Mandala *Yoga *B&B*
Blissful accommodation on the island of Corfu...
Would you like to feel the benefits of singing with ease, finesse and confidence?
You've come to the right place!
Experience fun, relaxed, powerful singing lessons that teach you how to use correct vocal technique to transform your voice– Whether you are a total beginner or a professional.
I am a certified vocal technique instructor with many years experience as a performing singer and published songwriter. Before moving to Corfu I taught thousands of lessons in my 5 years teaching singing in London (UK).
The lessons are held in the serenity and beauty of the Mandala Yoga B&B Corfu or via Skype/Whatsapp video calls
In the first lesson we will take note of your goals and take a look at what your voice is up to
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What is your current range?
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How is your pitching?
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Are there any 'breaks' in your voice?
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How is your breathing while singing?
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What are your present good and bad habits regarding voice use?
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What can we do to make singing easier for you?
All singing lessons are taught one-to-one. We move at whatever pace you need & you will be given a FREE recording of each lesson (or can record on your phone) so you can practice along at home and hear the progress you are making.
How Your Voice Works.....
This is a brief explanation of how your voice works- It's OK if it sounds technical and if some of the terms are unfamiliar- It can be very helpful to have an understanding of what your voice is doing before you start singing lessons or vocal coaching.... read on if you are interested…
The Vocal Folds (aka vocal cords)
When you sing air comes up from your lungs, passes through your trachea (also called the windpipe) and into the larynx (sometimes called the voice box).
Inside the larynx are the vocal cords- theses are 2 small elastic-like structures about an inch long- running from the front to the back of the larynx. When air strikes the opening between your vocal cords it causes a sound wave to be produced.
Singing should feel very relaxed- whether you are singing your lowest notes or your highest notes your voice should feel ‘connected’ and without any ‘breaks’. Each session of vocal coaching will help you train your voice to achieve and maintain this.
Resonance
Once the sound wave has been produced- where does it go? Well, ultimately it will travel out of your mouth and in to the room you are in, or your microphone. But before that the sound will resonate in your own body.
This phenomenon starts in an area called the pharynx. The Pharynx is a tube located above and behind the larynx. This area allows the sound and air to travel from the larynx to cavities in the head where they will resonate
In singing lessons I will guide you through a series of vowels/consonnants and 'unfinished sounds' to get your voice resonating in just the right place this will help you access the highest and lowest notes your voice is capable of, it will also help to give your voice a fuller , louder, warmer sound.
Breathing and the Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped partition of muscle that separates the chest from the abdominal cavity. In order to produce a strong and steady tone the diaphragm needs to be in the correct position.
As with all correct vocal technique breathing wants to feel relaxed- absolutely no forcing or pushing of air is required while you sing. Most people need much less of a focus on breath then they think- but as always I'll be listening closely during lessons to help you optimise the way you use your breath and diaphragm as you sing.
Bad Habits
When the vocal mechanism is allowed to work as it is intended to the result is a clear, strong, voice that gives you the freedom to sing with great range and expression. Unfortunately most of us acquire bad habits. We try to ‘help’ the voice out by manipulating the body- this is at best unhelpful and at worst very damaging to the voice- common bad habits are:
• Pushing the abdominals and forcing air through the vocal cords
• Shouting to hit high notes
• Squeezing the muscles of the face, neck, or shoulders
• Grabbing with muscles exterior to the larynx to help hit high or low notes,
• Letting the tongue pull back and block the pharynx
Most people start singing lessons bringing bad habits along with them, and habits can be hard to break- however with time and correct instruction we can form good vocal habits.
Any potential damage to the voice (through poor technique) will be stopped in its tracks and singing will feel easier and easier.
You'll be amazed at how much of a difference one to one singing lessons can make to how you feel and sound while singing. See the testimonials page to hear what my students have to say about taking lessons with me.
Training and Credentials:
I am a certified vocal teacher with IVA (Institute for Vocal Advancement). I'm very proud to be training under some of the worlds best and most experienced vocal instructors and undergoing rigorous study and assessments every year.
The IVA technique allows students a robust voice able to cope with the many rigours of a professional career while maintaining dynamic, expression and flexibility. It also is fantastic at helping voices to function at a speech level, allowing the core muscles for vocal use to be flexible and strong and enabling the larynx to stay within the ideal range of placements for ultimate vocal health and ability.
I completed my initial teacher training with the legendary Dena Murray- Former head of the vocal department at the Musicians Institute- Hollywood. The course was certified by VIDLA and I passed with a high distinction- which is the highest mark it's possible to obtain on the course.
I have certification in NLP which has given me tools to use to help with some of the psychological aspects of voice work and performance. (eg dealing with stage fright, and performing with expression)
I have certification in coaching which has given me great tools to help people overcome blocks and obstacles to vocal developments and teh many challenges of a career in music.
I also have certification in the Buteyko Breathing Technique(recomended by the British voice association). A visionary method on improving the effeciancy of breathing for singing, managing the nervous system and improving general health.
I also passed Grade 8- Popular Music Vocals LCM syllabus with distinction (the highest possible mark on the highest possible grade). And am now working towards my Grade 8 Music Theory... watch this space!
Comments from Several students.....
"Can’t express how lucky I feel to have found Sacha, she has helped develop my voice in leaps and bounds in such a short period of time! Our lessons are always fun and well planned, and she really takes the time to hone in on what you as an individual need to develop your voice. I’ve tried many things in the past that have personally not worked for me, and in such a short time with Sacha I’m seeing results I thought not possible! I honestly couldn't recommend Sacha enough to singers of any level! "
- J Spencer, Croydon
"After my 1st vocal lesson with Sacha I was feeling positive about my voice again. I have a lot of fun learning some great techniques and achieving notes I didn't think I was capable of.... Brilliant teacher-Big Thanks."
-Kelly- Hampton
Sacha has a fantastic knowledge and understanding, which meant she could adapt the lessons and exercises to get the best results. I quickly saw an improvement in the quality of my voice and her friendly and professional demeanor made the sessions comfortable and enjoyable.
-Rich- Leeds (lessons held via Skype)
"I am really grateful to have you as a teacher because you really put a lot of effort and passion in what are you doing and this is priceless.
Your lessons are not only helping me with my voice but most importantly are giving me the opportunity to improve my self-confidence and have fun.
Thank you for everything, see you soon"
-Diego, South West London
"Sacha's lessons are informative about the subtle anatomical workings of the voice.
She has helped me explore and extend my range through use of different vocal qualities and gives very encouraging and helpful feedback."
- Hannah-Rose Tristram, Kingston Upon Thames