Frequently Asked Questions

What experience do you have? 25 years performing on TV, radio, recording & live. Singing pop, jazz, classical, opera oratorio & music theatre. TV acting, radio & voiceover.

15 years teaching, voice coach and vocal arranger for bands, producers and gospel choirs. My training includes:

5 years full-time at Trinity College of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Hypnotherapy & NLP at London College of Clinical Hypnosis
Arts Practitioner training at Art & Business, London
Digital Sound Production. City & Islington College, London
Licenciate and Fellow of Trinity College of Music London. FTCL, dipTCL, LTCL
Qualified (BTEC L3) Life Coaching Skills & Practise, Newcastle College

What style do you teach? I have developed a method largely based on the Bel Canto method I trained in, but I have adapted it to suit contemporary styles and sounds, adding elements from various musical genres and disciplines such as Alexander Technique and visualisation.

I believe that strong vocal technique is fundamental to having your voice at your disposal in good condition, allowing you to approach any style you choose from a position of safety.

I encourage vocal freedom & health through controlled relaxation and support. I have worked as a teacher and performer in most styles of music. so I like to encourage pupils to try a bit of everything in terms of genre. I believe singing should be fun and the voice should last a lifetime!I have produced a vocal warm-up and coaching CD "Free Your Voice" which is distributed worldwide.What happens in your lessons? They are extremely informal and relaxed, with the emphasis on singing as being fun and creative. My students seem to enjoy their lessons, and I enjoy teaching! (Singing releases endorphins!)

I usually spend at least 60% of the lesson working through exercises and images to place and extend the voice.

Lessons are structured around breathing and a good vocal warm up, plus plenty of relaxation. This is followed by work on specific songs & repertoire to give the technique a context. Choice of repertoire is open, although I will suggest songs & styles as I see fit. I also cover audition coaching, presentation, projection, performance skills and microphone technique if appropriate with more experienced singers.

Singers working towards studio sessions are offered specific studio preparation training.

How do you accompany songs? I use a MacBook Pro running iTunes amplified for backing tracks. (all styles - including fully orchestrated opera), sometimes clients sing a-capella and some use sheet music. I will play simple chord progressions, but prefer to focus on the singer, and not on the piano.

I have a wide variety of backing CD's available, but encourage students to build up their own collection over time.

You are welcome to bring an accompanist with you. There are pianos, keyboards and guitars available. It is advisable to buy your own copies of sheet music, scores and/or lyrics as we tend to make copious notes on interpretation and technique to work on between lessons. (I give homework!)

I encourage clients to bring a USB pen drive to lessons to copy files for practise.

Practise between lessons is essential, and we aim to establish a workable routine that fits into your life.

Where do you teach? I teach privately in Crouch End, London N8. The nearest underground is Finsbury Park, Harringay railway station (to Moorgate) is nearby.There is free parking. My workshops and masterclasses are held around the UK.

When are your lessons? I teach privately on Tuesdays (daytime,) Tuesday evenings, Friday 10am to 3pm and two Saturdays per month . Saturdays and evening lessons are extremely popular with "regulars" who book in advance.

There are currently very limited vacancies so it may be necessary to join a waiting list.

Lesson duration The session lasts one hour including changeovers, allowing the next lesson to start promptly on the hour/half hour. Ideally this means we "wind down" & sort out homework, payment & diaries before the next student arrives. Once you have booked the lesson it is your responsibility to arrive on time and make your own travel arrangements. If you arrive late the lesson will still have to end at the agreed time.

Do I have to buy a course of lessons? It is adviseable to book & pay in advance if you prefer a regular appointment

Shared Lessons/band tuition Students sharing lessons will pay the standard rate plus £20 for each additional student.

Under 18's I do not offer vocal training to under 18's at this time, but can recommend approved theatre schools.

Frequency Weekly or fortnightly lessons are usual.

Booking I will always try my best to ensure your preferred time is available for you, however, due to the high demand for certain slots I cannot guarantee your preferred time being available unless it is reserved and paid in advance.

Waiting List When I cannot offer you your preferred time you may choose to go on the waiting list. If you are offered a last minute cancellation you are under no obligation to accept it. Should you accept it the usual cancellation criteria will apply.

Professional work Although I am strictly not an agent, I am sometimes approached from within the industry to recommend suitable vocalists for sessions, bands and performances.

IMPORTANT - CANCELLATION AGREEMENT

Cancellation policy The minimum cancellation notification time required by me is 36 hours. This gives me time to offer your cancelled hour to someone on the waiting list. A student cancelling with less than 36 hours notification FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER will be charged for the missed lesson.

However - if I am able to fill your missed lesson time you will not be charged. It is therefore in your best interest to give me as much notice as possible.

If ever I should need to cancel I will give you as much notice as possible and reschedule/make up the lesson.

Read a recent magazine interview with Heather on the mind, body and spirit benefits of singing