Each lesson session with Sandra usually lasts one hour, but can be longer depending on the individual need of the student. Sandra uses a combination of classical singing exercises and the contemporary Advanced Voicecraft Technique which is more relevant for pop, rock and jazz styles.

The sessions are fun and informative, but most of all they offer a whole body, mind and spirit experience!

Her aim at all times is for you to release your voice in a comfortable, enjoyable way – and she will try almost anything to get that to happen!

How to sing – and breathe!
The sessions cover an explanation of the breathing and vocal mechanisms so that you fully understand your instrument! You will be given specific exercises to strengthen and enable the muscles of the throat to stay open and free so that you can build your confidence on a bedrock of sound knowledge and good technique.

These two building blocks of breathing and opening the throat, start a process of experiencing the integration of the sound deep into the body. It is this integration that produces quality, resonance and conviction in your singing. From this place you start to experience your sound and your singing in a whole new way. And it feels like a lot less effort! Your range starts to open up, you sing with a rich and vibrant tone, and you realise that your voice can be incredibly expressive because you will have discovered different dynamics, characters and colours of the voice to use. When the placing of the voice resonates within, you really feel your heart lifting to the heavens with a gratitude we don't often remember to feel!

How to overcome a blocked voice
There are, of course, very good reasons why the voice doesn't open like this all the time. If we have old emotional issues or blocks in our confidence, or a real fear of expressing ourselves, this can inhibit even professional singers from really letting go.

It takes courage, presence and openness to the process, to sing. Understanding this process, both as a singer and teacher, means that Sandra Smith has compassion and empathy for the journey and can offer support and encouragement at those transitional moments.

Some students have individual sessions purely for their personal development, to explore those blocks in speaking up and expressing themselves, and Sandra is happy to work in this way too.

Express yourself confidently through song
Through studying the fundamental techniques we will progress into the interpretation of songs: how to bring the song to life at any moment, and finding what you want to say through it.
Presentation and expression are key, and your confidence can really build when you see how effective you are in your new skills.