Studio Dates, Fees

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Can anyone sing?

Yes. Singing is a learnt skill and you are not expected to know how to sing until you've been taught. Moreover, anyone can be taught! Admittedly people have different types of voices and personal limitations. But whoever you are, and in time and with perseverance singing lessons can improve your voice considerably helping you achieve your personal goals.

But you haven't heard me sing
The perception you have of your own voice may or not be an accurate one if you have not had lessons. Comments received from friends, family and others (perhaps past music teachers) may have been encouraging or discouraging. Are they right? You may simply have an untrained voice that could benefit from lessons and the assessment of a trained professional. Our No Obligation Introductory lesson is an ideal way to find out the truth.

But I am tone deaf
Possibly true, although there is a widespread misconception about what being tone deaf is. Usually the term is incorrectly used when one is simply not singing in tune. Singing out of tune is not an indication of tone deafness. It can be fixed with appropriate training.

How are singing lessons structured?

We offer a ½ hour, one-on-one (1 student to 1 teacher) private lesson once a week at a set time. Lessons are held 6 days a week during the day and in the evenings from Monday to Saturday. You book in for a 10 week block of lessons. You are then automatically enrolled in the same lesson time for the following terms unless you tell us otherwise.

What are lessons like?

We offer professional singing lessons in a caring, comfortable environment with experienced, dedicated teachers.
Your teacher will understand that you may be nervous and will make you feel comfortable, particularly if you're a beginner.
You will be taught everything you need to learn to sing, beginning from absolute basics.
Your teacher will explain and demonstrate each skill, then you will practice it with her until you're comfortable with it and doing it correctly. Then you will put it into practice while singing a song. Your teacher will answer any questions you may have during the lesson and it will all be recorded on tape for you to practice during the week.
We make sure that your lessons are inspirational, that you're motivated, that you're singing songs you like and, most importantly, you're getting the results you're looking for.

How can I tell if your Studio is suitable for me?

Try our 1 hour no-obligation Introductory lesson. This is a great way to see if you enjoy the lesson and whether it is suitable for you.

What is an Introductory Lesson?

Our 1 hour no-obligation Introductory Lesson is designed to give you an introduction to singing. It's great value at just $75.00 and is payable in full (and non-refundable) before the day of the lesson.
You'll see that singing is a learnt skill. We'll teach you enough to be able to sing a song.
It's a great way to see if you enjoy the lesson and whether it is suitable for you.
After an Introductory Lesson, students say that they feel more confident and have a great sense of achievement. Most join up for a block of 10 lessons.

Do you do private lessons?

Yes. We offer one-on-one private singing lessons in terms of 10 weeks throughout the year. You will be personally taught by your singing teacher and lessons will be at your pace.
Our emphasis on singing technique is best achieved via private singing lessons and means that you will soon hear the improvement in your singing voice regardless of the standard you begin with.

Do you do group lessons?

Yes.
We offer group lessons for beginners, advanced and children. More info here

What if I want to have lessons with a friend or family member?

Sometimes people want to come along with a friend, partner, or family member etc. We do offer lessons with 2-on-one (2 student per teacher) and 3-on-one (3 students per teacher). It is cheaper for the individual this way, but the learning process can be slower. The fee for 2 people per lesson is $220.00 each (inc GST) for 10 week block of lessons, ½ hour lesson/week. The fee for 3 people per lesson is $165.00 each (inc GST) for 10 week block of lessons, ½ hour lesson/week. A minimum $50 non-refundable deposit each is required before the commencement of the 10 week block of lessons to guarantee the lesson time. This deposit is deducted from the term fee.

How long does it take to learn how to sing?

Everyone is different depending on past experience. It also depends on your goals and what you want to achieve.

If you simply want to sing better in the shower, not be embarrassed to sing Karaoke around friends, or be confident singing 'Happy Birthday" at the next party, the time frame would be different to someone who wants to sing professionally in a band.

Lets say you have had no previous experience. Generally speaking, the theory of  the basic singing techniques can be covered in 3 - 6 months. It takes a further 6 - 18 months to master it.

The singer who wants to sing better 'Karaoke' for example will impress their friends after 6 - 12 months of lessons. The singer who wants to take it further and professionally will take longer.

A further 18 months will help you to: develop the confidence and skills needed to perform in public. See Singing in Public build up a suitable repertoire of songs (for band work or gigging). develop vocal stamina so you last the vocal long haul. See Vocal Warm Up develop harmony (part singing) skills for band work or music theatre. See Singing in a Group .

Most importantly, always enjoy your singing!

How long do students stay for?

