Online Voice Lessons with James
My name is James. I'm a vocal coach and have worked as a professional singer and teacher for the last 10 years.
I LOVE teaching contemporary voice and as my student you will learn:
The songs YOU want to sing!
How to warm up quickly
How to recover your voice faster
Movements that make singing way easier
Sing higher without strain or cracks
Modern singing skills & concepts
Tried & tested courses for any style
How to practice effectively
What to practice for your needs
Accelerated learning for faster results
Systems for overcoming any problem
Email me and say [email protected] or click this button to enroll in a voice lessons subscription.
Pricing: Kids: $210/month, Adults: $300/month
Subscription includes 4 weekly lessons 60-minutes each and online course materials for accelerated learning.
My Online Teaching Setup
I use an HD mirrorless camera, a professional microphone, a direct feed from the piano to the computer so that the student can hear and see notes when needed, and a standing desk so I can properly adjust to showcase movements and ideal postures for improved performance.
I also record every lesson and provide the option for students to receive access to review weekly lesson recordings via a personal Dropbox folder.
Schedule a Free Intro Lesson!
We'll set you up for online lessons, and make a plan for what you'd like to work on.
For the consultation call you will need:
A good microphone
An audio interface
A stable internet connection
A device to call in from, such as a laptop or smartphone
Email me and say [email protected] or click this button to schedule your free intro lesson.
GRAB MY FREE PRACTICE GUIDE!
Rates
Weekly lessons are the most effective way to improve so I offer them at a discounted rate.
I also offer two packages for different price points to further improve affordability.
Starter- All you need for rapid results - online lessons with me. A practice logbook. Journaling prompts to help you stay accountable to yourself and to stay optimistic and motivated. Direct access to office hours where you can message me with your questions 24/7 and I will answer at the earliest oppurtunity.
Rockstar - Everything in Starter + weekly downloadable Practice Tracks + access to a personal Dropbox folder to review your lessons recordings.
Starter 60 minute lesson - $80
Rockstar 60 minute lesson -$100
x4 Starter Lessons - $200
(40% off! - $50 each + tax)
x4 Rockstar Lessons $240
(40% off! - $60 each + tax)
*Bundles may be paid on weekly recurring basis with signed commitment agreement.
*After initial commitment, students have option to lock in the discounted rate while it's available by committing to weekly lessons for a longer term.
Email me and say [email protected] or click this button to schedule your free intro lesson.
Testimonials
Lead Role in the School Play!
"My son Christian has really enjoyed working with James for voice and guitar lessons over the last several years. Before starting lessons, he was very interested in music, but lacked the confidence and knowledge to develop his abilities. Now, he's constantly branching out and seeking new opportunities to play and improve. He just performed a lead role in a school play and is excited to sing a song for his school assembly soon. James Hoover's extensive background in music and passion for teaching makes learning both fun and rewarding. He's given my son more confidence and a love for music that will stay with him for life. Premium service, highly recommended!”
Wendy
Student Parent
Instant Results in the First Lesson!
"After signing up for some vocal coaching with James I saw instant results in the first lesson! He helped identify my strengths and where/how to improve. I was shocked to see how small tweaks could change my singing so much. From my experience playing guitar, I've always believed the best way to improve technique was practicing scales and exercises. I learned that vocal training is notably different. I discovered scales and warm-ups are useful, but maybe not always the first thing to reach for. Learning how to use movement and assessment in my practice has really helped a ton. I'm easily getting better clarity, better tone, and better high notes. That and, I now understand how my voice actually works. James rocks. He's super cool to work with. I definitely recommend him to anyone wanting to become a better singer!”
Nick
Indie Artist
*Somewhat mildly hilarious side-note. These aren't actually pictures of my clients. These are instead, free stock images that were as close as I could find to resemble them. This felt like it may be a safer, more private way to display some pictures along with the reviews. Also funnier. Maybe. To me at least.
FAQ
What kind of students do you work with?
Online lessons work best for motivated, adult students, though I will take on students who are at least 12 years old. I teach all levels and styles, from beginner to advanced, though I specialize in contemporary voice, specifically pop, rock, indie, and alternative.
What equipment and software do I need for an online voice lesson?
A good microphone. An audio interface. A device with a camera that you can take a video call on, ideally a laptop or desktop computer, but a smartphone can work fine. If you would like some specific recommendations here goes::
Here are two of my favorite options for microphones.
