Frequently asked questions
Getting started
Do I need any experience?
No. A good share of students arrive having never had a lesson, and some haven’t sung in front of another person since school. That’s a completely normal place to begin.
What happens in a trial lesson?
Thirty minutes, $20. We talk about what you’d like to work on, then we actually work — some singing or reading, a little technique, and you’ll leave having learnt something. It’s a real lesson, not an interview. Afterwards you decide whether to book more. No pressure and no obligation.
How old do students need to be?
Students currently range from 6 to 50. Very young children do best in short 30-minute lessons, and there’s no upper limit at all.
Do you teach adults?
Yes, and a good number of them are complete beginners. Lessons are one-to-one, so there’s no group to feel self-conscious in front of, and you’ll never be made to perform for anyone.
Do parents stay in the lesson?
For younger children, whatever works best for the child — some settle better with a parent in the room, others concentrate better without. Happy to try it both ways.
Practicalities
Where is the studio?
24 View Street, Pascoe Vale VIC 3044 — a private home studio in Melbourne’s inner north. Roughly ten minutes from Coburg, Glenroy, Oak Park and Strathmore, and fifteen from Brunswick, Moonee Ponds and Essendon.
Is there parking?
Yes — off-street parking is available, and the studio is a short walk from Pascoe Vale station.
What are your teaching hours?
- Monday: 11am – 8pm
- Tuesday: 6.30pm – 8pm
- Wednesday: 11am – 8pm
- Thursday: 11am – 8pm
- Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Do you teach online?
Yes, online lessons are available. Please select the “Online Lesson” option in the booking system.
Do you teach during school holidays?
Yes, lessons can continue through the holidays. If you want to pause for the holidays please let Phoebe know.
Lessons and progress
How often should I have lessons?
Weekly is ideal, especially at the start, because progress comes from consistency more than intensity. Fortnightly works for students with a lot on. Both are fine — an irregular pattern is what doesn’t work.
How long until I hear a difference?
Most students notice something in the first few lessons — usually breath, or range, or simply feeling less like their throat is doing all the work. Real change in the voice takes months. Anyone promising faster than that is selling something.
What music will I sing?
Yours. You bring the songs you want to work on and we build technique through them. The training is classical, which means it’s safe and it transfers to any genre — pop, musical theatre, jazz, folk, whatever you’re into.
Do you prepare students for exams?
Yes, if you desire to go through the exam process, Phoebe can coach you along the way and make sure you are fully prepared for exams such as AMEB, Trinity College London, VCE Music Performance, and VCE Drama.
Can I work on more than one thing?
Yes, and plenty of students do. Splitting a lesson between singing and acting is common, as is switching focus depending on what’s coming up.
Money and admin
How much do lessons cost?
$20 for a trial lesson, then $35 for 30 minutes, $55 for 45 minutes, or $75 for an hour — the same whatever you’re working on. Ten-lesson blocks work out cheaper. Full pricing →
Am I locked into a term?
No. There’s no term contract and no joining fee. Book lesson by lesson, or a block if you’d rather have it locked in the diary.
How do I pay?
Phoebe will email you an invoice (from Hnry) that you can pay by card, PayID or transfer. Alternatively, if you prefer to pay cash please bring it with you and pay on the day.
What if I need to cancel?
We understand that things change, please let Phoebe know as soon as you know you cannot attend. If the cancellation is within 4 hours of your lesson time, you will be charged 50% of the lesson price for the inconvenience. Please explain to Phoebe why you are cancelling and she will help you reschedule.