This depends on what you what to get out of singing lessons.
Some feel they have achieved their goals - usually being able to sing better for their own personal satisfaction - after one or two terms.
Those who are aiming for a career in singing stay for at least 2-3 years. This gives time for the vocal skills to be mastered and performance skills - which are crucial to make it in the industry - to be learned. Many of our current students are on the way to successful futures in the industry.

What sort of songs will I sing in lessons?

Anything you like. We cover all styles including pop, top 40 chart music, musical theatre, rock, R&B, jazz/gospel.
You are of course welcome to bring along your own music. At the Studio, we have a music catalogue of over 14,000 songs for students to view on computer and to use during lessons.

What Do I Bring To Lessons?

You'll find it useful to bring a blank cassette tape to all lessons. We have recording facilities in each Studio and we tape each lesson live for you. You can practice the exercises and songs with this tape during the week.
As the lessons progress, you are encouraged to bring any print music and CD's with songs that you like (see "How does copyright affect me?"). See Singing Practice Tips

What If I Miss A lesson?

If you are unable to attend a lesson a makeup lesson may be arranged provided that a vacancy exists. A minimum of five (5) working days notice is required to allocate a makeup lesson. Non-attendance at a makeup lesson will be deemed to be an attendance.

What if I need to permanently change my lesson time?

No problems! You are welcome to change your lesson time at any point providing a vacancy exists. Alternatively, you can be put on the waiting list and as a current student, you will be 1st in line when your suitable lesson time becomes available.

What happens after the 10 week block of lessons is finished?

You are automatically enrolled in the same lesson time for next 10 weeks of lessons unless you tell us otherwise. A minimum $50 non-refundable deposit is required before the commencement of each 10 week block of lessons to guarantee the lesson time.

What facilities do you have at your Studio?

Each of our Studios is fully equipped with keyboards, microphones, PA systems, rehearsal mirrors and equipment. We also have a constantly updated library of songs of all styles, with an emphasis on contemporary, top 40 and musical theatre, to enhance your learning experience. We have an extensive collection of CD music and print music to view on our Music Catalogue Computer at the Studio - over 10,000 songs to date - to suit all tastes. Check out our facilities page.

I/my child loves singing but doesn't have a lot of confidence. What do you offer?

We specialise in the developing of confidence. We nurture the individual until they are confident singers and subsequently, confident people.

Do you put on concerts or shows that I can take part in?

We offer opportunities to further students' performance and singing skills.
We hold smaller Performers Concerts at the Studio throughout the year with a major Showcase production around Christmas to give students opportunities to perform in both solo and group singing.

What If I'm a Shift Worker?

You are allocated a regular time slot every week. Given enough notice (minimum 5 working days), you can do makeup lessons if you cancel (see "What If I Miss A lesson").
Where possible, a time may be arranged to do a double lesson in a week to compensate for the week you cannot make it.

I have a specific goal in mind e.g. singing better in my band, preparing for an audition? Can you help me?

Absolutely, yes we can. We can tailor lessons which will help you achieve it. We will teach you just the technique to sing the songs you need.
Short term lessons can be prepared for such goals as: extending your range, stopping vocal fatigue and singing your band material better preparing songs for singing auditions or competitions singing at a wedding

How does copyright affect me?

As a student, you must provide all resources for private use outside lessons e.g. original sheet music, original songbooks, CD's or tapes for backing music, tapes for recording lessons. While at the LHSS you will have access to all our facilities and extensive music library. Your teacher can also offer professional advice regarding future music purchases once your strengths and creative direction have been determined. Students are welcome to make use of the LHSS loan library where they can borrow music for private use for a small refundable deposit. At the LHSS we take copyright and licencing seriously. Consequently we have licences in place for all aspects of duplication. More...

See our Fees page

Payment Options

Cash, cheques made out to "Leanne Hoad Singing Studio", or major credit cards including EFTPOS are accepted.
Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Bankcard) payments can be made over the phone by calling the studio prior to the above date.

10 week block of lessons

The fee for a 10 week block of lessons is $370.00 , including GST.
A minimum $50 non-refundable deposit is required before the commencement of the to guarantee the lesson time. This deposit is deducted from the term fee. The balance of the term fee is paid at the first lesson.

1 hour No-Obligation Introductory Lesson

The non-refundable lesson fee of $75.00 (inc GST) for the 1 hour No-Obligation Introductory lesson is payable in full before the day of the lesson to guarantee the lesson time.

Can I start once your term has commenced?

We don't have terms in the way that schools do. Lessons are held throughout the year. Your block of lesson begins when you begin. You simply pay for a 10 week block of lessons from the time you start.

