Voice (Singing) Tuition
Waltons New School of Music
‘The only thing better than singing is more singing.’
– Ella Fitzgerald
‘May you live a hundred years and may the last voice that you hear be mine.’
– Frank Sinatra
‘That is the difference between good teachers and great teachers: good teachers make the best of a pupil’s means; great teachers foresee a pupil’s ends.’
– Maria Callas
Taught by experts and available both in-school and online, the New School’s Voice (Singing) Programme is designed to help both new and experienced singers of all ages to get the most out of the instrument they were born with.
Our Programme
Voice (singing) tuition with the New School is available for students of all ages* and skill levels and can be taught in a wide range of genres/styles. All our vocal tuition emphasises both healthy vocal technique and interpretation. Technical work includes breathing, range development, vocal strength, flexibility, intonation and tonal quality. The material chosen for interpretation work is selected with each student’s unique goals (and voice) in mind, but we also encourage students to explore material and genres they may be less familiar with.
Vocal tuition with the New School can also include preparation for grade examinations from preliminary to performance or teaching diploma level, as well as Junior Cert. Music and Leaving Cert. Music practicals, and counts as the ‘personal skill’ challenge area for Gaisce – The President’s Award. (For more information on grade examinations for singing, see the Grade Exam Syllabi tab below. And for more information on Gaisce, see the Gaisce – The President’s Award tab on our Tuition Options page.)
* See Age Range below.
Genres/Styles Taught
Genres/styles taught at the New School include:
Classical (see Classical tab)
Gospel & Soul (see Gospel & Soul tab)
Irish Traditional & Folk (see Irish Traditional & Folk tab)
Jazz (see Jazz tab)
Musical Theatre (see Musical Theatre tab)
Popular (see Popular tab)
Age Range
No one is too old to benefit from vocal tuition, and we’ve had voice students in their 80s learning with us. On the other end of the spectrum, we don’t generally recommend starting singing tuition under the age of 12. Students aged 12-15 learn to sing and interpret the songs they love, as long as they remain in their healthy vocal range. They are also taught good vocal habits and given gentle guidance on how to sing in a healthy, natural way. Starting at the age of 16, voice training can begin and includes a wide range of different elements to improve vocal range, volume, stamina, tone and flexibility, as well as musicianship and interpretation skills.
Questions about our voice tuition?
or call us on (01) 478 1884.
In-School & Online Tuition
We offer both in-school vocal tuition, which takes in the New School, and online vocal tuition, which takes place in your own home.
In-School Tuition
We have made a number of changes to the school, its equipment and our policies to make in-school tuition (tuition taking place in the school itself) as safe as possible during the time of COVID-19. These include:
- Perspex screens in every classroom.
- Installation of HEPA air filtration/purification units where necessary – especially in classrooms where voice and wind instruments are taught.
- Antiseptic dispensers available throughout the school.
- Cleaning and disinfection of both classroom instruments and furniture between lessons and classes.
- Regular cleaning of public spaces.
See our COVID-19 Safety Policy page for more information on what we have done, as well as the protocols we expect all in-school students and visitors to follow.
Online Tuition
Online tuition is taught by the same expert teachers as our in-school tuition and takes place where you are, anywhere in Ireland or around the world.
For online tuition, you will need:
- An instrument for tuition and practice (except for voice, theory, songwriting and music technology tuition).
- An internet-connected laptop, computer, tablet or smartphone. (A laptop or computer with webcam and microphone is recommended, as it will have the largest picture.)
- Ideally, internet speed at least 1.5Mb per second. (You can test your speed using Measurement Lab’s Speed Test.)
- Headphones or earbuds, if possible.¹
- Free Zoom software or app.²
- Waltons Music has Zoom headphones and microphones that are ideal for online music tuition and are available at 5% discounts for currently enrolled New School students. If you would like to obtain a discount, please contact Waltons with your item choice and include a scan or photo of your course payment receipt.
- If you haven’t learned music with Zoom before, please see our printable Zoom for Students information sheet for information on how to download and set up Zoom for music tuition.
