Tuition is given in the essential skills needed to become a convincing singer and instruction is given in all facets of vocal production including how to care for the voice, together with training and instruction in breathing technique (the voice comes from the body and can only achieve optimum use with the full and correct use of the breath); posture; position of the head (to allow the throat to emit the voice with ease); position of the mouth (to allow the freedom of sound); voice support; placing the voice, messa di voce (control and tuning to enrich the swelling and diminishing of the full sound); resonance; vibrancy; start-of-the-note and
vowel centering; vocal
agility and range; vocal tone; intonation; a good legato without exploding or forcing the sound, but with a steady, smooth flow of tone; trill and leaps; scales and arpeggios; diction; articulation; aural training; music interpretation; and for those who wish, music theory tuition, which enables singers to learn to read and write music. Examinations are available in both practical and theoretical subjects for those who require them. For singers, these consist of eight graded exams
(Grades 1 - 8) followed by diploma. All these examinations
can be taken under Michael's experienced tutelage. Exams are not compulsory: learning for pleasure is always encouraged and supported. Enjoyment of the lessons and learning to sing are the most important aspects of singing tuition.
In teaching singing, all styles are acknowledged, and training is a mixture of singing songs and practising vocal exercises to train the various aspects of technique together with the elements to be found in songs in order to produce a rounded singer and musician with a focused tone and good ‘muscle memory' with general relaxation and without any unwanted tension. Warm-up and breath exercises are used to develop a singer's technique, enabling a stress-free vocal mechanism with sufficient range and well-managed register changes, as well as the ability to sing with an even tone and intensity with a good natural vibrato which should always be present with meticulously formed vowels to encourage proper resonance together with accurate and precise tuning along with constant attention to the meaning of the text. Songs are chosen appropriate to a singer's age, vocal range, abilities and musical interests to enhance their vocal and expressive range. Also, encouragement of versatility and understanding of style, coupled with an ability to deal with songs of different character, mood, tempo and era. Singers are trained to develop a good listening ear for music, enabling them to hear and reproduce rhythms, phrases, melody and harmony lines, interval pitching etc., and to focus on the quality of sound with subtle variations of vocal colour and volume. The more each element is practised, the more beautiful and full the tone. The voice will be gradually strengthened, but always maintaining an ease of sound production with expressive presence and imagination.
Should you require further information or wish to book an introductory lesson with no obligation, you can contact Dr Michael Spacie by phoning 01709 368134 or 07527 903235 or 07783 321327. Also, weekly or fortnightly lessons can be arranged to suit the student. Tuition is flexible.
I have been taking singing lessons from Michael since the end of May 2011. I enjoy and am interested in performing arts and would like to pursue them for a future career. I wanted to improve my voice and gain some musical qualifications before starting Further Education. From the first lesson I knew Michael was the right teacher for me, and that he would help improve my voice and give me the opportunity to gain the qualifications I need.
Michael is an extremely talented, relaxed, caring and hard working teacher. In his lessons he pushes and helps me reach my fullest potential, but still manages to keep his lesson calm and enjoyable. When working towards exams he makes me try a range of different musical pieces, he also tells me which ones sound the best and encourages me to sing something different that I may not be used to. He will also cover more than the required amount of songs for that grade, to offer me a wider choice and to make sure I am properly qualified for that grade level instead of only being able to sing selected songs, which I believe to be important.
After a short amount of time having lessons with Michael I noticed strong improvements in my voice and musical theory knowledge. I would recommend Michael to anyone looking for a private singing teacher, as he is excellent.
I have achieved Grade 3 Practical Solo Singing exam.
Hannah West
(Student)
I started my lessons with Michael in October 2011. I am studying Acting and have always had an interest in Musical Theatre and singing. During my first lesson I felt the interest I have for singing came back. The practices, exercises and scales Michael uses are enjoyable and challenging at the same time and the choice of songs that you practise may not always be songs that you have heard of, but they are songs that definitely get the best out of your voice. This is something Michael concentrates on.
I am enjoying the lessons immensely and would encourage anyone who is willing to work hard and better their voice and singing to work with Michael.
Callum West (Student)
I originally had piano tuition with Mike some years ago. I went on to study for a BPA(Hons) degree at The Northern School of Contemporary Dance and thus, sadly unable to keep attending my lessons. As a performer, I decided to pluck up the courage and arrange singing lessons. I did not hesitate to get back in touch with Mike as I knew instantly that he would teach me correctly; having fantastic patience and making you feel very relaxed and welcome. I had some singing lessons throughout my performance training but I can honestly say Mike taught me more in just one lesson than all the lessons combined that I have had before. Mike is always professional and his talent and passion for music always show.
Roxanne Bottrill (Performing Artist)
I have always wanted to have singing lessons but I have never had the courage to approach a tutor until I contacted Michael.
I am pleasantly surprised by the comments I have received from Michael, as I didn't think I would be good enough to even consider any exam, but with Michael's relaxed approach to teaching, encouragement and support, this has been achievable.
I chose Michael after reading his website and found it very informative and professional. I also read some of his students' comments and noticed how positive, encouraged and how confident they had become over the course of their time with Michael.
Many thanks
Kerry Harrop (Early Years Practitioner)
Having sung in several different choirs over many years I felt perhaps I was too old to have singing lessons. I have been told in the past that I have a pleasant singing voice but only once since becoming an adult have I been brave enough to sing a solo, and that was because I was asked to sing a part whilst another person was away. This, however, turned out to be a sort of ‘audition’ without me realising it, otherwise my nerves would have got the better of me! Lacking in confidence in my ability as a singer has prevented me from putting myself forward for anything other than choral singing.
I have often considered singing lessons but never actually done anything about it. As a lady of quite mature years and also a full time Carer for my daughter I believed I had left it too late. However, earlier this year I plucked up the courage to look on the internet for a singing teacher within a reasonable distance of my home and found the website for Michael Spacie. I ‘phoned and left a very nervous message, but still wasn’t sure, but Michael called me back and immediately put me at ease. We agreed on an introductory lesson and Michael gave a very constructive feedback, building my confidence even after that one meeting. I continued with tuition and have since gained a great deal of knowledge about breathing technique, vocal exercises, finding my own voice range and of course the enjoyment that comes from singing. I am now able to consolidate all the above and look forward with pleasure to each singing lesson.
Because of the supportive way Michael teaches and his ability to put students at their ease, my previous fears were unfounded, and
I have achieved Grade 3 Practical Solo Singing exam.
I have proved to myself that if you truly want to achieve something then it is never too late. I just wish I had done it years ago!
Mandy Richardson (Retired Civil Servant)
I was teaching myself piano at home to accompany my singing when my dad suggested taking piano lessons.
I started my lessons in March 2011. I was very nervous but Michael put me at ease and is a patient teacher.
After a few weeks I decided to start singing lessons as well. I have always enjoyed singing but I have never been very confident. Michael is very encouraging: he believes in my singing ability and has given me more confidence. I have been successful with my Grade 3 practical exam in Singing.
Zoe Leaver (Student)
Further bona fide student testimonials with accompanying images of students ‘in situ’ in the teaching room to authenticate the same can be found at the foot of the Piano, Standards and Teaching pages of this website.