Budget: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MV7X--shure-mv7x-dynamic-broadcast-microphone-black
Best:https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MKE600--sennheiser-mke-600-shotgun-condenser-microphone
And two of my favorite options for audio interfaces:
Budget/great for smartphones: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EVO4--audient-evo-4-usb-audio-interface (Consider the headphone bundle. Insane value. It's also great to hear yourself through headphones).
Best: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/iD4mk2--audient-id4-mkii-usb-c-audio-interface
You'll also need a high speed internet connection of at least 5 mb/s and a video call app, ideally Zoom.
Other helpful apps that I recommend are
Moises: the Musician's app. Available on Mac/iOS and Android. It's an incredible AI-powered app that separates tracks and allows you to make your own karaoke backing tracks. You can change the key and the tempo. The app even shows you the song lyrics in real time, generated with the AI. The words are usually mostly correct. It's just really wild. Such a useful tool.
There is also the Tabs app by Ultimate-Guitar, or on a computer, their website, ultimate-guitar.com for anyone wishing to learn to accompany themselves on.. you guessed it, guitar. There is no better app for learning how to play songs on guitar. It has everything. All the songs. I use it every single day. I've been using the website since I was 14 years old, first starting on guitar. Trust me, it's solid.
At the time of writing this, each app is around $40/year.
Far more than worth it, objectively.
Are zoom lessons as effective as in-person lessons?
Absolutely. Vocal studios across the globe first began transitioning to zoom lessons at the start of the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic. Technology developed and accelerated rapidly as a result, and the adoption of Zoom lessons has now become the norm. The voice is easily assessed online provided best practices are followed and the minimum budget equipment is obtained properly utilized.
How long before I will notice a difference?
Most students see positive changes in the first lesson, but long term goals take time to manifest.
Depending on your current level and dedication, 3-6 months is the typical time frame required for a noticeable improvement.
How often are coaching sessions conducted?
I offer lessons weekly to establish momentum and help you make consistent progress.
What if I'm unsure about my goals and direction?
It's completely normal to feel uncertain about your goals and direction. Our coaching process begins with an initial assessment where we'll work together to clarify your aspirations, values, and priorities. Through insightful questioning and exploration, we'll collaboratively uncover your passions and potential areas for growth. If you're not entirely sure about your goals, our coaching can help you gain clarity and chart a course that aligns with your authentic self. Remember, the journey towards clarity is an integral part of the coaching process itself.
Can you guarantee that I will get better?
I absolutely guarantee that you will get better working with me as your coach.
With a few caveats, of course. After all, we haven't even met yet.
I don't know what your work ethic is like. I don't know how much you really want this. I don't even know what level you are starting at.
There are all kinds of ways for us to zoom in and track not only your singing progress and your practice, but also external factors like diet, exercise, sleep. There are a lot of variables to consider.
You could journal and follow a strict practice schedule.
You could adopt strict diet. Gluten-free-vegan-whatever.
But do you wanna know what helps the most?
Investing in yourself.
Showing up to voice lessons. Showing up to your vocal practice sessions. You will start to get better and that will motivate you and propel you forward. If you're lucky you may even become slightly addicted to progress.
In my experience that kind of comes and goes in waves on its own. It really helps to have someone in your corner, who knows what they are talking about, holding you accountable week to week, and providing tailored, structured lessons and advice.
So yeah, I guarantee you will get better if we work together.
Because I'm really, really good at this.
Because I live for this.
And I seriously used to be the worst singer around.
That's the "If-I-Can-You-Can" Guarantee.
Truthfully, every vocal student I have ever worked with has improved immensely as a direct result of our lessons. So why not you?
Why. Not. You.
If you never try, you'll never know.
So what are you waiting for?
Meet James
My Beliefs
Let me tell you a story.
I always dreamed of becoming an amazing singer, ever since I was just a kid. All I ever wanted was to be a rockstar.
But for some reason, everyone along the way told me I would never get there and I would never have what it takes.
You see, most people, including my family and friends growing up, believe singing is a rare and precious talent. Bestowed only upon a few lucky people.
Even my college voice teacher told me to quit, change careers, and even look for other hobbies. Because I apparently wasn't cut out to be a singer. Ouch.
Well. That lesson only cost me about $40,000 in student loan debt. Yikes.
So you know what I did?
I quit college.
I met and worked with a learning coach. I read some books.
I worked with several top vocal coaches.
I spent thousands upon thousands of dollars on courses, coaching, and programs.
Not to mention, over a decade practicing, improving, performing, and getting paid to sing for all kinds of events and gigs.
