I’ve never taken a voice lesson before. What can I expect?

Welcome! Voice lessons are uniquely tailored to each student’s voice, interests, and goals. We use a student-led learning model, which means that the student and teacher work in partnership towards the student’s goals and desired outcomes. Here at SDVS, voice lessons are a space to explore, experiment, ask questions, get curious, and sing in rough draft! 

Typically, voice lessons consist of 3 parts: physical warmups, vocal exercises, and repertoire. Much of the skill-building we do in voice lessons is based on voice science, movement, and body awareness, but you are always the ultimate authority on your body/instrument. You can expect to explore the vocal techniques necessary for you to sing the music you love and to deepen your understanding of your instrument through guided exploration, self-reflection, and playfulness.

Do I need any special equipment for online lessons?

No, you do not need special equipment in order to have a robust online voice lesson. However, you will definitely need reliable, high-speed internet, so that both teacher and student have the clearest connection possible. Zoom has audio settings that we’ll adjust at your first lesson for optimal sound quality. Typically, Chromebooks have poor audio and video quality that make online lessons difficult, so I would advise using another device for lessons unless you use external equipment. If you’re interested in purchasing a microphone, external speakers, or headphones to enhance your online experience or to practice microphone technique, I would be happy to provide a list of recommendations!

Do you offer in-person lessons?

No. SDVS offers convenient, practical, quality voice training exclusively online. We highly value each student-teacher-family relationship at SDVS, and online lessons allow us to maintain these important, long-term relationships, regardless of geography.

Online lessons allow you to work with a teacher who is a perfect fit for you, both in terms of personality and skill sets, no matter where you live. SDVS works with students in many different states, spanning the east and west coasts! Many students enjoy the feeling of safety and control of being in their own room/space for lessons, and families appreciate the simplicity of commuting and scheduling.

Why do all new students start with a Discovery Call?

SDVS prioritizes long-term relationships with students and their families. Starting with a Discovery Call allows both parties to put faces to names, to ask questions, to provide clarity, and to personalize what can sometimes feel like a rather transactional process. It’s also important for singers to find a teacher who’s a great fit for them, and a Discovery Call (and the Discovery Package) gives students/families and the teacher an opportunity to discern if SDVS is the right fit.

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No matter what, you can expect to leave a Discovery Call with a clear plan of action and recommended next steps!

What kinds of songs do people sing in this studio?

Students sing all kinds of songs! Though I encourage students to try out many new songs and genres (which helps to build a resilient, flexible voice and an appreciation for all kinds of music), students lead approximately 80% of repertoire choices. Currently, studio members sing everything from musical theater to pop to folk to classical. Some students work on music that they wrote, while others prepare music for school auditions. Whatever you sing, make sure you love it and connect with it on an emotional level!

What are Flex Weeks?

Your Songbird Tuition provides you with 4 Flex Weeks BUILT IN. These Flex Weeks take place during the month of June and serve as make-up lessons built into your tuition. Life happens, and if you need to miss a lesson for any reason, you may choose to use a Flex Week in June.

If you have no need to miss a lesson or if you always choose another type of Alternative to Cancellation, then congratulations! You may use the June Flex Weeks for a few extra “bonus” lessons. If a student misses more than 4 lessons throughout the course of their studio membership, they will not receive extra lessons.

What is a voice studio?

A voice studio is the community of students who study with a particular voice teacher. Without you (the students), the Susan Davies Voice Studio would not exist! You are all part of the same studio and singing community, connected by similar experiences through working with the same teacher. If desired, students can tap into this community more actively through participation in online Studio Classes and hybrid Studio Salons (recitals), where they can share their creative work more broadly.

What’s with the sunflowers?

I received a birthday card once that summed it up well: “Sunflowers: with irresistible charm, they stand tall, unabashedly seeking the source of their sustenance. Sunflowers show us the beauty of staying connected with all that nourishes and sustains us.”

Singing is a profound way to connect with ourselves and others. It takes courage and resilience to grow a singing practice, to nourish your love of singing, and to follow the call of your innate musicianship. Sunflowers remind us that, even on cloudy days (when singing may feel difficult or pointless), there is purpose in living a creative life. Artists can learn a lot from sunflowers and their unapologetic combination of strength and beauty, always turning their heads to track the path of the life-giving sun.