Lesson FAQ
Learning to sing is one of the most exciting adventures you will ever embark on. If you want to study with me, e-mail me and we can discuss scheduling.
If you'd like to try out singing in an affordable, safe and supportive small group environment, try my Half Day Vocal Freedom workshop or my 6 week Singing for All Class
Here are some questions people often want to know the answers to…
Do you really think you can teach me to sing?
Yes! I have not met a person in my over 25 years of teaching that I have not been able to teach. I frequently work with people who have never sung before, people who can’t sing ‘in tune’, people who ‘believe’ they have awful voices. Many of these people have gone on to be exceptionally fine singers and artists who perform and tour and write songs and make records and feel good about their voices.
How long will it take me to learn to Sing?
How long is a piece of string? I always suggest an absolute minimum of 3 months of regular lessons, 6 months is good and 12 months is better. Learning to sing is a journey. Is just depends what your destination is. For many people, once they begin, it becomes a journey they want to continue.
How much practice will I need to do?
Well if you don’t practice at all you will still improve, but if you practice — and what I mean by practicing is spending time actually singing, which means some vocal exercises and some song singing — then you will improve much faster. Start with regular short periods (15 – 30 mins a day is a good beginning place).
Am I too old to learn to sing or become a better singer?
I sincerely doubt that. I’ve taught people from 7 years of age to 80 years of age(and I’ve had this question asked by 12-year-olds!) I have taught 60 year-old total and complete beginner students who were out singing and playing guitar in bands after 12 months of lessons.
Will taking singing lessons change my voice? I don’t want to turn into an opera singer.
I don’t teach opera. If you want to learn to sing opera or classical music I am not the teacher for you. My job is to meet you where you are at and work with you on YOUR goals. So NO I won’t turn you into an opera singer. I support you in discovering and developing your unique sound.
I’ve been singing and performing for years, I just need a tune up. Do you do those?
Yes. As a teacher, my specialty is in quickly assessing where you are at and providing you with what you need during your lessons and in your practice routines to move forwards with your voice and your artistry.
I have NEVER sung in front of anyone. Can you help?
Yes. I work successfully with people who have anxiety around their voices and who have never sung in front of anyone before.
I’m not sure if I want to sing but I have a feeling I'd be good at it.
If you are curious about singing lessons, or songwriting or your voice and self-expression in general, I suggest you come to one of my half day singing courses that I generally run every 3 months in Canberra and in other cities.
I lose my voice a lot when I sing. Am I doing something wrong?
YES Unless there is an underlying health condition I would say Yes. Singing should be easy and painless and not involve regular loss of voice. If there are no underlying health reasons it is simply a matter or getting some vocal training to correct the issue.
I am shy and although I don’t really want to sing, I heard it might be good for that. Is it?
Yes. learning to sing has so many benefits emotionally and mentally. It’s the number 1 way to improve your speaking voice and skills.
Do I have to want to perform to take singing lessons?
Nope. Plenty of people I have taught have no interest in performing in public.
Do you do Skype or FaceTime lessons?
Yes. Take a look at that page for details.
How Much Do you Charge?
Private one-on- one lessons are $100 per 30 minute lesson ($200 per hour)
30-minute lessons are taken weekly and students commit to lessons on a month to month basis and pay for each upcoming month just before it commences. Hourly lessons may be taken weekly or once a fortnight. I sometimes agree to once a month lessons, I assess each request individually depending on the student's vocal condition and stated goals.
Do people ever take more than one lesson a week?
Yes. Sometimes people take 2 lessons a week. It just depends on your goals and requirements.
I have a question you have not answered, can I email you?
Absolutely! Contact Lisa Richards by emailing here.