Thinking of starting vocal lessons? Read some of the frequently asked questions to hopefully help you understand the Drop the Mic, Inc process and philosophy.
- FAQ's
- 1. What will we work on in voice lessons?More
Whatever you want! The beauty of private lessons is that we have no set lesson plan. There is not a “at your first lesson you do this and at your second lesson you do that.” We listen to you. Do you have vocal areas that you want to improve? Do you want to sing lower, higher, louder, easier, longer? We can work on that!
I’ve never taught the same lesson twice. Each person will hear the information differently and it’s my job to explain it in a way that makes sense to you and in a way that you can quickly translate into your instrument. Lessons are demanding, but they are FUN! Singing is fun! I promise that you will leave even your first lesson feeling better about how you make sound and with a greater understanding of this “magic” we call singing.
- 2. What vocal styles do you teach?More
I do not teach a particular style. I teach healthy singing, because I know that if you can sing healthy, then you can sing whatever style you want. Whether it is musical theater, pop, rock, country, jazz, R&B or contemporary Christian, it is up to you! I have sung them all and I can teach you how to also.
- 3. When is a good time to start taking lessons?More
Now! There is never a better time. You will learn no matter your age and no matter your ability. I started very young, but not all do and we can discuss your student and if they are ready at an individual level.
- 4. What happens at my first lesson?More
Every student at Drop the Mic, Inc. begins with an initial lesson consultation with Debra Michaels, Drop the Mic’s Owner & Founder. The first lesson is where she will learns about your strengths, experience level, background, musical interests, vocal health history and personal goals. It’s from here that an individual plan is developed. You talk a little, sing a little, and learn a little. It’s very relaxed and very fun.
- 5. What if I’m nervous?More
Who isn’t nervous for their first lesson with a new teacher? It doesn’t matter how experienced you are or how many lessons you’ve taken in the past, singing for someone new is exciting, yes, but it’s also a little scary….or, for some, a lot scary! For some students, this is the first time they have sung in front of anyone before, ever. But all students, no matter where they come from are welcomed with open arms, sensitivity, warmth and humor. You have come to us because you want help and we are all here to help you every and any way that we can. No matter how nervous you are, I can guarantee that you will leave your first lesson feeling better and singing better than you did when you walked in the door.
- 6. What should I bring?More
You! You are the instrument! If you have a song that you like to sing, absolutely bring the name of it. If you have a whole binder of sheet music that you sing, then bring that too. If you have a karaoke track that you sing along to, then throw that in. Miss Deb has access to lots of music, so you can certainly use what she has- musical theater, classical, pop. Sing what you are comfortable singing and whatever gives us the most accurate representation of your voice today. That’s what we want to hear. It’s our job to hear all the amazing things your voice will do tomorrow.
- 7. Can we work on music for school?More
Of course! Bring in your chorus music, your part in the school musical, audition music… We wll help you with all of it! Learning how to carry your part in a chorus is a skill that all great musicians have. Acting a song is just as important as singing well so we can help you with that also! I recognize that there is so much more to learn than just what notes to sing. We learn HOW to sing the song, the meaning, phrasing, diction and character development, to name a few.
- 8. How do I schedule my weekly lessons?More
At your introductory lesson, we will look at schedules and reserve your weekly lesson time. From then on, that will be your lesson time! There is a strict cancelation policy and you will be charged for lessons canceled with less than 24 hours notice or lessons that the student doesn’t show up for. By scheduling a lesson you are agreeing to our payment and cancellation policies.
- 9. Do you teach hour lessons?More
Yes, we can teach hour lessons depending on our availability, but due the unusually high demand, there is only a limited amount of hour lessons that we can teach per month.
- 10. What is a showcase?More
Our showcases are one of the best parts of taking lessons with Drop the Mic, Inc. Everyone who studies with me will get the unique opportunity to participate in various performances. Many vocal students will want to perform, but won’t be given the chance so we provide opportunities to experience performing to help our students get experience performing! These showcases allow singers to explore their talents in a fun, safe and supportive environment. They give us a chance to get to know everyone and where they are on their journey. You will celebrate their growth along with them. This is the community of Drop the Mic, Inc.
- 11. Why Drop the Mic, Inc?More
Because we know that teaching someone to sing isn’t just about training the instrument. It’s about the singer. It’s ALWAYS about the singer. No matter what your goals are, you will only achieve them if you feel safe to do so. If you are surrounded by a teacher and fellow students that appreciate who you are as a person, that cheer with you, that support you, that are with you through your journey, then and only then will you flourish. Then and only then will you sing. That’s what we are all about…
