Frequently asked questions
What style of music do you teach?
We don’t teach a specific style – we believe that each person has their own unique style and personality as a singer. We teach the IVA Technique which will give you the tools to develop your voice in a way that is comfortable and natural to you. We understand that every singer is unique, so we won’t teach you to be a clone of ourselves, we’ll help and encourage you to find your own voice.
What is my teacher qualified in?
Anna Leigh is qualified in the IVA technique and has been training since 2010 with IVA and additionally, has a degree in Drama performing arts from the University of Sunderland.
How are you different to other vocal coaches I may have had?
The IVA Technique is constantly evolving to include the latest useful methods in teaching and instructing, so we’re expected to take regular lessons with instructors at a higher level than ourselves and study with the IVA Master Teachers to make sure we are up to date with these latest developments.
What will happen at my first lesson?
In your first lesson we will get to know you and find out what you have done in the past with singing (don’t worry if that is nothing as yet) what you are doing at present and what you would like to get out of singing lessons. Its important that we know your goals and how you feel about your voice.
How do I book a lesson?
You can contact Anna Leigh either via the studio phone number by calling 07783 418280, or via email direct from the website (we suggest this as we know it wont go to the junk mail). We can then find out when you would like lessons and discuss availability. We always ask for students to contact first before completing a payment via the website.
Do you teach beginners?
Yes we sure do! Everyone has to start somewhere. We get many enquires where people can be nervous to contact us or don’t always know what to say but remember we are here to help you thats what a teacher is there for. The studio is a very safe and comfortable environment.
Do you teach children?
Yes we do, we usually teach from 5 years of age, lessons are 30 min in length for a child that is younger than 10 years old.
How often should I have lessons and practise?
Normally we would suggest a lesson a week, but we are aware that this may not be possible or affordable for everyone. We would, however, suggest at least one lesson per fortnight to progress at a reasonable pace. When it comes to practising, little and often is the key. 10- 15 minutes a day is a good guideline – and if you can manage another couple of times for 5 minutes each throughout the day then that’s even better. Frequency is much better than duration; you’ll make much more progress if you do 15 minutes of focused practise as opposed to 60 minutes of distracted practise! Your lesson recording will help you practise as you’ll be able to dial into the feeling you had during the lesson, and know that you are practising just as you vocalised before.
Is singing a natural gift or can anyone sing?
This is a hard question to answer. To an extent everyone can learn how to sing and to be a better singer, but it all depends on your background, your musical history and abilities. Some people are naturally better than others, but other people have to work at it. We do believe everyone can learn how to sing, and we do try and equip you with the tools to be better singer.
How long will it take for me to be a good singer?
Many people can expect an immediate improvement in their voice with the IVA Technique. But, the voice is part of the human body and as such we cannot offer any guarantees or time scales on how long it will take. It really does depend on your voice – whether you have any bad habits, are a regular performer, your health; vocal health, the list is endless. It is totally individual to each person
When and where do you teach?
Our studio is based within the Linskill Centre in North Shields.
How do I pay for a lesson?