Voice Lessons, Virginia Beach, Fox Music

Who is the voice teacher and what is his training?

What style of music do you teach in your voice lessons?

Voice Lessons are beneficial for any style of singing. I train classical singers for opera, oratorio, art song and choral work, as well as singers of broadway, pop, rock, country, gospel, contemporary christian, traditional church music, R&B, jazz, and just about any style of music in which beautiful singing is important. Successful students realize the benefit of traditional voice training in order to help them perfect the style of their choice. In our voice lessons we focus on exercises and music that leads to the development of an effortless, beautiful, and powerful tone that is flexible and controlled, from the lowest note to the highest note within a very wide singing range. Students should understand that some styles lend themselves to this goal more than other styles. It is the long-term results of vocal study that can be applied to any style of music.

How can you teach vocal development?

The voice is produced by a set of muscles that needs to be developed, coordinated, and refined. We develop a voice just as an athlete develops his physical skill. In order to develop muscles, those muscles must be exercised regularly and vigorously enough gain strength, but not so much as to abuse the voice. The amount of exercise to do, and the way to exercise differs with each singer. During the voice lessons we work together to create an exercise routine for your voice. The exercise routine changes weekly as your ability gradually increases. As students progress, we apply the developing skills to music.

What is the best way to practice?

All students should bring either a portable digital recorder or a small cassette recorder to each lesson. If you don't already own one, they cost less than $50 and are well worth the investment. I recommend that students record their voice lessons each week, and use the recording as a practice guide. When students sing along with their recording each day, they have my guidance throughout the week. It's almost like having a voice lesson every day. In this way students are able to optimize their vocal workout for maximum results. The recorder is also a helpful tool for learning music. I'll record the music you're learning for you so that you can learn it at home.

How much do I need to practice when I take voice lessons?

For a beginner 20 to 30 minutes each day is great. As you progress, you may want to spend more time. Muscles do not grow without exercise. Musical ability doesn't grow without practice. You really do need to practice every day.

What is the difference between a voice teacher and a vocal coach?

A voice teacher works with a student over a significant period of time to develop vocal range, power, flexibility, a free and effortless vocal production, and a beautiful singing tone. A voice teacher can also work with students to overcome singing off key, straining the voice, and many other vocal faults.

A vocal coach is a pianist who accompanies a singer and makes suggestions about the interpretation of a song in order to enhance a performance. A vocal coach often helps a singer before an important singing event. Vocal coaching rarely changes the core sound of a voice, but it can immediately help make a stronger performance, and if continued regularly over a period of time, it can help a student develop musicianship and confidence.

The most significant results come from working with a voice teacher in order to develop a voice to its potential, and then working with a vocal coach for particular songs. Saul Fox has worked extensively as a voice teacher and as a vocal coach. He incorporates both voice teaching and coaching into a complete program of voice training.

All of this sounds difficult to me. I just want to have a good time. Is that possible?

I teach singers of all abilities. Some people are driven for success, and I am here to help them go as far as they can. Other people just want to have fun and see what happens. I'm happy to help you either way. Improving your singing increases your enjoyment of life no matter what your goal is.

Do you teach beginners?

I love to teach beginners because they come to me without preconceived ideas about how to sing. Very often a beginner can make faster progress than an experienced singer, because the experienced singer must break old habits before he can improve.

Do you teach children?

Yes. I will teach older children (usually age 10 and up). But it is important to understand that children rarely have the discipline required for serious vocal training. In teaching children, I teach them songs and help them to begin learning about various aspects of musicianship. I introduce them to exercises that develop a good vocal technique, but, it is a very rare child, who will actually do the exercises enough to make significant improvement.

I think I'm tone deaf. Can you help me?

Through the years many people have come to me believing they were tone deaf (unable to hear the difference in pitches). Out of hundreds of students, I have worked with only 2 or 3 who were really tone deaf. Usually pitch problems are the result of a muscular imbalance or a need to learn to listen in the right way. Most people can develop the ability to sing in tune, but it takes hard work and patience.

I don't know if I'm good enough to take voice lessons. Do you think It's worth it?

Every voice can improve with proper training. You won't know how good you can get unless you try it. Many students have started voice lessons very dissatisfied with their singing abilities and discovered wonderful voices hiding inside.

How long will it take to train my voice?

This question is like a weight lifter asking how long will it take to build his body. Much depends on how hard you work at it. A lot depends on your ability when you start, and more importantly, where you want to go. Not everyone wants to win a body building championship, and not everyone wants to sing at the Met. Many people find impressive results within 6 months. Vocal study can last a lifetime. Generally speaking, vocal development is a long-term process. If you are hoping for big results in a few weeks, try something else.

Why should I study with you when there are people who are cheaper, and some of them will even come to my home to teach?

My education and experience speak for themselves. When you compare my credentials to the people who come to your home, the difference is clear. But practically speaking, the only way to evaluate a voice teacher is by the results of his teaching. Unfortunately, you can't know this ahead of time, and you could waste many months finding out for yourself. After six months of study, results should be obvious. If there isn't significant, objective, and measurable growth in terms of range, power, and control, I would consider the voice lessons ineffective. There can be only two reasons for this: 1) the student isn't doing what he was instructed to do, or 2) the teacher doesn't know how to guide the student properly.

All of us have busy lives these days, and convenience is certainly important. But, if you want real vocal growth, not just playing around, study with the best voice teacher you can find. Give yourself every opportunity for success.

Can I try it and see if I like it?

Most people start with a � hour voice lesson for $30. This is an opportunity for you to meet me and see how I teach. During this lesson I will evaluate your voice and discuss how we should proceed with developing your potential. You are under no obligation beyond that one lesson. If you would like to continue voice lessons with me, we can set up a weekly schedule. Students pay monthly and may discontinue their lessons at any time.

How much do voice lessons cost?

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