See our Online Tuition page for more information on online tuition with the New School, as well as the instruments, subjects and courses we offer online.
Tuition Options
Our options for voice tuition, both in-school and online, include:
- Weekly private lessons, 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length.
- Weekly partner lessons and small group lessons, designed for students at the same level of proficiency who enrol together, and available as 30- 45- or 60-minute partner lessons, 45- or 60-minute small group lessons for 3 students and 60-minute small group lessons for 4 students. Online partner and small group lessons are possible both for students in the same location and for students in different locations.
- Single 1- or 2-hour Intensive Lessons.
- Introducing Singing for Adults, a group course for beginners. (See Group Course for Beginners tab.)
- A Jazz Vocal Workshop and Musical Theatre Workshop for intermediate students. (See Intermediate Courses tab.)
- Two ensembles, our Sing Your Heart Out Choir and Sing & Swing Jazz Vocal Ensemble. (See Ensembles tab.)
See Tuition Options for more information on private, partner and small group lessons, and Enrolment • Fees for tuition fees and enrolment forms.
Classical Singing
In additional to allowing students to explore a rich, centuries-long tradition of great music – including opera, oratorio, choral music and art songs – ‘classical’ voice training has a long pedagogical tradition, focusing particularly on proper breath support, increased vocal range and vocal flexibility.
- Learning proper breath support is not only essential to sing well but also improves vocal longevity so that you can continue to sing beautifully and healthily throughout your life. Good support allows you to handle any length, dynamic level or intensity of vocal phrase.
- Developing increased vocal range is equally important. Classical training uses warm-ups and a range of vocal exercises not only to physically warm up the voice but also to challenge you to break out of your comfort zone. In classical singing lessons, you will learn how to access many of those seemingly unreachable notes that often draw aspiring singers to voice lessons in the first place. Part of the reason why classical vocal technique works so well at expanding vocal ranges is because it uses and strengthens the ‘head voice’, a part of the range that many singers shy away from.
- Achieving vocal flexibility is perhaps the most rewarding result of classical voice training. You will learn to develop the lyricism required for long, slow phrases, the agility to sing swift runs, and everything in between. Vocal flexibility will also give you the confidence to explore other genres and apply your technique to them.
Classical singing lessons may include some or all of the following elements:
- Developing the ideal posture for singing
- Balancing the different registers in your voice
- Building vocal power at all dynamics
- Developing the so-called ‘singer’s formant’ that allows an unamplified voice to be heard over an orchestra without vocal strain
- Choosing repertoire and exploring great arias, songs and other forms from different time periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, etc.)
Classical singing with the New School, which can also be combined with tuition in other genres, is taught by:
Gospel & Soul Singing
Gospel and soul singing each place specific demands on the voice, and gospel and soul tuition at the New School focuses on essential techniques specific to these vocal styles.
In addition to elements common to all voice tuition (physical and vocal warm-ups, developing vocal range, focus and support, etc.), gospel and soul singing lessons may include some or all of the following elements, depending on the student’s level:
- Defining your optimum vocal range
- Finding your head and chest voice
- Falsetto
- Vibrato
- Vocal riffing and embellishment
- Glissando and its usage
- Singing from scripture and spontaneous song
- Backing vocal techniques
- Developing your own unique style
- Understanding harmony and developing your ear
- Using a microphone
Gospel and soul singing with the New School, which can also be combined with tuition in other genres, is taught by:
Irish Traditional & Folk Singing
Irish traditional and folk singing has had a real resurgence in recent years, with groups and singers such as Lankum, Ye Vagabonds, John Francis Flynn, Lisa O’Neill and Niamh Parsons breathing new life into old songs. Indeed, singing in the Irish and folk traditions is as much about making songs your own as it is about technique. Great Irish traditional singers are known for their unique approaches to particular songs, which they ornament and embellish individually.
