Singing Lessons with Professional Vocal Coach | Improve Pitch, Control, Confidence and Technique

Find out more about Timothy

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  I started playing guitar at 14. I was self-taught, driven by a desire to write my own songs rather than attending a formal music school. Music quickly became central to my life; I led school musical events, began performing publicly, and eventually transitioned naturally into professional teaching. Today, voice is just as vital to my practice as the guitar. I love the relationship between the two: the guitar provides an external, structural understanding of music, while singing allows you to experience it from the inside out.

• Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  I am drawn to musicians with groove and personality. Allen Stone is a major influence due to his soulful, effortless, and technically proficient vocals. I also frequently listen to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Jason Mraz, and artists at the intersection of pop, funk, soul, and rock. I appreciate any music with a great groove and an authentic, human feel.

• Explain to us the most difficult or 'riveting' lesson you could personally give to one of your students.

  The most rewarding challenge is helping a student overcome the false belief that they are "tone-deaf" or incapable of hitting high notes. Often, the barrier is mechanical or psychological—related to vowel shape, pitch perception, or fear. Identifying and fixing that specific block to instantly unlock a note is my favorite part of teaching. True confidence comes when a student proves to themselves they can do something they once thought impossible.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  The human voice is the most complex because it is invisible. Unlike the guitar, where I can visually guide a student's fingers on a fretboard, vocal instruction requires adjusting internal movements the student cannot see and may have never felt. It requires a mix of science, active listening, and translation. Because your voice is so personal, learning to sing is ultimately a journey of self-discovery.

• What are your keys to success?

  First, consistency beats intensity. Regular, intelligent practice for 15–20 minutes is far more effective than a three-hour "cram session". Second is curiosity—always asking why something works and learning from failure. Finally, you must be willing to be bad at something for a while; every master sounded terrible in private before they sounded great in public.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  - John Mayer: To discuss the balance between complex technical skill and beautifully simple songwriting.
  - Allen Stone: To talk about soul, groove, and maintaining a "human" quality in technically capable singing.
  - Stevie Wonder: Simply to listen and absorb his wisdom.
  Sharing a conversation and a few instruments with these three at 2 AM would be an incredible experience.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your musical journey, or your days at 'music school'.

  While I didn't attend a traditional conservatory, my "music school" was the professional industry. I served as a music and band coach at The Beat music school, where I taught multiple instruments. This experience was invaluable as it forced me to understand the mechanics of different instruments and how they interact within a group setting, allowing me to mentor students on both individual technique and ensemble dynamics.
  
  Furthermore, my journey as a recording artist, releasing my own album and performing alongside big names like Jacob Lee, taught me how to adapt when things go wrong on a large stage. The most valuable lesson I pass on to my students is to never stop when you make a mistake. If you keep playing, most audiences won’t notice the error; if you stop, everyone will.

• 8. What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  Because I am largely self-taught and have extensive experience as a band coach, I understand the frustration of hitting a wall from multiple angles. I don’t just repeat instructions; I diagnose the specific reason a student is struggling, as every learner requires a unique solution. My goal is to build genuine confidence by teaching students how to hear, correct, and trust their own abilities so they can eventually succeed without me standing beside them.