Fashion Shows. Weddings. Festivals. Concerts.
Some rich guy's quail party.
And do you know what I learned?
That singing is for everyone. No matter what you've been taught or what you believe.
That talent is overrated, and you don't have to be born with a gift for singing to become truly great.
That singing isn’t simply a talent as most understand it to be.
It’s a skill.
And skills are trainable. Skills are teachable.
Skills are learnable.
Once reaching a certain level in my own singing, I then began to dream of something else.
Of helping other singers achieve the same level of artistic freedom and expression that I have built into my own voice.
As luck would have it, one of the greatest vocal coaches to ever do it reached out to me. One might call him a modern day Lessac. (After legendary speech, acting, and singing teacher of the 1930s, Arthur Lessac).
This guy offered me a spot in his, at the time, newly founded voice teacher training program. It was expensive. But it was the best investment I ever made in myself. And at a time where finances were a major struggle for me, I was somehow able to afford it.
The timing was truly uncanny.
The rest is history in progress.
Just to sum things up here.
I know what it feels like to think that you'll never have a great singing voice. To feel hopeless. Alone. Stranded. To feel like you're just gonna suck forever. Doomed.
But I also what it feels like to utterly captivate and amaze an audience. To grow and evolve and get damn good at this.
And after working with my mentor, I know exactly how to help you do that. At whatever level you may be.
My aim is to help you overcome that feeling of hopelessness and dread so that you can experience that magical feeling of captivating and amazing your audience.
So that you can use your voice to connect with others and convey exactly what is in your very soul.
Listen. You can do it. I believe in you.
The question is...
Are you ready to get started?
Go ahead and book a free lesson.
You have absolutely nothing to lose.
I can't wait to help you.
See you soon,
-James
Lesson Cancellation Policy
1. Rescheduling Lessons:
One-Off Lessons: If you need to cancel a one-time lesson, you may reschedule it if there is time and space available in the teacher's schedule.
No refunds will be provided.
Regular Lessons: If you have a regular lesson arrangement and need to cancel one occurrence, you may reschedule it without affecting the timing of your next regular lesson. Rescheduling is subject to availability.
2. Refunds:
Once a lesson is paid for, no refunds will be provided. Please make sure to carefully review your schedule and confirm your availability before booking a lesson, as rescheduling is the only option and is subject to the teacher's availability. This helps ensure that you make the most of your investment in your singing education.
3. Teacher's Right to Cancel or Reschedule:
The teacher reserves the right to cancel or reschedule lessons at their discretion. If the teacher cancels a lesson, an alternative time will be offered or a full refund provided.
4. Notice for Cancellation:
To reschedule a lesson, please provide at least 24 hours' notice. If less notice is given, rescheduling may not be possible.
5. Termination or Change of Regular Lesson Arrangements:
If you wish to change your regular lesson arrangement or cancel and discontinue lessons altogether, the following notice periods are required:
Weekly Lessons: A notice period of 2 weeks is required to terminate ongoing weekly lessons. Lessons for the 2 weeks following that notice will be charged normally.
Please communicate your intention to terminate lessons in writing to the teacher within the specified notice period. Failure to provide adequate notice may result in charges for the lessons scheduled after the notice period has concluded.
6. Questions or Concerns:
If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please don't hesitate to contact us immediately.
Cancellation Policy Explanation
This simple policy is designed to work with a booking system where lessons are paid upfront to secure them. It’s also designed to give teachers financial security by not offering refunds. Although this sounds harsh, it’s normal in most other industries and drastically reduces unnecessary cancellations.
I'll be real with you. I've been teaching for a while now.
I can't begin to tell you what a struggle it was in the beginning due to constant last-minute cancellations.
After much difficulty and sheer misery, I finally arrived at implementing this policy.
It changed everything. For me as a teacher and for my students.
The only real way I found to allow a singing teacher such as myself to exist- that is, for me to work this job and not say, spend my days as a grocery clerk- was to create set the rules up so that I have financial security. And you know what else. Students need rules and firm commitment if they wish to see results.
The results speak for themselves. Along with the fact that I'm here and available to help you.
That's not to say there still aren't plenty of sacrifices private teachers such as myself make by simply choosing this career path.
There is no 401k matching.
No government benefits.
No retirement.
No health insurance.
That's all on me to take care of myself. And I'm happy to do it. I'm happy to deal with that stuff on the back end because this work is so important to me.
I hope that is a good enough explanation, and that perhaps now you can better understand the value of this policy- for me, and for you.
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