In addition to elements common to all voice tuition (physical and vocal warm-ups, developing range and technique, focus and support, etc.), Irish traditional and folk singing lessons can focus on songs in English, songs in Irish and sean-nós singing and may include some or all of the following elements, depending on the student’s level:
- Defining your optimum vocal range
- Singing both with and without accompaniment
- Personal and regional singing styles
- Vocal ornamentation and embellishment
- Building repertoire: Songs in the Irish tradition, including emigration songs, rebel songs, ballads, laments, aislings, shanties and modern songs in the traditional style
- Building repertoire: Songs from other traditions, including Scotland, England, Wales and songs that have travelled to the US (Appalachian, bluegrass, etc.)
Irish traditional and folk singing with the New School, which can also be combined with tuition in other genres, is taught by:
Jazz Singing
What does it mean to sing in the ‘jazz style’? What goes into making an exceptional jazz performance? The New School’s jazz voice tuition helps singers of all experience levels to develop the range of skills and techniques required.
Jazz is as much an approach to as a style of music, and lessons focus equally on understanding and interpreting jazz from the inside they do on the techniques of singing it. In addition to elements common to all voice tuition (physical and vocal warm-ups, developing vocal range, focus and support, etc.), jazz singing lessons may include some or all of the following elements, depending on the student’s level:
- Listening exercises and harmonies
- Defining your optimum vocal range for jazz
- Rhythm work
- Jazz-style phrasing and expression
- Singing in various styles, including swing, Latin, bebop, ballads and the blues
- Improvisation and scat singing in various styles, from blues to bebop to modal music
- Choosing repertoire and exploring jazz standards, including the songs of Harold Arlen, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, Rogers & Hart, etc.
- Using a microphone
- Identifying and communicating tempos and grooves
- Creating intros and endings
- Understanding charts
- Setting songs keys and transposing
- Developing your own unique style
Jazz singing with the New School, which can also be combined with tuition in other genres, is taught by:
We also offer an acclaimed Jazz Vocal Workshop (see Intermediate Courses tab).
Musical Theatre Singing
Musical theatre makes particular demands on singers, as their songs are performed in the context of an unfolding story or theme. In musical theatre, every note that you sing must carry an emotional content that reflects the mood of the song at that point in the story – and it needs to be very clear to your audience as well. In addition, when you’re singing on stage, you not only have to act while doing so; you’ve also got to interact with the people around you.
Of course, healthy technique and vocal production are essential elements of musical theatre vocal training at the New School, but we also take a holistic approach that integrates singing with acting, movement and presentation.
In addition to elements common to all voice tuition (physical and vocal warm-ups, developing vocal range, focus and support, etc.), musical theatre singing lessons may include some or all of the following elements:
- Maximising vocal performance
- Defining your optimum vocal range for musical theatre
- Singing in various musical styles
- Choosing repertoire and exploring great musical theatre songs
- Incorporating character and context into the song
- Expressing through gesture and movement
- Developing your own unique style
- Developing vocal health and stamina
Musical theatre singing with the New School, which can also be combined with tuition in other genres, is taught by:
- Lenka Dobai
- Ana Dundovic
- Laoise FitzGerald
- Sinéad Flynn
- Ruth Gahan
- Dav McNamara
- Joan O’Malley
- Melanie O’Reilly
We also offer an acclaimed Musical Theatre Workshop (see Intermediate Courses tab).
Popular Singing
Pop, rock, blues, r’n’b and folk singing each place specific demands on the voice, and popular singing tuition at the New School focuses on essential techniques specific to these contemporary vocal styles.
