hello and welcome to sweet flag voice studio’s F.A.Q. page! scroll down for answers about each offering and please send me an email via the contact page if you have a question that’s not included here.
your questions about gender-affirming voice lessons…
how many lessons will i need?
I generally recommend at least 8 lessons so we have plenty of time to build a foundation of gender-affirming voice work and then begin integrating your new voice skills into your daily life. it also depends on how much you’re willing and able to practice between lessons, as that’s where half the magic happens!
having said that, it’s totally up to you! i’m happy to answer any specific questions you may have in a free discovery call or email.
what if i don't have any musical experience?
that is totally ok! you don’t need any past experience in order to start working with your voice. in each lesson i will include some basic vocal warm-ups and anatomy to help you understand your instrument, and I will guide you through each step.
how much do i have to practice?
my hot take? consistent practice is more important than the amount of time you practice for. i usually recommend you spend 10 min 3-5 times per week on your voice practice. if you struggle to make time for practicing, you’re not alone! i have many strategies, apps, and tools to share so it’s easier for you to integrate practice into your daily life.
what if i don't know how i want my voice to sound?
that’s a great place to start. the voice is such a unique and personal part of every person and one amazing aspect of trans voice work is that you get a chance to try sooo many things until you land on what feels and sounds right. to help you find what feels most authentic and affirming, lessons are focused on vocal exploration, play, listening and curosity.
your questions about learning to sing for the first time…
what if i'm really nervous to sing in front of other people?
that is totally ok and a really common experience. singing is a vulnerable thing and it can be nerve-wracking to share that with someone new, especially if you’ve had negative experiences in the past.
some ways i can help folks feel more comfortable include: singing along with students until they’re ready to sing alone, turning off cameras at first to help with nerves, talking about body sensations and thought patterns, and offering lots of validation and encouragement.
what if i don't think i can sing on pitch?
i’ve helped a lot of people with building up their pitch matching skills. some people are able to learn to match pitch with minimal practice while for others it can take longer, but i’ve never had a student who wasn’t able to make progress.
what if i've never practiced before?
you’re not alone! practicing can feel really overwhelming and mysterious but I make sure to offer lots of support, resources and tips to help ensure your practice feels accessible and possibly even… fun? often the easiest thing to do is “habit stack” where you add practicing on to something you already do regularly.
your questions about advanced singing lessons…
what can you help me with?
i can help with all sorts of things, including but not limited to: navigating your break, finding more power in your higher or lower range, offering support for vocal fatigue or vocal health challenges, preparing for a recording/audition/performance, and diving deeper into vocal technique and voice exploration.
how many lessons will i need?
that depends on what your specific goals are. some people just want one lesson to learn a bunch of exercises and techniques that they then can explore on their own, some want a few lessons to troubleshoot a specific issue, and others want regular lessons to address long term goals and build a regular voice practice with accountability.
what are your credentials?
i hold a bachelor’s degree in vocal jazz performance from Capilano University and have completed the Estill method level 1 & 2 course. i’ve been performing and teaching for over ten years and have recorded albums with my own bands, as well as been a guest vocalist on other people’s projects.