FAQ

Q: How do I book a lesson with you for myself, or a loved one?

A: Email Corinne directly via contact@corinnecowling.com. Corinne will then offer you a password for the student portal and you will be able to book and pay for your lessons or gift certificates through the student portal.

Q: Do you teach young children under the age of 10?

A: Yes, although parental support will be incredibly important for this age group (eg. sitting in on lessons and helping with homework exercises.)

Q: I’m experiencing changes or difficulties with my voice, can you help me with this?

A: As a qualified Vocal Health First Aider, and through my research at The Voice Study Centre (PGCert in Vocal Pedagogy), I have the experience and the tools to help guide you on a path towards healthy singing. Occasionally, a recommendation to see a medical professional (eg. an Ear Nose and Throat Doctor or Speech Therapist) will be the way forward alongside our work together.

Q: I enjoy singing musical styles that are not classical or musical theatre, can I sing other styles in our lessons?

A: Of course! I welcome all musical styles and genres into my studio. However, as my background is predominantly classical and musical theatre, I may not be familiar with your favourite pop or rock bands but I am always willing to learn!

Q: Can everyone learn how to sing?

A: Yes, I believe everyone can learn how to sing. Our instruments are made up of a web of muscle and cartilage, which, with the proper guidance, can learn what to do in the same way you learn how to dance - muscle memory!

Q: How often should I have singing lessons?

A: To see the best progress: 1 hour per week. If you are financially unable to do this, or time is limited: 1 hour per fortnight. I usually do not recommend 1 hour per month, as there is too much time between lessons for bad habits to creep in without supervision, however, in some circumstances, I can make exceptions and we can work together to help you stay on track. I always prefer to create a schedule that you are happy with and that works for you and your lifestyle/goals.

Q: How long will it take until I can hear the results of our work together?

A: This depends on the individual and their given circumstances. My students usually have their questions answered in the first few lessons, and as the lessons go on, we start to see consistent, long term results within a month or two. If the student doesn’t practice, or has complex technical hurdles to overcome, the timeline may look like 6 months to a year. It truly depends on many factors: eg. what the student hopes to achieve, the timeline they have to reach their goals, technical challenges, mindset, quality and consistency of practice, regularity of lessons, life events and availability… The list goes on. The good news is that I am here for you regardless of your given circumstances, my priority is to help you achieve your goals and help you feel good about your singing along the journey!

Q: I’m a total beginner, can I take lessons with you?

A: Absolutely! In fact, no one is really a beginner at singing. If you have a healthy larynx and vocal tract, chances are you have been making sounds your whole life without realising it is singing. When you cry, laugh, sigh, call, hoot, wail when you accidentally hit your toe… your body doesn’t think first, you just make these sounds organically. These sounds are essentially singing, we just learn how to sustain these sounds healthily through exercises in the studio.

Q: I/or my child, wants to take ABRSM exams, will you support me/them through the process?

A: Yes indeed, I am happy to help you or your child through the ABRSM grade exams should you wish you pursue this route.

Q: How much do I need to practice?

A: Depending on your level and goals, I do recommend approximately 20minutes per day (at least) of the exercises that we have done in class together. Keep it achievable according to your daily schedule. Sometimes it can be useful to combine it with your exercise for the day (if the exercise isn’t too strenuous), for example after a walk or light jog.

Q: I don’t have a piano, can I still practice at home?

A: Yes you can! There are many virtual keyboard apps you can download for tablets, phones and laptops should you need it.

Q: I struggle with singing the right pitches, am I able to improve on this?

A: Yes you can - again - muscle memory. Through repetition of exercises and awareness of basic music theory you can train your ear. A good place to start would be ear training apps, or joining an amatuer local choir.

Q: If I take singing lessons, will it make me sound like an opera singer?

A: Whilst I think exploring all sounds that you are capable of making is important in developing a balanced instrument, it does not mean that learning healthy vocal technique is going to result in you sounding like an opera singer if this is not the repertoire that you would like to sing.

Q: I/my child wants to be a professional singer, will you be able to help me/us with this process?

A: Yes of course, how exciting!! I’ll be there with you every step of the way as your vocal guide, always striving to help provide the most up to date and accurate information.