In addition to elements common to all voice tuition (physical and vocal warm-ups, developing vocal range, focus and support, etc.), popular singing lessons may include some or all of the following elements, depending on the student’s level:
- Using breath support and management to achieve a more powerful, dynamic sound with less effort
- Defining your optimum vocal range
- Finding your ‘belt’ voice and using it safely
- Vocal riffing and embellishment
- Choosing repertoire best suited to your voice and singing style
- Interpretive and storytelling techniques to heighten a song’s emotional impact
- Developing your own unique style
- Understanding harmony and developing your ear
- Using a microphone
Popular singing with the New School, which can also be combined with tuition in other genres, is taught by:
Group Course for Beginners
Do you love to sing? Have you ever been told that you had a good voice and ‘must get it trained’? Would you like to know what actually goes on in singing lessons? Featured on RTÉ Radio One’s ‘Morning Ireland’ programme and one of the New School’s most popular courses, Introducing Singing for Adults is designed to take some of the mystery out of singing, improve your confidence in singing before an audience and introduce you to the fundamentals of voice training.
We also offer a summer version of this course.
‘A great course for everybody who loves singing! It will help you understand the basics of singing technique, boost your confidence and allow you to meet fantastic people. Highly recommended!’
– J. Kaletka
‘The course was so much more than I expected. I learned so much and gained confidence within myself. The teacher was an inspiration!’
– C. McGowan
Intermediate Courses
We offer two vocal workshops for voice students with some experience:
- Our Jazz Vocal Workshop provides an intensive introduction to the range of skills and techniques required to sing jazz.
- Our Musical Theatre Workshop is designed for anyone interested in performing in musicals and is an excellent opportunity to develop your vocal abilities, song/audition repertoire and dramatic skills.
‘I had a great time enjoying my passion for singing in a friendly atmosphere, and discovering new skills step by step with a very patient teacher who brings you as high as possible. An experience I advise for anyone interested in singing.’ [Jazz Vocal Workshop]
– Y. Lotte
‘I was hoping to gain some knowledge of jazz music, chords and song structures and improv. singing. I gained exactly that – while hugely enjoying my time here!’ [Jazz Vocal Workshop]
– J. McMahon
‘I’ve gained so much since I’ve taken classes here. My confidence has grown immensely, and I’ve come on as a singer and performer. Sinéad is an amazing teacher who has pushed me out of my comfort zone and believed in me so that I can reach my full potential and be the best performer that I can possibly be.’ [Musical Theatre Workshop]
– A. Dardis
‘This course [Musical Theatre Workshop] is excellent for developing both acting and singing skills in fun, relaxed and creative atmosphere. Sinéad is dedicated, enthusiastic and open to letting the class develop their performance. I hope to take the course again next year, as it has given me the confidence to perform and audition for my local musical society.’
– B. Kiernan
Other Courses
Designed especially for voice students and choristers, Sight Singing Made Easy simultaneously develops their music reading skills and practical sight singing – incorporating such elements as pitch, tuning, rhythm and solfege (do-re-mi, etc.). It is highly recommended for all voice students.
Introducing Music Technology is a practical, hands-on online course designed to teach absolute beginners how a computer or laptop and free music production software can be used to produce professional-quality recordings at home.
Our Songwriting Workshop will help you to develop your creative ideas – in any musical style – and turn them into finished songs.
The Art & Craft of Songwriting is an acclaimed summer workshop that takes participants through different approaches to the songwriting process, integrating the craft’s many skills into a seamless artistic whole.
Facilitated by hit songwriter Luan Parle and designed for participants who have previously taken a songwriting course or workshop with the New School (for example, our Songwriting Workshop or The Art & Craft of Songwriting) or elsewhere, or who have already written the music and/or lyrics to one or more songs, our Collaborative Songcamp is an exciting new concept in songwriting tuition.
‘Sight singing is a skill that I thought was beyond me, but when it was broken down and explained well by an excellent teacher, and then practiced of course, it’s amazing how quickly it became second nature!’ [Sight Singing Made Easy]
– R. Fitzpatrick
‘I have wanted to do a music technology course for years, but the opportunity didn’t come up until I saw that Waltons were offering an online version of their Introducing Music Technology course. Signing up was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I thoroughly enjoyed the course. My zero experience in recording music was no problem because it is tailored for beginners, and looking back on how much I learned in such a short space of time is incredible! The teacher is very friendly, helpful, and explains things in a clear and concise way. I would highly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in the subject!’
