Coaching.
I've always believed that the best performers are the ones who have the freedom to be themselves. Good technique is an important part of that, but so are musicianship, interpretation, confidence and a willingness to take a few risks.
I offer one-to-one singing lessons and vocal coaching, both online and in person, helping singers of all abilities develop their technique, confidence and individual sound.
My coaching draws on my work as a singer, actor and multi-instrumentalist, and the many years I've spent performing, recording and making music with other people. I work with everyone from complete beginners to established professionals, tailoring lessons to the individual rather than following a fixed programme.
That might mean developing vocal range and control, finding the right tone or phrasing for a song, preparing for an audition, tackling performance anxiety, or making sense of music theory. Sometimes it's simply about discovering what you're capable of, and having the confidence to pursue it.
Voice &
Interpretation.
One of my favourite things about singing is that no two people should approach a song in quite the same way. The most interesting performances come from singers who make strong musical choices, trust their own taste and aren't afraid to sound like themselves.
A big part of my coaching is helping singers develop that individuality. We explore tone, phrasing, dynamics and the countless little decisions that can turn a familiar song into something personal. My acting background comes into play here too: understanding what you're saying, why you're saying it and what you want to communicate can completely change the way a lyric is sung.
Of course, technique matters enormously. Range, resonance, breath control and vocal flexibility give us more possibilities to work with. But technique is there to serve the performance, not dictate it. Ultimately, I want singers to have both the tools and the confidence to make a song their own.
Some of the most rewarding work I do with students happens beyond singing itself. As a multi-instrumentalist and actor, I enjoy helping people develop the wider skills that make them more confident, capable and independent performers.
That might mean guitar or bass guitar lessons, making music theory genuinely useful to someone who already plays beautifully by ear, developing rhythm and musicianship, preparing for an audition or finding ways to feel more comfortable on stage. I also work with emerging performers on repertoire, rehearsals, working with other musicians and taking those first steps into professional gigs.
There's no fixed syllabus. We start with what you already do well, work out where you'd like to go, and build the skills to get you there.
Beyond
the Voice.
Lessons.
I offer one-to-one singing, guitar, bass guitar and musicianship lessons from my home studio in Stokenchurch, near High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, as well as online coaching for singers and musicians at all stages of their development.
You don't need to be experienced, and you certainly don't need to have everything figured out. What matters to me is that you're curious, willing to try things and genuinely interested in improving. I've worked with complete beginners, experienced performers and professional musicians looking to explore something new.
I see coaching as a collaboration, and I take the encouragement side of it every bit as seriously as the teaching. Singing and performing can leave you feeling rather exposed, so a little trust goes a long way. I'll be honest with you, I'll challenge you when you need it, and I'll always be in your corner. We're in it together.
From my students.
“Since starting with Chris my whole musical palette and outlook has widened hugely. He has the skill to identify the missing parts of my knowledge and adapts his sessions accordingly.”
Graham