Vocal advice

Why Some Singers Go Flat on Sustained Notes

2026-05-14T11:31:25+01:00

Sustaining a note may seem simple, but it is one of the most revealing moments in singing. Many singers can begin a note accurately, only to feel the pitch gradually sink as the note continues. This is often described as “going flat”, and it can happen to singers at every level. Understanding why some singers go flat on sustained notes is usually less about musical ability and more about technique. In most cases, the issue is connected to breath support, vowel shape, tension, fatigue, or unclear pitch focus. A sustained note needs more than simply being held. It must remain supported, [...]

Why Some Singers Go Flat on Sustained Notes2026-05-14T11:31:25+01:00

How to Approach Singing Lessons as an Adult

2026-03-31T11:39:13+01:00

Starting anything later in life is always a challenge, singing is no different. A lot of adults, and even people in their late teens are timid about approaching learning this new skill. It can be intimidating, but it's all about starting small. Like learning a new language, one starts with learning vocabulary and slowly adds on until there are full sentences and conversations. Starting Singing as an Adult When I work with adult students who have not yet had voice lessons I reassure them that while it seems like a goal that is hard to reach, with the correct steps it [...]

How to Approach Singing Lessons as an Adult2026-03-31T11:39:13+01:00

Vocal Onsets and Releases for Tone, Intonation and Vocal Health

2026-02-12T10:25:24+00:00

Take a deep breath, let yourself yawn, and sigh. Now take another breath and simply exhale. One more inhale and on your exhale say “mmm”. When you make this “mm” sound, this sensation is called phonation. Phonating is the production of speech sounds. We will be talking a lot about this today. Pay attention to how it feels when you phonate. Do you feel pressure on your vocal cords ? Does it feel comfortable? Now say a couple words out loud. Say “Mother” and then say the word “Hand”, how about the word “Attention”. When you say these words, what does [...]

Vocal Onsets and Releases for Tone, Intonation and Vocal Health2026-02-12T10:25:24+00:00

Understanding Chest, Head and Mix Voice

2026-02-12T10:23:37+00:00

Understanding how to sing can feel like putting together a puzzle without the cover photo; you know you have the pieces, but you’re just not quite sure how they’re supposed to fit together. So let’s dig into this jigsaw. The voice is made up of two different registers. The chest voice, the head voice, and what I call the middle voice- which is a mixture of the two that lies in the middle. In order to find these registers in your own voice/body, all you have to do is pay attention to how and where you feel your body vibrate or [...]

Understanding Chest, Head and Mix Voice2026-02-12T10:23:37+00:00

Breath Management for Singers Appoggio Support and Air Control

2026-02-12T10:18:03+00:00

Mastering one’s breath is the key to maintaining vocal health and the most important piece of successful singing. Not just a simple mechanism snuck away in the subconscious labyrinth of our brain, when brought to the main focus, breathing holds the answer to any of your “why can’t I sing that” or “why doesn’t this work” questions. The “appoggio”, coming from the verb “appogiarsi” which means “to lean against” in Italian, is how we refer to the “support” of our voice in the music world. Support does not just come from our breathing and our lungs, but our entire body. It [...]

Breath Management for Singers Appoggio Support and Air Control2026-02-12T10:18:03+00:00

Harmony in Body and Voice – The Alexander Technique Has Huge Benefits for Singers

2026-01-21T15:35:16+00:00

Singing involves so much more than just your vocal cords. Think about when you stand up on stage to perform. Your whole body is involved – every aspect of your posture, your breathing, even your state of mind, can affect your voice. The Alexander Technique is widely used to treat issues such as bad posture or back conditions arising from working at a desk for long hours, but this innovative technique also offers some amazing benefits for singers. What Is the Alexander Technique? Named after its creator, Frederick Mattias Alexander, this technique focuses on increasing awareness of our bodies and the [...]

Harmony in Body and Voice – The Alexander Technique Has Huge Benefits for Singers2026-01-21T15:35:16+00:00

The Most Common Singing Mistakes (and How the London Singing Institute Fixes Them)

2025-04-28T13:15:08+01:00

Learning to sing as an adult is an exciting and fulfilling journey, but even the most motivated learners can encounter obstacles along the way. At the London Singing Institute, we specialise in helping adult singers identify and overcome the most common singing mistakes, leading to faster progress, greater confidence, and a more enjoyable singing experience. If you are committed to reaching your full vocal potential, understanding the most common singing mistakes — and how to correct them — is essential. Here’s what you need to watch out for, and how we guide you towards lasting success. 1. Singing Without Proper Breath [...]

The Most Common Singing Mistakes (and How the London Singing Institute Fixes Them)2025-04-28T13:15:08+01:00

How to Sing Like Ella Fitzgerald: London’s Guide to Jazz for Adults

2025-04-02T13:22:30+01:00

Jazz isn’t just music—it’s attitude, timing, and groove. No one embodied that quite like Ella Fitzgerald. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to sing like Ella Fitzgerald, this is your moment. Let’s dive into the swing, scat, and soul that made her voice unforgettable. Photo credit: "Ella Fitzgerald in September 1947" by William P. Gottlieb. Licensed under Public Domain. Who Was Ella Fitzgerald? Known as the First Lady of Song, Queen of Jazz, and simply Lady Ella, Ella Fitzgerald wasn’t just a vocalist—she was a revolution in sound. Her story began in humble circumstances. Born in Virginia in 1917 and [...]

How to Sing Like Ella Fitzgerald: London’s Guide to Jazz for Adults2025-04-02T13:22:30+01:00

Expand Your Repertoire by Extending Your Vocal Range

2025-01-10T09:00:53+00:00

Would you love to be able to hit those high notes? Do you have some favourite songs you really want to be able to sing but you avoid them because some of the notes fall outside of your own vocal range? While our vocal range is to some extent predetermined, for example, if you have a naturally low voice it’s unlikely you’ll be replicating the talents of Kate Bush any time soon, it’s certainly possible to extend your vocal range somewhat, opening up opportunities to potentially expand your repertoire. Proceed with Caution – Don’t Overdo It We will discuss some ways [...]

Expand Your Repertoire by Extending Your Vocal Range2025-01-10T09:00:53+00:00

Fighting the Fear – How to Conquer Pre-Performance Nerves

2024-10-31T11:19:56+00:00

Do you get nervous before you sing in front of a crowd? Well, you’re in good company. Many of the world’s top stars, with years of experience performing for stadiums packed with adoring fans, have admitted to suffering from performance anxiety. Being World-famous Doesn’t Stop the Nerves! Elvis Presley suffered from stage fright throughout his career, with his iconic hip-swing dance moves initially being the result of shaking legs due to his high level of anxiety! Ozzy Osbourne, Freddie Mercury, Adele, Rihanna, Cher, Andrea Bocelli, and Rod Stewart have all spoken out about feeling that stomach-churning sensation of pre-performance nerves. So you [...]

Fighting the Fear – How to Conquer Pre-Performance Nerves2024-10-31T11:19:56+00:00
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