– A. Hickey
‘This course gave me great confidence in songwriting, and to have the guidance of a professional songwriter was so helpful. The course helped me both lyrically and musically to realise my songwriting potential, and I am now constantly writing new material.’ [Songwriting Workshop]
– A. Bradley
‘I thoroughly enjoyed The Art & Craft of Songwriting workshop with Melanie O’Reilly. I found the content very interesting and informative and I’m continuously putting it into practice in my writing. Melanie is a brilliant teacher, enjoyable and fun to listen to. She has so much knowledge and experience, and the course has helped me to get a grasp on how to go about writing a song with a structure. It was also a lovely way of meeting people with similar interests, and we still keep in touch. I would highly recommend the course.’
– C. Horan
Sing Your Heart Out Choir
Love singing but need encouragement? Join our Sing Your Heart Out Choir and your nerves will disappear! The Choir is led by Cathy McEvoy, a renowned choral director, and focuses on music from the contemporary, gospel and world traditions. Join it and you will have the opportunity to sing a wide range of great songs with others, to find and improve your voice, to spend an hour and a half every week ‘singing your heart out’ and making new friends in the process, and to perform in public for fun and entertainment.
Sing & Swing Jazz Vocal Ensemble
If you love to sing and swing in group harmony, join the New School’s Sing & Swing Jazz Vocal Ensemble! Led by Melanie O’Reilly, a renowned jazz singer, conductor and teacher with many years’ experience teaching jazz and conducting jazz ensembles and choirs, the Ensemble works on songs and arrangements hand-tailored to the abilities and interests of those who join the group. As well as exploring songs from the Great American Songbook and repertoire ranging from blues to bebop to ballads and beyond, the Ensemble will also help you with important performance skills such as stage presence, song interpretation, lyric memorisation, rhythm skills and improvisation.
‘Fun, challenging…with lots of good singing. The [Sing Your Heart Out Choir] has improved my confidence, and I’m always in a good mood when the class is over. Cathy great!’
– S. Macken
‘I have really enjoyed my time with the [Sing Your Heart Out Choir] and would recommend it to anyone interested in choral singing.’
– J. Sullivan
‘Melanie’s Sing & Swing Jazz Vocal Ensemble inspires confidence even in the most hesitant singer. I learned lots about the jazz/swing era and its music at this class – and all in a relaxed atmosphere. Very enjoyable.’
– M. Bourke
‘Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Sing & Swing Jazz Vocal Ensemble with Melanie. She is a brilliant teacher and made the classes very enjoyable and educational. Her song choices were fantastic, and we learned to sing in some wonderful three-part harmonies. Many thanks!’
– T. O’Grady-Peyton
Voice Faculty
- Marta Burns • classical, popular
- Lenka Dobai • musical theatre, popular, gospel & soul
- Ana Dundovic • classical, musical theatre, popular, Introducing Singing for Adults
- Laoise FitzGerald • Irish traditional & folk, musical theatre, popular
- Sinéad Flynn • classical, musical theatre, popular, Introducing Singing for Adults, Musical Theatre Workshop
- Fiadh Rua Gregg • jazz, popular, gospel & soul, Introducing Singing for Adults
- Anna Hryniewicz • classical
- Siobhán Kavanagh • classical, Irish traditional & folk, popular
- Cathy McEvoy • Sing Your Heart Out Choir
- Dav McNamara • gospel & soul, jazz, musical theatre, popular, Introducing Singing for Adults
- Róisín Mulliez • gospel & soul, Irish traditional & folk, jazz, popular, Introducing Singing for Adults
- Joan O’Malley • classical, musical theatre, popular
- Melanie O’Reilly • Irish traditional & folk, jazz, musical theatre, popular, Introducing Singing for Adults, Sing & Swing Jazz Vocal Ensemble
New School Stage System
Voice tuition at the New School is designed to work within our Stage System, a comprehensive methodology for assessing student progress, from absolute beginner to a professional qualification (diploma).
