OUR METHOD
Yvette developed her own unique soon-to-be-patented singing method which is fundamentally a blend of classical and modern singing techniques. The classical concepts of using scales for exercises and more importantly, singing from the diaphragm, and rounding the vowels, are used of course, as these are forever the cornerstones of singing - even in whatever genre you sing! This method is combined with the modern approach that is more popularly known as 'speech level conversational singing", especially if you are singing pop or jazz. If you are learning classical style, she teaches slightly differently, and the roundness of the vowels, purity of sound, more head voices utilised, are emphasized. HOWEVER THERE IS an important difference in her method that has a lot to do with breathing techniques and the way the mouth/throat is shaped for the specific genre. These have helped her a lot in her own performing - which is a big factor in her versatility as a singer. You will find out as you take the lessons how it makes a difference to the way you sing. In her lessons, a lot of students realise they have not been breathing correctly all along, and are very thankful to finally learn exactly how. Lastly, what is the point to singing if you don't know how to express the song? She gives the utmost importance to expression in performance. Being a singer who can deliver expression tastefully is the most important lynchpin as to whether you connect to your audience or not. Technique just facilitates expression. The real art she encourages is in expressing yourself with a good sound.
MANY CLASSICAL SINGING TEACHERS SPREAD THE MISCONCEPTION THAT SINGING POP IS BAD FOR THE VOICE.
This is a favourite misleading refrain among classical voice teachers that is also a very gross untruth that they like to perpetuate because they don't know what they are talking about. THERE IS A WAY TO SING POP WITHOUT SOUNDING CLASSICAL AND WITHOUT SHOUTING AND HURTING YOUR VOICE!!!! Classical songs are beautiful and there is a specific way to sing them, just as much as THERE IS A DIFFERENT WAY WHEN YOU HAVE TO SING POP OR JAZZ!!! Just as playing classical piano is different from playing jazz or pop piano, there is a difference between classical singing and jazz/pop singing!
EXPRESSION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF SINGING!!
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What is the point of having wonderful technique if you are wooden and dead as a log, and leave people listening to you cold??!!! In proper singing lessons, your teacher should teach you how integrate natural feeling and emotion with techniques. Real proper singing lessons should provide the student with exercises and techniques and information to express themselves beautifully in song. Real proper singing lessons should be able to identify tension in singing, aid the singer in finding out their obstacles, help them relax in their ability to express. Technique should just be a means to an end that is forever evolving and open, and your singing should grow, change and develop more positively as you gain experience and confidence.
WHY KNOWLEDGE OF MUSIC THEORY IS IMPORTANT
Recognising where your vocal range ends and starts, and in what key you sound best that is also the most comfortable for you, are very important tools in becoming a singer. These two skills are acquired easily if you have some knowledge music theory or play a musical instrument. Learning to read music and sight-sing not only gives you speed and convenience in learning songs, it also helps you gain a deeper understanding of the music you are doing, helps you to performing the song bettter and ensures that you can discuss any musical issues with fellow members of the ensemble.
SINGING WRONGLY IS HARMFUL TO YOUR THROAT IN THE LONG RUN
Correct singing techniques will ensure your throat and vocal health. The correct singing techniques should make you feel relaxed with no strain in your throat and neck when you are singing. If you are consistently straining and squeezing your throat to hit notes, you can develop the dreaded "vocal nodules" - which are a mass of tissues that swell and can develop in the vocal chords when they are subjected repeatedly to abusive and strenuous activities like shouting and squeezing and yelling. After this, vocal hemorrahage may ensue.
SINGING EXAMS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED
If you might want your singing lessons to be accredited or certified, your teacher should give the option of taking the Trinity Guildhall, ABRSM, LCM, or Rock School Singing Exams. You may also, of course, take lessons for leisure or other professional objectives. Here in Real Proper Singing Lessons, we can send you for Trinity Guildhall, ABRSM and LCM certification.