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Lesson format:
At an Introductory Lesson, or at the first regular lesson, a
student's voice and level of development are assessed by the teacher,
and a determination is made about ways of gaining the best out
of the voice. Elements of technique are taught, and generally include
such issues as body alignment, breathing and breath support, opening
the vocal passage and lifting of the soft palate, resonance and the
development of beautiful tone. Attention will also be directed
towards eliminating less desirable habits, such as bodily tension,
constriction and nasality.
Technique is best developed and practised through vocal exercises.
Copies of these are given to the student to work on at home.
Repertoire:
Once a student has begun to master elements of technique, these new
skills are applied in repertoire. At first, the teacher provides
appropriate songs, but as the student becomes more proficient, it is
expected that he/she will take a role in the selection of suitable
songs, and purchase the sheet music or album suggested by the teacher.
A large range of sheet music is available from such outlets as
Billy Hyde Music (Barry Parade, Fortitude Valley), Allans Music Store
(Queen Street, Brisbane) or Ellaways (Kedron or Logan City).
There are also many websites from which sheet music may be ordered
online and immediately downloaded (eg Music Notes or Sheet Music Plus).
Song Backings:
At the Gordon Harris Singing Studio, the teacher will use pre-recorded midi
files from a comprehensive library of songs. However, students are
encouraged to bring to their lessons pre-recorded and/or commercial
midi file/CD/MP3 backings. Appropriate hardware is available to play
such backings.
Home Practice:
Students can make quite rapid progress if they develop regular
home practice habits. Twenty to thirty minutes a day of concentrated
practice can consolidate new technique quite quickly. It is very
helpful if students record their lessons. It is recommended that a
tape recorder or some other appropriate device is brought to each
lesson. Students who build up a library of backing tracks will
find them invaluable for home practice.
Visitors:
It is understandable that parents or partners may like to attend
lessons to observe students' progress. However, this can be intimidating
to some students, and can prevent them from achieving their
potential. Trying new technique and overcoming undesirable habits
requires a degree of risk-taking that is best achieved in an environment
of trust and encouragement fostered between student and teacher.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended that students attend lessons
alone and that parents or partners only attend on special occasions
when they are specifically invited by the student.
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