New School Stages, ten in all, are roughly equivalent to the ‘grades’ of graded music exams offered by widely recognised exam boards (ABRSM, RIAM, Trinity Guildhall, Rockschool, etc.) and progress from beginner to performing or teaching diploma level. Stages and their grade equivalents are:
- Stage 1 (1 term of lessons or an Introducing group course for beginners, equivalent to Preliminary Grade)
- Stage 2 (1 year of lessons, equivalent to Grade 1)
- Stage 3 (equivalent to Grade 2 or an intermediate group course)
- Stage 4 (equivalent to Grade 3)
- Stage 5 (equivalent to Grade 4)
- Stage 6 (equivalent to Grade 5)
- Stage 7 (equivalent to Grade 6)
- Stage 8 (equivalent to Grade 7)
- Stage 9 (equivalent to Grade 8)
- Stage 10 (equivalent to a Performing or Teaching Diploma)
Students who successfully complete a stage can be issued with a certificate of completion. Please let the school office know if you would like this certificate.
See About Our Stage System for more information.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for private, partner and small group lessons are listed in the Enrolment • Fees section of our website and depend on the length of lessons as well as the duration (number of terms) of enrolment:
- First Term (September-December) • First-Second Term • First-Third Term Fees
- First Term Late Enrolment Fees
- Second Term (January-March/April) • Second-Third Term Fees
- Second Term Late Enrolment Fees
- Third Term (March/April-June) Fees
- Third Term Late Enrolment Fees
- Summer Term (July-August) Fees
- Summer Term Late Enrolment Fees
- Intensive Lesson Fees
Group course fees are listed on individual group course pages.
Tuition Assistance
The New School is dedicated to providing high quality music education for a wide range of students, whatever their financial circumstances, and our Tuition Assistance programme is designed to help defray the cost of tuition with us. Although there are a limited number of Tuition Assistance awards each year, every effort will be made to assist students (or their parents) who, because of financial circumstances, would otherwise be unable to study with us. Tuition assistance awards are in the form of discounts of between 10% and 40% off the student’s fees and depend on the both student’s and the New School’s financial circumstances, as well as the type of tuition. See our Tuition Assistance Policy for more information or follow the link below to apply for tuition assistance.
Enrolment • Booking
Enrolment for voice tuition with Waltons New School of Music requires a completed enrolment form and, except for those students using payment plans, full payment of tuition fees. Intensive Lesson booking requires a completed booking form and deposit.
Lessons & Ensembles
First – Third Terms
Group Courses & Workshops
First – Third Terms
Lessons, Courses & Workshops
Summer Term
Intensive Lessons
Gift Certificates
Questions About
Enrolment & Booking?
Your Feedback
Have you learned – or are you learning – voice (singing) with the New School? We would appreciate it if you could take a few moments to give us your feedback in a brief online questionnaire about your experience. Thank you!
We would also appreciate your Google review, which will help to spread the word about the quality of our tuition.
Martin A. Walton Memorial Scholarships
Running since 1995 and taking place in late May / early June each year, the New School’s annual Martin A. Walton Memorial Scholarship Competition offers the most generous scholarship opportunities of any music school in Ireland. The Competition awards full-year tuition scholarships in three categories:
- Young Student of the Year (students aged 18 and under)
- Mature Student of the Year (students aged 19 and over)
- Most Promising Beginner (students who came to the school as beginners on their instruments)
New School Ensemble Prize
This prize is awarded for the best performance in our Scholarship Competition by an instrumental, vocal or mixed ensemble/group made up of two or more students, as well as for progress over the school year.
Songwriting • Composition Prize
This prize is is awarded for the most creative original composition or song for solo instrument, voice or ensemble, performed by the composer/songwriter alone or with a group.
See Scholarships • Prizes for more information.
Grade Exam Syllabi
Links to voice/singing syllabi with different exam boards:
Friday Casual Concerts
Our Friday Casual Concerts are a great opportunity for students of all instruments (and all musical styles) to play in public, in a relaxed and supportive setting, before friends, family and other students. These brief concerts, which take place around once a month on Friday evenings at 7 pm in the school, allow individual students and ensembles to perform in public, show off their skills and learn how to cope with nerves. They are also highly recommended for students preparing for exams.
