Lesson FAQ

Here are some commonly asked questions about Halswell Music’s Private Lesson Studio:

What do we do in our first lesson?

Everybody gets an A in our first lesson! Initial lessons are the way we both decide if lessons with this studio are a good fit. We go through a series of vocalization exercises so I can hear your voice, and we sing through a simple song like Happy Birthday or Amazing Grace. Mostly, we get to know each other and then we discuss options for moving forward.

Why do you recommend 4 lessons to start?

To get a beginning understanding of any instrument and get comfortable with your teacher, I recommend 4 lessons. By 4 lessons, most piano students can begin to read music, and most voice students have a basic intellectual understanding of their vocal tract.

I have a gift certificate. How do I redeem it?

I look forward to working with you! You can redeem it here.

What should I do to prepare for online lessons?

Make sure Zoom is downloaded on your computer. It is best to use the desktop application of Zoom. The Zoom app on your ipad will not allow you to adjust the sound settings, which will lead to your high notes be “cut off.” Aka, Zoom will think you are a siren.

We’ll take the first couple of minutes of your first lesson to get your Zoom settings adjusted for singing. If you’d like to test them before, this is a great video that "should" be up to date. Zoom changes these settings a lot!

Your first lesson requirement is only to fill out the intake form sent to you upon receipt of your lesson payment. Going forward, you will be expected to keep a practice notebook to write your weekly assignments. Through out the week, you should write down what you practiced each day and make note of anything that needs focus or you have questions about.

Please be prepared to record your lessons every week and use those recordings for your practice! If you want a magic bullet for getting good fast, it’s this. You’ve got to watch yourself back and make adjustments. This will also rid you of any self-consciousness you have of performing!

Do you do in-person lessons?

Starting in 2024 I am offering lessons in my home studio in Medford, MA for a few spots during the week. In-person lessons are a great opportunity to work on mic technique and answer any performance specific questions you may have.

What kind of music do we work on?

I believe strongly in guiding lessons around music the student is interested in singing/playing. We will use books and sheet music in addition to standard repertoire to round out your education. As your teacher, I will let you know if a song is too hard or not a good fit (for now), and I reserve that right.

Can you teach me how to belt?

I can! But there’s more to it than that. A healthy belt requires a strong head and chest register, so we will start where you are vocally and build from there. You will learn a lot from this process!

How much should I / my child practice?

This is the million dollar question! It really depends on expectations and goals.

All lessons should be recorded (usually via Zoom) and used for the following week’s practice. Adult voice students should aim to practice technique for 5 days a week for 15-20 minutes using the recording. Repertoire can be practiced for an additional 20-30 minutes. You do not need to practice full voice! and practice can mean breathing exercises in the shower or the car.

Younger students should practice for 15 minutes using the recording provided, with an additional 10-15 minutes for repertoire practice.

Remember: your voice is a muscle. It will do much better if you practice for a shorter amount of time on a regular basis then if you practice for an hour or more one or two days a week.

TIP: Practice can sometimes feel daunting, especially if you’re busy. Add your practice onto a habit that already exists, like brushing your teeth in the morning. Then, set a timer! When you’re done, you’re done.

For piano:

Again, this really depends on the needs and expectations of parents/children.

For children 7-10, practice for 10-15 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
For young adults 12-15 practice for 20-25 minutes 5 days a week.
For adults 16 and above practice 20-30 minutes, 5 days a week.

The more you practice, the faster progress you’ll see. I encourage my piano students to record lessons to help guide their practice.

What is your cancellation policy?

Beginning October 2022, you will have until 8am the morning of your lesson to cancel. Your account will be credited and you will have 60 days to use the credit. No shows or cancellations after 8am are forfeited.

Do you offer weekly lessons?

Right now there are only 6 spots available per week, and those times are subject to change depending on what musical projects Halley is working on. If you would like to book for several weeks in a row, you may do so, but you are not guaranteed a weekly spot unless you book it.