What if I can't pay the whole amount upfront?

Alternative payment options may be discussed on a case by case basis.

Can I pay on a lesson-by-lesson basis?

We do not operate on a lesson-by-lesson basis.
When you are ready to commence at our Studio, you book in for a 10 week block of lessons.

I've never done anything like this before. Do you cater for people with no previous experience?

Yes. Singing is a learnt skill. You aren't expected to know how to sing until you have been taught how to sing.
We take everyone from absolute basics, assuming you don't know anything and teach you everything.

Do you teach mature beginners?

Yes. We cater for mature beginners who come to lessons usually just for self-satisfaction and to enjoy themselves; not necessarily because they want to be the next Kylie or Celine.
You are never too old to sing and it's never too late to start learning.
Some people play sport, some paint, some do craft, some surf the Net. Singing is a good 'me thing'. It is a great hobby which can be even more fun as you start to hear the improvement in your voice.

Do you teach teenagers?

Yes. We have a lot of teenagers. They generally come because: they want a singing career, or they are exploring their career options, or they simply want to improve their confidence and have a good time. We have the facilities and opportunities for them to achieve this. In the process, they make good friends and have a lot of fun.

My dream is to be a professional singer. Can I achieve it? Is it possible?

Yes, it's possible. You won't know whether you have it in you until you give it a go. Many of our students come along with just a love for singing, develop their voices and do things with their voices which they never thought possible.
Firstly, we get you singing well at industry standard. When you are ready, we have opportunities for you to go on stage and sing. Thirdly, we develop your performing skills and stage presence.
We have the staff, the facilities and the opportunities to teach you everything you need to groom you for a career in singing.

I have no dreams to become a professional singer. Can I just do it for fun?

Yes. We cater for the absolute beginner who doesn't necessarily want to make a career from it. We can take you from scratch and teach you everything you need to know because singing is a learnt skill.
Some people play sport, some paint, some do craft, some surf the web. Singing is a good 'me thing'. It is a great hobby which can be even more fun when you learn some skills. We have a lot of students who come along to lessons simply for their own enjoyment.

I have had some experience/previous lessons. Where would my lessons start at?

We will revise vocal techniques to see if there are any gaps or habits which need improvement and address them as they arise. We will take you from where you are at vocally and develop your voice from this point.

check out our Kids page

Do you teach children?

Yes. We love teaching children. We concentrate on vocal technique to make their singing voices better with songs which are fun; songs that they like and know.
We also like to incorporate musical theatre and other styles to broaden them where possible.
We have concerts throughout the year and opportunities to perform to develop their vocal skills and help with character building and self-confidence

How old do you start children?

We take students from about the age of 6-7 years. They need to be able to read, understand what the teacher has to say, and be able to apply what is asked of them.
The exception is when a child has been singing for years (usually doing song & dance with a Dance Studio) In such a case we will take them younger but we recommend they do a No-Obligation Introductory Lesson to assess their level. The larynx (voice box) and vocal folds of a child are not developed until approximately 16 years old. Therefore, children need to be taught differently to adults. The analogy we use is that singing is very physical. You would not put a child through an adult aerobics workout. You can however put a child through a workout geared towards their age group.

My child dreams of being a star. How can you help them achieve this?

The crucial first step is to get them singing correctly at industry standard. Secondly, we get them on stage singing before a live audience. The third step is to develop their performing skills and stage presence.
We have the staff, the facilities and the opportunities to teach them everything they need to know to groom them for a career in singing.

As a parent, can I sit in on my child's lesson?

Sure. We recommend that you to sit in on their first lesson with us. It's actually better for your child's progress if they have future lessons on their own with their teacher. However, we do invite you in to lessons when significant progress can be heard at least once every 10 weeks. We also give parents a detailed report card twice a year.

How can I get updates regarding my child's progress?

We believe it's important for you to be informed of your child's progress so you will receive written progress reports during the year. You are welcome to contact the Studio at any time to discuss your child's progress. Teaching kids singing: keeps them mentally alert encourages correct habits and vocal techniques, particularly if they are singing anyway can be an alternative to sport if the child is not this way inclined gives them confidence See Childrens Voice Changes

We offer:

• professional singing lessons in a caring, supportive environment with experienced and friendly teachers
• full rehearsal facilities (microphones, PA system, large rehearsal mirrors)
• performance opportunities
• concerts throughout the year (with a major Showcase production around Christmas)
• an extensive Music Library with over 14,000 songs available for playing via computer at the Studio catering for everything from pop, rock, Top 40 chart music to Broadway and musical theatre
• opportunities to our students which are simply not possible elsewhere.