Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I consider taking voice lessons at Harwood?
Private voice lessons are a time for you to get one-on-one feedback from a trained teacher who can help you discover and grow your unique voice. Every singer has individual needs as his or her voice develops that a choir teacher alone cannot give to every single student in the class. A voice teacher bridges that gap and gives singers opportunities to go deeper and learn more skills at a quicker pace. As an added benefit, these lessons are provided once a week during your choir class, before, or after school, so that means you can get this extra training without having to go to a private music studio somewhere else. Since I am an approved district private instructor, I stay in touch with your choir director and future high school directors to make sure I am providing you with the training you need to succeed in their programs. Prices for lessons are set by the district ($18.00 per lesson) and are usually more affordable than private studio lessons elsewhere.
How will taking voice lessons help me in choir?
Taking voice lessons now can be a great help to you in many ways. Lessons in junior high give you an advantage because it begins your training early and with a solid foundation, so that you develop healthy singing habits immediately. Your commitment to lessons shows present and future choir teachers that you want to make yourself a better singer and are willing to get long-term extra training to achieve that goal. Knowing what your voice sounds and feels like on its own is important in discovering where you fit in choir and how you can best be a part of the team. You'll have much more confidence in using your music skills and navigating your voice through many styles, which helps you become a valuable leader in your section. If your voice has already changed or begins to change during junior high (and it usually does), I have been trained to help you discover all the new things your voice can do and how to sing in a healthy way for the rest of your life. A voice teacher helps you with all these, with the added benefit of caring about you and your success all throughout your time in junior high and beyond.
What is a typical voice lesson with you (Mrs. Tompkins) like?
If you take lessons at Harwood, you will receive a 25-minute lesson each week either during choir class, before, or after school. We usually start with physical warm-ups and body movement, followed by vocal technique exercises and sight reading/music theory sessions. We will be learning songs that will build your vocal "playlist" of songs you can sing well, some of which I pick and some of which you get to pick based on your interests. You will learn how to sing well in multiple styles, including contemporary, classical, and musical theater. If you are auditioning for an honor choir or an upcoming show, we will fine-tune your audition songs and work on ways to make you stand out. You have total freedom to ask questions about singing, sight-reading, self-confidence, or anything else that you want to know. If there's time, we may sometimes add piano or instrument exploration activities. This helps build your knowledge of music and singing on a kinesthetic level.
Are voice lessons fun?
Yes! I try to make lessons a time where a student can come in, unwind, and discover new musical skills in creative ways.
How much do lessons cost?
Affordable prices are set by the school district at $18.00 per lesson. Students receive one lesson per week throughout the school year. Parents pay me in advance at the beginning of each month. I have a website that makes paying easy by sending out automatic invoices, and I accept many different types of payment (see contract for details).
I don't think my family can afford voice lessons, but I want to excel in singing and would love to take lessons if I could. What should I do?
Don't give up yet! Contact Mrs. Stewart and I about your family situation and your desire to take voice lessons. You may be eligible for a partial scholarship to help bring down the cost of lessons.
I am afraid to sing in front of other people. Can lessons help with that?
Many singers experience what we call "stage fright." This is a normal feeling, and we spend a lot of time working through this in lessons. I have many tips that can help you not only deal with your fear, but turn it into energy for a great performance. We have at least two recitals every year, where my students get together to sing for and encourage each other. These recitals have proven very effective in helping students become more comfortable with taking risks and singing in front of other people. It does take time, but it will get better with practice.
I am a 9th grader interested in auditioning for the Harmony show choir at Trinity High School at the end of this year. What should I do to prepare?
Voice lessons are a great idea if you want to audition for Harmony. I can help you decide on audition songs and give you advice on how to prepare for that audition. There are many current members of Harmony that took voice lessons with me at Harwood. It takes extra practice on your part, but if you're willing to go for it, I will help you through the process. If you are a dependable voice/choir student and hard worker, you will have extra support because Mrs. Stewart and I are always asked to give recommendations about Harmony applicants.
Can I take lessons for just one semester (Fall or Spring) to try it out?
Absolutely! Although you get the best results with a full year or multiple years of lessons, sometimes you have to try it out to know if voice lessons with me are really for you. If you decide at the end of the semester it’s not something you should continue, that is okay. There is usually a waiting list of people that can fill your spot, and I will encourage you to do what is best for you first and foremost. But you never know, you might enjoy it much more than you thought possible!
I only want one or two lessons per month instead of one every week. Is that possible?
Unfortunately, no. Lessons are designed to occur every week so students can experience consistent growth.
Do I have to participate in recitals if I'm taking voice lessons?
Yes, everyone that takes voice lessons at Harwood is asked to sing in our recitals. There are usually two each year; one in the Fall and one in the Spring. It is incredibly important for your growth as a singer to share your voice with people and learn from other performers as well. This is also a time for parents to hear all the progress you have been making and gives them a chance to acknowledge all of your hard work. In extreme cases of stage fright where a student is working on their fear of singing in front of others, Mrs. Stewart and I will counsel with that student and their parent/guardian to work out a plan to help them succeed. You can do it; were are here to help!
I'm interested in auditioning for honor choirs like All-Region and 9-10 Honor Choir. What is that about?
Every Fall, our region holds auditions for special honor choirs. It requires learning two songs on your own and auditioning for a panel of judges who are behind a screen (they can hear you, but can't see you). Harwood singers compete with other junior high students all over the region, and those who have the highest scores make it into the choir. If you get in, you will learn a few more pieces of music and then perform a concert later in the year with the other top singers. It is such a great experience and I recommend all my students try the audition process. If you want to make it in and you are in 8th-9th grade, voice lessons are a great idea to get extra help with the music and making it stand out from other singers' auditions. If you are a 7th grader, you can't audition for All-Region unless you are taking lessons (Mrs. Stewart’s rule).
I am only interested in singing in pop or musical theater styles. Would I still have to learn classical style in voice lessons?
One of the things about singing that many people don't know is that learning to sing in a classical (not necessarily operatic) style is one of the healthiest things you can do for your voice, regardless of the style you are passionate about or eventually want to specialize in. It is such a key foundation for becoming a strong singer with a voice that will last through your lifetime. Today's mainstream singers who do not know how to produce sound in this healthy way can end up with lasting damage to their vocal cords. If you want to know more about why this is important, do some of your own research with reputable singing sources, ask a choir teacher about it, or take a look at articles like these:
The Benefits of Classical Voice Training
The Importance of Classical Training in a Contemporary World
What is Solo & Ensemble?
Solo & Ensemble is an event held by our district every Spring that gives voice lesson students at all H-E-B junior highs the chance to sing for a judge and receive constructive feedback from them about their performance. Our students participate in this event every year, and they receive special recognition and choir awards for their efforts. If a student receives a Superior rating from the judge, they will receive a patch and additional school recognition for their achievements. The junior high level Solo & Ensemble is a training ground event to prepare students for the more advanced high school-level UIL Solo & Ensemble.