MONIQUE B THOMAS
FIRST TIME HERE?
During your first lesson our instructors will start by discussing with you your goals and any challenges you might have as a singer. Next, we will do a vocal assessment, where we see how well your voice is functioning. It is possible that we may ask you to sing a song or a short excerpt from a song. Based on this assessment we can develop a unique plan to meet your individual needs. At the end of this lesson you should have a clear idea of what you need to work on and what scales you need to practice to improve your voice. You should record the lesson with your own recording device.
For each lesson after that, your instructor will check the work given in your last lesson and then give new and more challenging exercises based on progress made. As your voice improves, you will be given songs that suit your current vocal abilities, but with a slight challenge. We want to make sure that you can easily apply what you are learning from the scales to songs.
Most of our students find that regular classes (either once a week or every two weeks) yield the best and the fastest results. Your weekly or bi-weekly classes coupled with daily practice is the surest way to reach your goals!
For each lesson after that, your instructor will check the work given in your last lesson and then give new and more challenging exercises based on progress made. As your voice improves, you will be given songs that suit your current vocal abilities, but with a slight challenge. We want to make sure that you can easily apply what you are learning from the scales to songs.
Most of our students find that regular classes (either once a week or every two weeks) yield the best and the fastest results. Your weekly or bi-weekly classes coupled with daily practice is the surest way to reach your goals!
F.A.Q.
The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and your budget. For better results you should study at least weekly. Weekly lessons insure that you get regular feed back, so that you are never practicing the wrong exercises and so that we can give you newer exercises to keep you growing vocally at a steady pace.
No, you may take classes from time to time based on your needs and the availability of classes.
Often times 30 minutes is more than enough time to check the work that you have done between lessons and to learn the new, more advanced exercises. When your instructor feels you are ready to work on songs 60 minutes, is preferable.
Skype/Zoom lessons are much like an in person lesson except that the instructor will sing and/or play the scale before you sing it.
Yes, they are. Skype/Zoom lessons are often the only alternative for someone who lives too far away to receive in person, quality vocal instruction. It is also the easiest way for you to take us on tour with you. If you feel you are coming down with something and would rather take your lesson from home (in your PJ's if you wish) than spread your germs to us, skype/Zoom are great options. Of course we'd love to teach you in person when at all possible.
After each lesson your instructor will go over the scales that they want you to practice between lessons. You should spend a minimum of 30 minutes a day, doing mindful practicing; that is, paying attention to what you feel as well as what you hear while going through the scales. If you ever feel tired, you should stop and take a break but do come back to the exercises. Remember that it is more beneficial to practice a little bit every day than to practice for long hours 1 day a week. In a perfect world, we'd want you to do several 30 minute sessions per day, everyday.
Humans are not all created equal. Some people may smoke and drink heavily and seem to get away with it for years but it does eventually catch up with them. In any case most people notice the damaging effects on the the voice immediately. What we do know from a medical point of view is that tobacco, marijauna, and alcohol dry out the vocal folds. In order for the cords to vibrate freely, they need to be properly lubricated. This means not only avoiding drying substances and environments but, also drinking enough water on a daily basis so that your urine is clear.
Not really. For the most part vocal hygiene is about good sense. You instrument is your body, so you want to make sur that you are in the best of health at all times. You'll want to regularly drink water (enough to keep your urine pale), get enough sleep, and get some form of regular exercise to have enough energy to meet the demands of singing. You'll want to avoid foods that cause cause phlegm, making vocal production difficult, and also limit things that tend to dry you out like salt, peppermint, coffee and regular tea. Each person is different, just be aware of any reactions that you may have to certain foods, beverages, and even medications that might make singing difficult or unpleasant
Before we teach any styles we want to make sure that your instrument is functioning correctly no matter what style you should choose to sing in. With this said, our instructors specialize in Gospel, Jazz, Soul, R&B, Pop and Opera. Our roster of students represents these and my other genres as well.
Yes, because our instrument is in the body, our body's health has a direct effect on vocal health. We need to know of any surgeries on the voice and previous and current diagnosed vocal conditions such as nodules, polyps, cysts, etc. This will enable us to better help you.
Unfortunately, due to the high demand of our instructors we do not have enough time to chat before a lesson. You may however take a first lesson to see if Vocal Arts Studio is right for you without any further obligations to take lessons.
At Vocal Arts Studio we welcome students of all levels and ages.
Age is just a number! A student needs to be able to sing back the scales given to them. In other words, they need to be able to match pitches, vowels and consonants. If you can do that, come on in!
We sure can. We use some of the same exercises we would use to train the singing voice, to train the speaking voice.
That's a difficult question to answer. We know that regular weekly lessons yield wonderful results. However some people learn faster than others, have more or less experience, and may some longstanding bad habits to unlearn.
STUDIO POLICY
48 Cancellation Policy - Regardless of the circumstances, any private lesson not cancelled at least 48 hours before the start of your class is maintained. After this period, it is no longer possible to cancel or reschedule.
How to officially cancel a lesson - To cancel or reschedule your class, no need to contact us. Click on the link «View appointments details» found in your confirmation email. Next, click on «Cancel» or «Reschedule». It is preferable to reschedule rather than to cancel in order to secure a lesson time, as classes are limited.
Tardiness - As a courtesy, please notify your instructor via text message if you will be late for your lesson. The time loss of your lesson will not be made up. If however you arrive on time and the lesson prior to yours runs a bit late, you will be given your full allotted time.
*Note that we do not answer the phone during lessons. If you need to contact us urgently, please do so via text message.
How to officially cancel a lesson - To cancel or reschedule your class, no need to contact us. Click on the link «View appointments details» found in your confirmation email. Next, click on «Cancel» or «Reschedule». It is preferable to reschedule rather than to cancel in order to secure a lesson time, as classes are limited.
Tardiness - As a courtesy, please notify your instructor via text message if you will be late for your lesson. The time loss of your lesson will not be made up. If however you arrive on time and the lesson prior to yours runs a bit late, you will be given your full allotted time.
*Note that we do not answer the phone during lessons. If you need to contact us urgently, please do so via text message.