Coaching Services

INTRO

Having been a vocal performer regularly both in public and recording sessions since the age of 9, I have lived and breathed singing all my life! I started to play the guitar at the age of 6 and by 9 I was performing all over the South Coast of England in various holiday camps and theaters. I was thrust into the showbiz world at a very young age.  Fast forward some many years later…….after several record deals, recordings as a solo artist and countless backing vocal sessions, tours and gigs, it felt absolutely natural to move into vocal coaching. I dearly wanted to be able to share everything that I have learned in my exciting vocal and performance journey.  (Please see full bio on home page) I feel so lucky that for the last 20 years I have not just been a vocal coach but have been able to develop artists, help them to get recording contracts, appear on TV shows and for those artists who have attained chart status, I am able to further help them to develop and keep at ‘the top of their game’.  However, I love working with students at many different levels of ability and with artists at different stages of their career.  Coaching is an absolute passion of mine, it is not just about teaching the techniques needed to become a better vocalist, it is so much more; compassion, psychology, empathy and being able to mentor in every aspect.  See outlined below the varied services that I can offer:

BEGINNERS

I truly believe that everyone can sing!  It is all about building confidence, muscle memory and practice.  It really doesn’t matter how old you are and if you have ever had a singing lesson in your life – you are NEVER too old!  My youngest students for private coaching start at 8 and my oldest to date is 75.  It is true to say that some are lucky to have more raw talent and natural ability than others but like anything in life, the more you put in, the more you get out. I love teaching beginners, putting them at ease and helping them to discover their voice and self-confidence.  It is so important to me to help with song choices that suit their voices – get the wrong song and it shatters their confidence – get the right one and it soars!  The rewards are enormous for both student and myself, as when I take on a student, I take my responsibility to heart and the sense of achievement when goals are fulfilled is immeasurable.

CHILDREN

I recommend private singing lessons to pupils over the age of 8.  To start with no more than a 30-40 minute lesson is required.  At this age the first major hurdle is usually shyness and gaining the child’s confidence and trust to make them project. I teach them basic breathing techniques and vocal exercises, not too much as at this age they just want to sing!  They love using the microphone in the studio and a little added reverb and Graphic EQ helps them to gain confidence and they can hear their voice back through the speakers.  Together we find age appropriate songs by their favorite pop stars or from theater productions.  As they get older and into their teens, students usually have strong ideas of what they would like to sing, so wherever possible I accommodate this.  I believe that students should sing songs that they like and want to sing. I coach them to sing to the best of their ability.

ARTISTS

If you are a recording artist, either established or not, I cannot stress how important it is to have regular vocal coaching.  You don’t ever want to get complacent and lazy, there is always room for improvement and growth.  To keep on top of your game you need to be vocally and physically fit.  In recording sessions it is so important to be ready to record, even if it is a self-penned song. With today’s budget constraints, long gone are the days when you could take a long time recording vocals.  The Producer needs the job to be done quickly, with your best performance delivered in optimum time.  With today’s digital technology there is a tendency for vocalists to think that everything can be fixed in the mix!   Where it is true that computers and producers today can pretty much ‘fix’ and ‘enhance’ most vocal recordings, that is not what they want and simply do not have the time or budget to spend hours ‘fixing’ takes.  Come in prepared for a session and give it your best performance at the outset, this what the industry today wants and needs.  I work with artists on songs to be recorded and iron out any areas of concern before the session.  I am also happy to be on hand, at any recording sessions if needed.  Quite often I also work with recording artists who are embarking on gigs or tours, working on the live performance vocal techniques needed to replicate what has been recorded and to be able to present a great live show.  Vocal and physical stamina is needed as well as the right ‘mind set’. Much of the preparation with me is undertaken in the vocal studio and then at the rehearsal studios ‘in situ’.  Once you perform with the rest of the band or backing tracks in a large studio/venue with PA systems , the vocal performance has to be tackled and delivered with a different approach.  I love working with both Pop artists and bands in this way.  I can also help with any backing vocal arrangements if needed with the band at rehearsals.  I can also attend gigs and do a warm up and sound check if needed with the artist/band.

ACTORS

I work with a lot of actors who need to be able to sing!  There will be more opportunities work-wise for actors who can sing.  We work together to prepare appropriate audition songs and on specific roles for TV, film and theater.  There may be a role where an actor needs to mimic a particular artist.  We work together to study the artist and get as close as we can to the character.  I am coaching several actors right now who have played well-known pop artists on film and stage or need to prepare songs for forthcoming theater productions. 

GROUPS

I quite often work with boy/girl groups, either signed or in the development stage.  We work closely to ascertain which voice type suits which role within the band.  We work on harmonies and ‘unifying’ the band together both vocally and stylistically.  I always try to help create a unique aspect to the band, which will make them stand out from the crowd.  I also run workshops and classes for teenagers where we go through the process of creating fictitious bands, working through the various stages to take them to a live performance, whether it be for parents or at a public event.  It is always motivating to have a goal to work to! 

ON SET

There is always so much going on in a TV studio/film set and the focus of the program/film makers can be very much on the technical side and ‘time is money’.  If there are performances on set (either lip sync or live) I can be on hand to bring out the best live vocal performance.  I can coach individuals or groups in the inevitable down time, making use of time spent sitting around and waiting for call times.  I can make sure performers are all vocally warmed up and ready to perform.  As in a recording session producers need the best performances as quickly as possible.

VOCAL PRODUCTION & ARRANGEMENT

I also work extensively in recording studios both as a session singer myself and producing vocal arrangements and recordings for other artists.  I work closely with the producer to achieve the sound that is needed for that particular track. Coaching the artist in the recording session.  

RECORDING

Quite often students like to record their progress in the studio. Some like to make professional demos for promotional purposes and others just like a ‘keepsake’ to mark benchmarks in their vocal journey.  Recordings also make popular gifts.  Students can either record a cover or a song they have written themselves.  My husband is Aron Friedman, an award winning song-writer and record producer.  Together we can produce a fantastic sounding recording.  Call us to discuss your needs and a quote.

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT/CONSULTANCY

Over the years I have been involved with much artist development both independently for my own production company and for record labels.  I have been involved with the process of sourcing and auditioning acts, working on them for a period of time in vocal coaching, writing, recording, performance, media training, styling, videos etc.  I can come on board at any stage and take the artist/band to the next level.  Once the artist is signed I can mentor them and keep them growing and developing further. 

                                            'COOKIE'                                                       'COCO'

LITTLE MUSIC STARS

I am thrilled to have co-developed a ‘brand new’ high quality, pre-school music program in Los Angeles and the UK from newborn to five years called LITTLE MUSIC STARS, which taps into the mind of the developing child, whilst keeping both parent and child engaged.  We have had classes at several prestigious pre-schools in Sherman Oaks, Brentwood and Santa Monica.  LITTLE MUSIC STARS’ aim is to keep the music of yesteryear alive and in our consciousness for generations to come and introduce new ‘modern day standards’ which we have specially written for the program.