What happens at a voice lesson?

 
A typical lesson will include breathing and stretching exercises, vocal warm-ups, ear training, and feedback on singing/speaking voice and skills and detailed guidance with singing song selections of your choice. We will focus on improving tone, pitch, breath control, intonation, musicality, volume, posture, relaxation and voice quality. We will also focus on strengthening vocal dynamics, microphone technique and stage presence.

What types of lessons are available?

Carmen Jones provides training in the areas of singing and public speaking/communication. Whether you're giving a business presentation, preparing for an interview, or speaking on the radio, it is important that listeners hear your voice and message clearly. At Bay Area Voice Lessons, we make sure that you improve upon the skills that will enable you to become both a better singer and/or presenter.

What are my scheduling options?

Fixed - Commit to a weekly lesson by purchasing a SINGER SAVER package and schedule ahead to guarantee your slots. Make-ups granted if cancelled before 6pm the night before. *Saves you $5.00 -$10.00 per lesson depending on the number of lessons in the package you choose.

Flex - Schedule one lesson at a time up to 60 days in advance with no weekly commitment. Great for those with unpredictable schedules or those who want to prepare for an audition or schedule an extra lesson in for any reason.

 
What is the cancellation policy?

Lessons cancelled after 6pm the night before the lesson and/or lessons missed with no call will be charged as a completed lesson.
 

How do I schedule a "SAVER Package"?
 

STEP 1.  From Our "SCHEDULING" page, Select desired "Saver Package" (4 lessons or 6 lessons) by clicking on it above

STEP 2. Enter STUDENT's FULL  NAME and PAYEE's email address and click "Proceed to Payment"

STEP 3.  You will be redirected to PayPal where you can choose to pay via PayPal or Debit/Credit Card.

If you are not automatically redirected, Click return to "VoiceLessonsWithCarmenJones.fullslate.com"

STEP 4. Write down your redemption code or print the confirmation page with your redemption code

STEP 5.  If you are not automatically redirected, go to www.BayAreaVoiceLessons.com

STEP 6. Select "One Hour Private Lesson (Most Popular)"

STEP 7. Choose the date and time of the first lesson you'd like to schedule and enter the redemption code in order to reserve the slot.

STEP 8.  A confirmation e-mail will be sent to you

STEP 9.  Repeat Steps 6 and 7 until you have scheduled the number of lessons included with your package.

Can anyone learn to sing?

Yes. Anyone who has the ability to speak can learn to sing or improve his or her singing ability with proper technique and guidance. Singing simply requires acquiring physical coordination just as other physical activities such as learning to play a musical instrument, dancing, typing or anything else you can think of! All that is ever needed is practice, persistence, and patience

I’m already a professional singer so why should I take voice lessons?

Most singers have some particular habits that if not corrected can cause problems later in their careers.  It is imperative to educate the singer and instill good technique and habits that will prevent any physical problems such as nodules, polyps, hoarseness, or vocal fatigue.

Is it possible to gain more range in my voice and better tonal quality?

There is always more that one can gain in one’s voice if any restrictions they have been using are removed. Even the most renowned singers understand this and will usually continually consult with a vocal coach to ensure they are reaching their maximum potential.

If I have had vocal problems, such as nodules or polyps, can they be corrected through coaching?

Yes. I have corrected many of these problems without the need for medical or surgical intervention. Even such conditions as acid reflux have been improved with new technique.

Do you work with all styles of music and levels of singers?

Yes. Proper technique can be used in any style of singing. I work with all levels of singers from total beginners to well established professionals.

What happens at a voice lesson?

 
A typical lesson will include breathing and stretching exercises, vocal warm-ups, ear training, and feedback on singing/speaking voice and skills and detailed guidance with singing song selections of your choice. We will focus on improving tone, pitch, breath control, intonation, musicality, volume, posture, relaxation and voice quality. We will also focus on strengthening vocal dynamics, microphone technique and stage presence.

What are my scheduling options?

Lessons are offered on weekday afternoon/evenings and on weekends.  There are two ways:

Fixed - Commit to a weekly lesson by purchasing a SINGER SAVER package and schedule ahead to guarantee your slots. Make-ups granted if cancelled before 6pm the night before. *Also, saves you $5-$10 per lesson depending on the number of lessons in the package you choose.

 
Flex - Schedule one lesson at a time up to 60 days in advance with no weekly commitment. Great for those with unpredictable schedules or those who want to prepare for an audition or get an extra lesson in for any reason.

 
What is the cancellation policy?
 
Lessons cancelled after 6pm the night before the lesson and/or lessons missed with no call will be charged as a completed lesson.
 
How do I schedule a "SAVER Package"? 

STEP 1. Select desired "Saver Package" (4 lessons or 6 lessons) by clicking on it above

STEP 2. Enter STUDENT's FULL  NAME and PAYEE's email address and click "Proceed to Payment"

STEP 3.  You will be redirected to PayPal where you can choose to pay via PayPal or Debit/Credit Card.

