be to have travelled a long way and spent a lot of money only to feel you didn't get anything out of the lessons at the end of it.
It is easy to get carried away with the excitement of discovery, but I have to be strict on time, so please make sure you are on time for the start of your lesson and be prepared to finish on time, too. If you still have questions at the end of your session, you are free to email me or message me on Skype between lessons.
My experience as a teacher
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When my teacher was no longer able to continue teaching me, I tried in vain to find another Bel Canto teacher, which only taught me about how different teaching methods of today are. I was left with no choice but to teach myself, following the principles she had instilled in me. I taught myself from historic written methods, and by imitating early records. I also continued to sing for my teacher until the end of her life, and was gratified to know that I had her approval on my progress, so I knew I was staying on the right track. The challenge of teaching myself a vanished art was heightened by having a problematic voice, which ultimately taught me more than an easy, obedient voice would have done.
Many years of listening closely to records to identify how sounds and effects were produced has trained my ear to diagnose and correct difficulties in my students. Having a problematic and uncategorisable voice myself has given me experience to find solutions to a variety of challenges. My unusually wide range helps me in demonstrating at pitch for male and female students. I also have experience teaching transgender voices.
I am always mindful and respectful of the great responsibility of caring for another person’s voice, and I thank you for the trust you place in me.
How to book
You can book lessons through the booking calendar, either singly or multiple sessions at once. On the calendar you can see my availability and reschedule lessons as needed.
I have a "season pass" available, if you want to pay for a whole term of weekly lessons at once. This subscription entitles you to 11 lessons per term for the price of 10.
Choose an option below to book a single lesson or purchase a subscription.
Book one or multiple lessons at once. Pay as you go.
Book 11 lessons for the price of 10. Subscription renews quarterly.
Contact
I can't respond to all questions about lessons. Please read the above information and only email me if you have a query which is not covered there.
If you would like a consultation, please book on the calendar using the button above. Lessons are £55/hr.