MY STORY
For as long as I can remember I have always loved singing. From when I woke up in the morning until the sun went down I would always be humming a tune - mum has even told me I sing in my sleep! Although I loved singing I would be too shy to sing in front of anyone, until on basketball camp my team mate heard me sing and asked "was that you singing with the radio?" I replied, "yeah why was it really bad?" "No!" she said "it was really good!" and encouraged me to sing to my other team members, with her miming to a hair brush and me singing in the other room.
From there I have been to Excel School of Performing Arts, completed my Bachelor of Education and also papers at Massey University in Educational Psychology. Music and teaching have always been my passion, and by setting up my own music business I am now able to combine the two! Music is a tangible way to express emotions we don't normally in everyday life, this is why I sing, and I hope to inspire others in ways that music has changed my life. I love seeing people light up, igniting the fire and reaching their musical potential, hence Flamebird Music has arrived!
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- Laura Evans
Technology
Exams
Technology is used through learning apps and iPad games.
Rockschool exams build confidence, increase motivation and gives students a globally recognised
qualification.
Perform
Students are given the chance to perform in our student showcase.
Games
We gameify learning to make it fun, interactive and reinforce key concepts.
"I’m an adult student taking vocal lessons and I absolutely love it! Laura is fantastic she makes me feel so comfortable. Singing in front of someone can be a little intimidating but I am completely relaxed with Laura. I have learnt so many exercises and new skills and can feel/hear the benefit of them and have gained in confidence. I am also learning the theory to go with these skills. Each lesson is always lots of fun. I would highly recommend a Laura to anyone who wants to improve their singing voice."
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- Susan
PRICES
Individual Face-to Face / Online Lessons
Casual 30 min lesson: 35
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30 min lessons x10 term fee: 320
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Casual 45 min lesson: 48
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45 min lessons x10 term fee: 450
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Casual 60 min lesson: 65
60 min lessons x10 term fee: 600
Group / Church Training Workshops
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Dare to be Heard Workshop
256 (128 / hour) + travel
2 hour workshop includes: singing basics, harmony, how to use voice properly and general anatomy with question time. Resources shared with attendees after workshop.
Individual Lessons
$80 / hour
20-30 min individual lessons for workshop attendees for individual lesson and any specific questions relating to the individual.
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Please contact me for more details on how to suit your church/group setting.
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FAQs
Q: How do lessons work?
A: The first lesson is having a conversation about your hopes and goals, I then develop a programme that helps you achieve these. A 30 minute lesson involves a 10 minute warm up including vocal exercises. The rest of the lesson we apply vocal exercises into a song.
Q: What will I learn?
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Understand, gain control, and apply vocal resonance to your voice
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Develop healthy vocal technique and habits
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Effective practice strategies
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Effective breathing techniques
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Reduce tension and strain
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Expand vocal range
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Rich diverse vocal tone and colour
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Vocal style and improvisation
Q: What do I bring to my lesson?
A: If you have a song that you would like to learn that is a good start! I will work together with you on this and will also supply you with a Lesson Notebook. If you would like to record your lesson on your phone to practice later this is encouraged, as it helps the learning process.
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Q: What times are available?
A: These vary; please contact me for specific available time slots.
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Q: Do you offer Skype or online video lessons?
A: Yes I definitely do, this can arranged on a one-to-one basis, please contact me to find out more using the contact tab at the bottom of this page. The process is very similar to face-to-face lessons where we go through a 10 minute warm up then apply the vocal exercises to a song.
Q: How experienced are you as a vocal teacher?
A: I have 20+ years experience as a music teacher (vocals, piano, ukulele, guitar) and have worked as a Learning Advisor for 10+ years. I use all of my previous experience to make sure I am meeting your learning needs in a way that is relevant and useful based on the science of learning and my vast experience as a professional musician.
Q: Do you offer any grades or qualifications?
A: Yes, students can complete Rockschool Vocals Grades ranging from beginner to expert. Rockschool will help improve singing ability, build technical knowledge and music theory. More information can be found at https://www.rslawards.com/rockschool/graded-exams/vocals/
Q: I don't have any musical background, can I still attend?
A: Yes definitely! When you come for lessons we build on what you already know, as this is the best way for your brain to learn. If you don't have any musical background I will teach you the basics and you will simply learn more!
Q: Can I do a meet and greet before I begin lessons?
A: Yes definitely, as this is a good opportunity to discuss your goals and aspirations and see if working with me is a good fit. I am happy to arrange a time where you can come and see the studio and ask any questions you have.
Q: Are you qualified?
A: Yes, I have
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Rockschool Vocals Grade 8 Certificate (Distinction)
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Grade 5 Guitar Rockschool (Distinction)
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Bachelor of Education (Primary) from Auckland University
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Certificate in Arts (Psychology) from Massey University (Brain & Behaviour, Memory & Cognition and Introduction to Psychological Research)
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Certificate in Music (Vocal Major) from Excel School of Performing Arts.
Q: What if I am dissatisfied?
A: It is really important that each session is meeting your needs. If any issues come up please let me know as soon as possible. The first lesson you can attend as a trial without any commitment, then if you are happy to continue you are then invoiced for the rest of the term.
Q: Can I sit in on my child’s music lesson?
A: Yes definitely, and this is encouraged especially in the beginning lessons. Often when students first start they like to have their parent/caregiver there until they feel comfortable.
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Q: How much practice should I do?
A: Your voice is a muscle, so similar to sport the more practice you do the more benefit you will get out of lessons. I recommend 30-45 mins per day, four to five days per week. I will give you strategies or exercises to work on each week, explain why they are effective and how they improve your voice.
Q: What do current students have to say about you?
A: "I have been doing lessons with Laura for just over two terms now and have noticed drastic improvements in my voice. I have found that my voice has become way more controlled and easier to understand. Since doing lessons with Laura I have learnt so many more great exercises to do and why they help my voice. Laura is also a very fun person to work with and has helped me to evolve to the singer I am now" - Olivia Robinson (Oct 2019).
Q: Where can we hear recordings of your voice?
A: I have my own music Facebook page (www.facebook.com/musicLE) where I often post songs and gigs I have coming up.
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Q: Where is your studio?
A: The music teaching studio is located at my home in Bunnythorpe, Palmerston North.
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T&Cs
Terms and Conditions
Below are the terms and conditions I use to ensure everything runs smoothly and effectively in the studio. Please have a read through if you are new to the studio.
Schedule & Invoicing
• Lessons are scheduled at an agreed time and will be carried over into the new term/year unless told otherwise.
• If a student/parent wishes to change their lesson time mid-year this can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
• Invoices are issued at the start of the term and are expected to be paid within 7 days. Please contact me as soon as possible if you need to discuss finance.
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Privacy & Safety
Information regarding you or your dependant's lessons and attendance will not be shared in accordance with The Privacy Act (1993). For the safety of the tutor and student lessons may be video recorded. By attending the studio you agree to these terms and conditions. No video footage will be shared unless required by law.
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Missed Lessons ​
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Please note no credits/rescheduling of lessons unless cancelled by Flamebird Music i.e. you pay for the timeslot that is allocated to you for the term whether or not you use it.
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Any lessons cancelled by Flamebird Music will be credited or refunded.
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