Q&A

Can anybody sing?
I believe everyone has a unique sound and that with some training and correct guidance can produce a sound they are very pleased and comfortable with. Of course some people will learn more quickly, train harder etc so it’s moving at a pace that suits the individual. Your enjoyment and satisfaction is paramount. I want you to grow in ability and confidence.

What can I expect when I come to your studio?
Well, we use only the best microphones and recording equipment and show you how to use them properly. We also have lighting effects, black wall to recreate the atmosphere of a Television studio. We do this on DVD to monitor your performance. This is a free service during the course of your lesson. Everyone always comments on how much fun they have.

Do all your clients achieve what they want from you?
I certainly know I have the performance experience and technical know how to make my clients very excited about their own possibilities. Over the last few years AVIC has won several awards relating to the satisfaction of our clients. I can honestly say we do deliver.

What is a vocal technique?
It’s a way or method of singing comfortably and most importantly these days consistently while retaining that uniqueness that is your own personal sound.

How do you achieve that?
There are exercises which create the correct vocal posture. In contemporary rock and pop the position of the larynx should be at rest or slightly higher than at rest possition and the pharyx is narrowed. It all sounds very complicated but its not. After a very short period of time your voice will sound open, rich and clear with improved pitch and balanced harmonic partials.

What are Harmonic Partials?
Well, a stereo system has a tweeter, mid range and bass speaker, if one of these speakers isn’t working you will still get sound, it just won’t be as good as it would be if all the speakers were operating together. So in other words all the elements of your voice will be brought into balance.

What kind of people do you teach?
All kinds of people from all walks of life. From people who are at the top of the tree professionally who are in music theatre or gigging regularly in rock or cover bands and recording to people who are in their 50’s or 60’s who had a dream when they were very young but didn’t get around to making it a reality. Young singers who are very focused about having a career in contemporary music, singer/songwriters, musicians, performers of all kinds… the list is endless though one thing that ties them all together is their passion for singing well.

What kind of singing do you teach?
I am a contemporary teacher so that pretty much encompasses all the music that has been with us for the last 70 years or so.

What sets you apart from other teachers?
I know unquestionably I can give you performance skills no one else can. I know that’s a big call but I see it time and time again. Singers who come to me, who continuously enter singing competitions and getting no where will begin to move up through the ranks and start winning competition after competition. This happens on a regular basis. Also, after learning technique and performance skills I often see music theatre auditionees winning the roles they audition for.

How quickly should I improve?
That’s purely dependant on you! However, if you ask me for a definite time frame, you should start to notice changes within 14 days provided you do the necessary “at home” training and remember, the only place where “success” comes before “work” is in the dictionary. So what I’m saying is you have to make a commitment to yourself. Once you make that decision the rest is easy.