If you are not automatically redirected, Click return to "VoiceLessonsWithCarmenJones.fullslate.com"

STEP 4. Write down your redemption code or print the confirmation page with your redemption code

STEP 5.  If you are not automatically redirected, go to www.BayAreaVoiceLessons.com

STEP 6. Select "One Hour Private Lesson (Most Popular)"

STEP 7. Choose the date and time of the first lesson you'd like to schedule and enter the redemption code in order to reserve the slot.

STEP 8.  A confirmation e-mail will be sent to you

STEP 9.  Repeat Steps 6 and 7 until you have scheduled the number of lessons included with your package.

 

Can anyone learn to sing?

Yes. Anyone who has the ability to speak can learn to sing or improve his or her singing ability with proper technique and guidance. Singing simply requires acquiring physical coordination just as other physical activities such as learning to play a musical instrument, dancing, typing or anything else you can think of! All that is ever needed is practice, persistence, and patience

I already know how to sing so why should I take voice lessons?

Most singers have some particular habits that if not corrected can cause problems later in their careers.  It is imperative to educate the singer and instill good technique and habits that will prevent any physical problems such as nodules, polyps, hoarseness, or vocal fatigue.

Is it possible to gain more range in my voice and better tonal quality?

There is always more that one can gain in one’s voice if any restrictions they have been using are removed. Even the most renowned singers understand this and will usually continually consult with a vocal coach to ensure they are reaching their maximum potential.

If I have had vocal problems, such as nodules or polyps, can they be corrected through coaching?

Yes. I have corrected many of these problems without the need for medical or surgical intervention. Even such conditions as acid reflux have been improved with new technique.

Do you work with all styles of music and levels of singers?

Yes. Proper technique can be used in any style of singing. I work with all levels of singers from total beginners to well established professionals.

 
 

What happens at a voice lesson?

 
A typical lesson will include breathing and stretching exercises, vocal warm-ups, ear training, and feedback on singing/speaking voice and skills and detailed guidance with singing song selections of your choice. We will focus on improving tone, pitch, breath control, intonation, musicality, volume, posture, relaxation and voice quality. We will also focus on strengthening vocal dynamics, microphone technique and stage presence.

How often do voice lessons take place?

Typically, lessons will take place once per week.  The more consistently we meet, the faster you will progress. 

What are my scheduling options?

Fixed - Commit to a weekly lesson by purchasing a SINGER SAVER package and schedule ahead to guarantee your slots. Make-ups granted if cancelled before 6pm the night before. *Saves you $5.00 -$10.00 per lesson depending on the number of lessons in the package you choose.

Flex - Schedule one lesson at a time up to 60 days in advance with no weekly commitment. Great for those with unpredictable schedules or those who want to prepare for an audition or schedule an extra lesson in for any reason.

 
How do I schedule a "SAVER Package"?
 

STEP 1.  From Our "SCHEDULING" page, Select desired "Saver Package" (4 lessons or 6 lessons) by clicking on it above

STEP 2. Enter STUDENT's FULL  NAME and PAYEE's email address and click "Proceed to Payment"

STEP 3.  You will be redirected to PayPal where you can choose to pay via PayPal or Debit/Credit Card.

If you are not automatically redirected, Click return to "VoiceLessonsWithCarmenJones.fullslate.com"

STEP 4. Write down your redemption code or print the confirmation page with your redemption code

STEP 5.  If you are not automatically redirected, go to www.BayAreaVoiceLessons.com

STEP 6. Select "One Hour Private Lesson (Most Popular)"

STEP 7. Choose the date and time of the first lesson you'd like to schedule and enter the redemption code in order to reserve the slot.

STEP 8.  A confirmation e-mail will be sent to you

STEP 9.  Repeat Steps 6 and 7 until you have scheduled the number of lessons included with your package.

 

What is the cancellation policy?

Lessons cancelled after 6pm the night before the lesson and/or lessons missed with no call will be charged as a completed lesson.

Can anyone learn to sing?

Yes. Anyone who has the ability to speak can learn to sing or improve his or her singing ability with proper technique and guidance. Singing simply requires acquiring physical coordination just as other physical activities such as learning to play a musical instrument, dancing, typing or anything else you can think of! All that is ever needed is practice, persistence, and patience

I already know how to sing, so why should I take voice lessons?

Most singers have some particular habits that if not corrected can cause problems later in their careers.  It is imperative to educate the singer and instill good technique and habits that will prevent any physical problems such as nodules, polyps, hoarseness, or vocal fatigue.

Is it possible to gain more range in my voice and better tonal quality?

There is always more that one can gain in one’s voice if any restrictions they have been using are removed. Even the most renowned singers understand this and will usually continually consult with a vocal coach to ensure they are reaching their maximum potential.

If I have had vocal problems, such as nodules or polyps, can they be corrected through coaching?

Yes. I have corrected many of these problems without the need for medical or surgical intervention. Even such conditions as acid reflux have been improved with new technique.

 

Do you work with all styles of music and levels of singers?

Yes. Proper technique can be used in any style of singing. I work with all levels of singers from total beginners to well established professionals.

 
 

What happens at a voice lesson?

