Leanne Hoad Singing Studio: Singing Lessons: Resource Centre

Practice helps the improvement process enormously. As the singing process can be physically demanding, we suggest to our beginners to practice no more than 40 minutes per day. Two to 4 quality practices each week gives the voice the opportunity to improve without overextending the voice.

In experienced singers, the vocal muscles are more developed (part of 'vocal stamina') thus the voice can benefit from longer practices; up to 45 minutes a day.

However, the brain and body responds better to shorter, more frequent practices, e.g. 2 - 3 practices a day, up to 15 minutes each.

The practice must be quality practice. That is, consciously applying techniques you've been taught.

Never let your voice get to the point where it is hoarse at the end of a practice session (or singing lesson). This hoarseness is usually due to incorrect singing and/or too much of it. If this is happening, supervision by a singing teacher is recommended.

Lesson Preparation

The following guidelines will help the student in preparation for their lesson:

	Music in lesson The students can use the music we have at the Studio while they are at lessons. You can view our 11,000 song music catalogue on computer at the studio Students can also bring their own music to lesson (CD's or print music). You must however bring along a copy of the lyrics if you do not know the song. If you want to sing a song which the Studio does not have, you will need to purchase it yourself.
	Music folder Students are to bring a music folder to lesson each week with the songs they are currently doing
	Locating lyrics on the internet At www.google.com in the 'search' box type in the title of the song. If it has 2 or more words, put the title in inverted commas (" "), leave a space, then type "+lyrics" e.g. "lost without you" +lyrics or beautiful +lyrics NOTE: Be aware that song lyrics are protected by copyright and are the property of their owner. Just because lyrics are on the web does not imply that they can be printed off and used for rehearsal purposes. Check to see if there is a statement about copyright on the web site - web site proprietors often state what they permit and do not permit in relation to material on the site. For more information, click here to check out the following PDF leaflet from the Australian Copyright Council.
	Practice Tape The recording facilities at our Studio provides the student with a good record of their lesson to practice to. Therefore, we ask the students to bring along a blank cassette tape to each lesson. It is a good way to recall what the teacher says. It also gives the student a record of the exercises and the songs they cover, making it possible to practice at home in between lessons. It is to be at the starting position ready to tape prior to the lesson. We also sell them at the studio for $3.50.
	Punctuality Students must be punctual as we can not extend the lesson for latecomers.