End-of-Year Concert
Our End-of-Year Student Concert takes place in the National Concert Hall’s John Field Room in late June and showcases some of our best students and ensembles, of all ages and in all musical styles, as well as scholarship and prize winners in our Scholarship Competition. Performers are selected by their teachers and the school administration.
See School Concerts for more information.
Student Benefits
Currently-enrolled students (and parents of students) at the New School are entitled to several useful benefits, including:
- Discounts on Waltons World Masters Series events
- Discounts from Waltons Music
- Discounts on ensembles, sessions and music theory courses
- Discounts on practice facilities
- Discounts on city-centre parking
See Student Benefits for more information.
Outreach Programme
Our Outreach Programme offers a range of curricular and extra-curricular music lessons and courses that take place in primary schools, post-primary schools and youth centres. We offer Singing and Choir lessons and courses for absolute beginners as part of the programme. See Outreach Music Lessons & Courses for more information.
Music at Work Programme
Music at Work is a unique programme that provides convenient and affordable music courses in Dublin-area workplaces. We offer a Singing course for beginners, as well as Company Choir, as part of the programme. See Music at Work Programme for more information.
What is the difference between singing and voice tuition?
There isn’t really any difference. People who look to begin singing generally enquire about ‘singing lessons’, but people who teach singing generally call themselves ‘voice teachers’ because they teach you how to improve your instrument, which is the voice. Just as in piano lessons you learn to master the instrument, a piano.
Do you teach complete beginners?
Yes! Complete beginners, including adult beginners, are most welcome. Learning to sing is enjoyable and rewarding, no matter what your age. Adult beginners at the New School can start with our Introducing Singing for Adults group course, and private (one-to-one) lessons are available for students at all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced singers.
Will my voice need to be assessed before I begin?
We believe that any student can benefit from voice lessons, and it is not necessary to be assessed before you begin. Hearing you sing the warm-ups and exercises during the first couple of lessons will provide your teacher with sufficient information about your initial abilities and range to know where the most focus will need to be placed in order to maximise what you have naturally. Your teacher will also ask you about your singing goals and can tailor the lessons to your individual needs. A student who wishes to sing more casually, for example, will have a very different attitude and approach to his/her lessons than someone who wishes to sing professionally. Also, the lesson plan for a student who has difficulty hearing pitches and singing ‘in tune’ will necessarily be different than the plan for someone who comes to us already able to begin working on more advanced skills.
What's the difference between in-school and online voice lessons?
The only difference between in-school (in-person) and online voice lessons is learning at the New School or learning from your own home, which can be anywhere in Ireland or around the world. (We currently have a number of students living in other countries.) Otherwise, online students will have the same expert voice tuition from the same highly qualified teachers as in-school students. See our Online Tuition page for more information about online tuition with the New School.
Will learning to sing improve my overall confidence?
Absolutely. As your vocal ability improves, and as you become more comfortable singing before your teacher and others, you will also become more comfortable expressing yourself in public. In almost every workplace, there will be times when you must stand up in front of people and speak. The work you do to improve your voice and its expressiveness will make this much easier.
I'm a good singer, but I get nervous in front of others. Can I get over this?
This is quite a common complaint among many singers, from beginners to professionals. There are a number of useful techniques available to overcome ‘stage fright’ or performance anxiety – and even panic attacks – relating to getting onstage and singing in public, and your teacher can discuss these with you. A Guide to Overcoming Stage Fright is a useful web page that includes several of these. And our regular Friday Casual Concerts (see School Concerts for more information) provide opportunities to put them into practice, should you choose to do so.
What type of music will I learn?
Regardless of the genres/styles of music you are interested in singing, you will focus in voice lessons on techniques for healthy and safe voice production that can be applied to any genre/style of music. But in addition to this training, you will also receive coaching in the genres/styles of singing – including classical, jazz, musical theatre, pop/rock, sean-nós, traditional/folk, country and others – that you want to focus on.
