Teaching students aged 7 to 27

How do we teach our students to sing?

At Amaranth Music, we believe that there is no single solution to the question of how to teach a student to sing. Learning to sing with a good teacher certainly should not be a 'One Size Fits All' situation in which every student follows the exact same lesson structure or learning approach.

Because most people use their voice in every day living, even before starting singing lessons, students have already developed their own individual vocal habits - helpful and not-so-helpful. No student starts work from an entirely blank canvas. In addition to this, each and every student has their own personality, their own preferred learning
speed and style, and their own ultimate goals which are unique to them.

At Amaranth Music, we believe in working via lots of OPEN DISCUSSION with each individual student to structure lesson plans that OVER TIME and with good, guided, regular PRACTICE best help them to achieve their individual goals.

At Amaranth Music, we advocate a 4-pronged approach to lessons which allows each student to develop a deep understanding of music, singing and performing, and which focuses on teaching singing's:

• Science (How the voice is structured and the nature of vocal production);
• Technique (How to effectively use the voice and body to sing);
• Artistry (Exploring the expressive potential of each individual's own voice as well as various vocal styles and methods of musical expression);
• Performance (How to sing with confidence on stage and use the body, face and voice to project a message to an audience).

At Amaranth Music, we:

• Deal with each aspect of singing as it is required by the student;
• Encourage an open and supportive dialogue between student and teacher;
• Believe that many different types of students can become expressive singers and musicians and therefore, try to be sensitive to the various learning styles, personalities and needs of our students, so that they feel comfortable and happy in lesson;
• Understand that students may be nervous in lesson (especially at the start!) and aim to be friendly, encouraging and supportive;
• Explain clearly and demonstrate all new ideas, techniques, exercises and songs and sing with students when they are approaching something new for the first time and don't feel confident enough to sing alone;
• Welcome mistakes as a learning opportunity;
• Encourage students to be passionate, excited, moved and thoughtful about music;
• Want the exploration of music to be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience!