No matter what your reason is for wanting to learn to sing and perform better, it’s my job to develop a lesson plan to make sure your abilities will match your goals! Basic knowledge of the mechanics of singing is a starting point. This covers breathing and breath support, articulation, tonal variety, and the physical mastery of your “instrument”. It all starts with a short evaluation of your current vocal technique, analysis of strengths and weaknesses, and a realistic look at your goals. Working together on these areas can be fun, challenging, rewarding - with many of those great “ah-HA!” moments. Issues like range expansion, muscle memory, stamina, and vocal production techniques relevant to live performance as well as recording all start with a clear knowledge of what you can and can’t achieve with your voice, and a solid set of vocal “tools” in your skill set.
Know your instrument and your abilities. This section of voice instruction is developed simultaneously with our next area of focus:
Mechanics and Elements of Voice Production
In mechanics and elements, we “deconstruct” the voice in order to develop a strong mastery of basic vocal techniques, but WHAT FUN are techniques unless you’re putting them to use in actual song? Lots more of those great “ah-HA!” moments! Working on a range of different types of songs, we will grow and challenge your vocal skills. We choose songs with specific goals - ones that develop, remedy, or break new ground for your voice, in ways that get you closer to your musical goals. At the same time, a more holistic song approach is developed, with attention to physical presentation, lyric interpretation, and audience communication skills. This can include recording studio time in the FAC’s state-of-the-art recording studio, working on physical staging and movement in the mirrored studio, video, recitals, choosing monologues for stage auditions - all sorts of performance polishing. We’ll aim for auditions, recording, live performance experience to make sure new skills have been absorbed.
Have you noticed I always say “WE”? It’s definitely a team effort! Song choice, focus on your strengths while strengthening weak areas, songwriting for your vown voice, ear training - so many areas can be covered, and every single student is different.That means your voice training is specific to your needs.
Artistic Expression and Interpretation for Performance
Kathy Huber has been helping performing singers improve and polish their vocal performance and voice skills in the genres of rock, blues, praise, country, gospel, stage and other contemporary styles for over 25 years. Moving from the NY/NJ metropolitan area, she joined the Fine Arts Connection “family” over 4 years ago, working with students ranging in age from 7 to almost 70 years old. A member of VASTA (Voice and Speech Trainers Association), Kathy continues to research and study voice methodology to improve her own and her students’ vocal performance skills. Kathy is a professional musician, with many projects and performances in the East Tennessee region. You never know where she'll pop up, singing everything from Bluegrass to Broadway. Besides singing in an acoustic folk/bluegrass quartet called "Early Bird Special", she has developed a series of programs which she performs at Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities in the region. She has also developed a "Young Songwriters" program, which is available to schools and targets ages 13-17. Kathy loves recording, and her most recent cd of ballads and torch songs is being followed by a cd of Christmas music.
The lessons run about 45 minutes in length, and cost $80 per month. The FAC also requires a $25 annual fee for facility/materials costs. I'll always make an effort to offer "make-up" lessons for any missed lessons - I want you to get what you have paid for!
