Getting The Most From Your Toronto Singing Voice Lessons – Part I

June 4, 2008 by Paul Gasztold

Getting The Most From Your Toronto Singing Voice Lessons – Part I

Recordings Of Your Voice Lesson

Question: Can I record my Toronto Singing and Vocal Coaching lesson?


Toronto Singing Teacher: One of the very best ways to get the most from your Toronto Singing Lessons ( or vocal lesson by phone ) is to record your weekly lesson.
Not all students record the lessons, however many find is exceptionally beneficial.


Question: If I wish to purchase a recorder, which do you recommend?


Toronto Singing Teacher: Why not go to Future Shop or a similar place and invest $30-50 in a very small easy to operate handheld digital media player with voice recording capability


Any make is fine, Creative labs Zen or one by Sansa or Samsung etc..


This is actually a portable digital media player with a voice recording capability. You don't need much storage space so any of the older models on sale would be just fine.


Make sure it has a USB plug so you can store all your lessons on your computer ( if you use one ).


Tape recorders are even cheaper but tapes are not nearly as convenient.


Toronto Singing Teacher:
You can plug in headphones and listen to your lessons and songs you are working on anywhere or anytime. You can even backup all your lessons onto your computer and listen there. Archiving lessons is easy too!


Question: Then I can take my lessons and songs I'm working in my lessons on the recorder/media player and practice my Singing lessons and assignments anywhere I wish!


Toronto Singing Teacher: I live near the Toronto Beaches area and as well as near the Danforth. One of my favourite places to vocalise and work on my voice is by the water or in the park. I find a quiet spot and relax in nature while I develop my voice. I love doing this and do it frequently.



Question: How should I use the recording?


Toronto Singing Teacher: Singers often go through the lesson the same day or the next day ( 24 hours re-enforcement is a key strategy to learning ) and makes notes. This can be from memory on the subway back from the lesson or from listening to the lesson.


Vocalists can make notes on the computer or notebook and list the minutes and seconds for each main concept/exercise or breakthrough singing experience they've had.


Then they go back quickly and easily to find the place the place they wish to work on.

Question: Some Toronto Singing Teachers make a CD of the lesson for each student.


Toronto Singing Teacher: If a voice teacher is taking the time out of your lesson to prepare a recording for you it comes out of your lesson time and I feel that a teacher's time a and energy is better spent working with you on your voice.


I believe some teachers are still doing it as a carry-over from the days before portable media players were created.


If you add up all the time a teacher takes creating a CD for you each lesson you'll see why I recommend doing it yourself.


I Singing lessons with you I choose to focus energy only on what is most important, which is helping you making the change you need to make.


Focussing on the essentials is a key to success that we will discuss in your Vocal Coaching and Artist development sessions.

Question: Do I need to listen to my lesson? I don't feel that I need to record it.


Toronto Singing Teacher: Don't feel that you need a recording however. Many Singers do very well without it.


Always trust your feelngs and be true to them. As an artist this is essential. Be open to change, don't be limited by any pre-conceived ideas, but do what is best for you and feels right. Always.

The most important thing is your focus, attention, ability to listen and willingness to change that will ignite your singing success.

I recommend reading the previous line again. It will serve you well.


Keep singing and maybe I'll see you in the park!


Best,
Paul


Paul Gasztold is an expert Vocal Coach and Singing Teacher in Toronto