We also encourage students to explore different genres/styles in their lessons/classes, and we offer two vocal workshops for intermediate singers that specialise in particular areas: a Jazz Vocal Workshop and a Musical Theatre Workshop.
How can vocal technique work for every genre/style?
A guitar, piano or violin doesn’t change depending on the genre/style of music you play. And good vocal technique works because you are learning how to sing, not just what to sing. In other words, build a good instrument, and then play (sing) anything you like! It is simply a myth that voice training will ‘make’ someone sing only ‘classically’.
Can you prepare me / my child for grade or practical examinations?
Yes. Although we don’t require students to take grade examinations, we recognise that they are an excellent way to measure students’ progress, recognise their achievements and act as a very useful motivational tool. So voice tuition can certainly include preparation for grade exams. (See the Grade Exam Syllabi tab above for links to the syllabi of different exam boards.) Our teachers can also prepare students for Junior Cert. Music and Leaving Cert. Music practical exams.
Can you help me to prepare for a performance or audition?
Yes. This can be done with regular lessons, and many singers have alsi used our Intensive Lessons to provide them with extra preparation for performances, auditions or examinations.
Is it better to take private (one-to-one) lessons or a group course?
That really depends on the student. Private lessons enable voice students to focus on problems and solutions that are specific to their own voices and styles and allow nervous singers to develop confidence with a supportive teacher. Group courses (for example, our Introducing Singing for Adults course) allow singers not only to hear and observe their own training, as well as the training of other individuals, but also to develop their confidence and performance skills by singing with and in front of others on a weekly basis.
Can children take singing lessons?
Yes, as long as they are ready and willing to apply themselves to it. Children are often already doing naturally what adult students have to train to develop (or re-learn). Singing lessons can help them to maintain the natural balance that often gets lost as they start to imitate adult singers. However, it is very important not to strain young people’s voices, so vocal technique and range development is not generally introduced before the age of 15.
How much should I practice?
To begin with, ideally 20 to 30 minutes a day – divided between warm-ups/vocal exercises and songs – should be your goal. To develop good vocal habits and technique takes the constant reinforcement that comes from a daily practice routine. It is also very important not to overdo it; the muscles get tired and need rest after a vocal workout. Even 5 or 10 minutes every day is far better than an hour once a week. For suggestions regarding practice, see our Practice Tips page.
I'm concerned about the health of my voice. Can voice lessons help?
Voice tuition can certainly help you to sing in a healthy way without straining or even damaging your voice, but if you are concerned about the health of your voice, you should consult with your doctor before you begin lessons or a course. There are many of reasons why you may be having issues with your voice, including stress, fatigue, infections, allergies, neck injuries, polyps, nodules, etc. A good voice teacher can help you to address a number of issues, but it is also very important that you first rule out any serious health problems with the help of a medical professional.
I think I'm tone deaf. Could I ever become a singer?
If you think you are tone deaf, you are more than likely not. A tone-deaf singer is someone who unfortunately can’t sing in tune but truly believes he/she can. The fact you think you are out of tune means that you are more musical than you thought, and through ear training and specific exercises your voice and intonation will definitely improve. Some people have a very difficult time getting their voices to reproduce the sounds they hear in their head. This comes from a lack of coordination between the ear and larynx (voice box), and it is a problem that can be fixed with time and practice.
I have a backing track that isn't at the right pitch or tempo for me. How can I change it?
Many singers use backing tracks for practice, but what to do if a backing track is at the wrong pitch (too high or too low) or tempo (too fast or too slow) for you?
Never fear! There’s a simple way to change both of these, and all you need is a PC or laptop and Audacity, a free audio editor. ‘But I don’t know the first thing about audio editing!’ you might be saying at this point. You don’t need to. The process of changing pitch and/or tempo is simple, and we’ll take you through it step by step with our downloadable Information Sheet.