During the INTRODUCTORY LESSON, we will discuss singing goals and how to reach them and we will also conduct an actual first voice lesson.   All lessons include breathing and stretching exercises, vocal warm-ups, ear training utilizing the Visual Feedback Technique, and detailed guidance with singing song selections of your choice.   We also have an extensive song library and can recommend the best fit for you to strengthen your voice and improve your vocal skills. 

In order to get the most out of vocal training, after each lesson, we provide the student with an emailed .mp3 recording of the student singing their warm-ups and of their song performance. It is important for the student to review and practice with these recordings in between each lesson.  Each lesson will focus on improving tone, pitch, breath control, intonation, musicality, volume, posture, relaxation and voice quality.  We will concentrate on strengthening vocal dynamics, and when applicable student will also learn microphone technique and stage presence.

How often do voice lessons take place? How do I get started?

To begin with, all new students should schedule an INTRODUCTORY LESSON (60 minutes) for us to meet and for you to experience a typical lesson.  Then, weekly lessons are recommended, as the more consistently we meet, the better the overall progress. 

What are my scheduling options?

SAVER- Purchase a SINGER SAVER package and schedule ahead to guarantee your slots.  Weekly lessons are recommended. Make-ups granted if rescheduled within 24 hours of the originally scheduled lesson. *Saves you $5.00 -$10.00 per lesson depending on the number of lessons in the package you choose.

ONE at a TIME- Schedule one lesson at a time up to 60 days in advance.  Great for those with unpredictable schedules or those who want to prepare for an audition or schedule an extra lesson in for any reason.  Note:  Weekly lessons are still recommended.

 

How do I schedule a "SAVER Package"?

• STEP 1.  From Our SCHEDULER page, Select desired "Saver Package" (4 lessons or 6 lessons) by clicking on it above.
• STEP 2. Enter STUDENT's FULL  NAME and PAYEE's email address and click "Proceed to Payment"
• STEP 3.  You will be redirected to PayPal where you can choose to pay via PayPal or Debit/Credit Card.
• STEP 4. Once you have paid, write down your redemption code or print the confirmation page with your redemption code
• STEP 5.  If you are not automatically redirected to our SCHEDULER page, go to: http://bayareavoicelessons.com/scheduler.html
  
• STEP 6. Select "Private Lesson- (45 minutes) (Most Popular) or if 8 years of age or under, please select "MINI LESSON (30 min)"
• STEP 7. Choose the date and time of the first lesson you'd like to schedule and enter the redemption code in order to reserve the slot.
• STEP 8.  A confirmation e-mail will be sent to you for each lesson scheduled.
  
• STEP 9.  Repeat Steps 6 and 7 until you have scheduled the number of lessons included with your package.

What forms of payments are accepted?

For your convenience, we accept Credit & Debit Cards via secured PayPal system at the time of scheduling online. If you would like to pay by check or exact cash, please use our contact form to make special arrangements. 

What is the cancellation/refund policy?

If student/parent of student provides less than 24 hours notice of their need to reschedule a lesson, or if a student misses a lesson (is a "no show"), the payment for that lesson shall be forfeited (is non-refundable) and the missed lesson will be considered as a "completed lesson".  If you do indeed provide us with the necessary minimum of 24 hours notice, the online scheduling system will automatically allow you to easily reschedule, and you will not have to pay again in order to secure a new date and time.  Please note, for Singer Saver packages, no refunds will be given after 30 days of purchase.

Can anyone learn to sing?  How long will it take me to become a good singer?

Yes.  Anyone who has the ability to speak can learn to sing or improve his or her singing ability with proper technique and guidance.  Singing requires physical coordination similar to learning to play a musical instrument, dancing, typing or anything else you can think of.  All that is ever needed is practice, persistence, and patience.   Consistency is the key (weekly lessons are the most beneficial).  Without having a crystal ball, there is no real way of knowing how long it will take to become a good singer.  It will depend on factors such as: how often lessons take place, how diligent the student is with rehearsing in between lessons, and what the exact vocal goals are.  In general, new singers should realistically anticipate making a committment to taking weekly lessons for a minimum of 12 months.

I already know how to sing, so why should I take voice lessons?

Most singers have some particular habits that if not corrected can cause problems later in their careers. 

It is imperative to practice good technique and habits that will prevent any physical problems such as nodules, polyps, hoarseness, or vocal fatigue.  By coming for weekly lessons, you are setting aside the necessary time to maintain your singing voice.

How do you describe the style of vocal training? Do you cover sight-reading or music theory?

We pride ourselves on having a modern, non-traditional voice training style.  For example, instead of piano accompaniment, we utilize computer technology and powerful software to maximize training.  While we do  not cover sight-reading or in-depth music theory, our training focuses on improving and maintaining your best singing voice.

Is it possible to gain more range in my voice and better tonal quality?

Yes.  There is always more that one can gain in one’s voice if any restrictions they have been using are removed. Even the most renowned singers understand this and will usually continually consult with a vocal coach to ensure they are reaching their maximum potential.
 

Do you work with all styles of music and levels of singers?

Yes.  Proper technique and fundamentals can be used in any style of singing (Rock, Funk, Classical, R&B, Folk, Gospel...you name it).  I work with all levels of singers from total beginners to well-established singers.