breath
vocal freedom
resonance
tone
colour
range
relaxation
technique
posture
release
health
enjoyment
problem solving
YOUR SINGING VOICE
- Experience singing lessons that will completely transform how you think about and use your voice. Discover the high quality singing traditions which bring a healthy flexibility, dynamism and energy to your singing and performance, whether you are a professional or just starting out.
YOUR SPEAKING VOICE
- Learn how to place your voice and become a dynamic and confident speaker.
YOUR HEALTH
- Access the benefits of deep breathing used for centuries by the finest singers. Transform your daily breathing habits with simple techniques and patterns that underpin good health and wellbeing. Brilliant, healthy breathing is for everybody: it's not just singers, but for living!
YOUR TEAM AT WORK
- Create memorable and uplifting development events for your colleagues where everyone is challenged to make the sound of a top choir in just a few hours, led by a leading vocal coach.
You'll be working with experienced professional Richard Parry.
Rich trained in classical voice with Mark Wildman, Head of Voice at the Royal Academy of Music, and has performed in European opera, concert and theatre.
Rich teaches voice and vocal freedom to singers and actors.
Rich is a gifted teacher and highly experienced coach, cutting through technical jargon, helping you to celebrate, realease and fully enjoy your voice.
Rich also specialises in working with corporate and community groups helping to improve confidence, communication, clarity and trust.
He also coaches presenters and public speakers.
TESTIMONIALS :
My vocal confidence has flourished under Richard’s expert guidance. I strongly recommend his teaching for beginner, improver and professional.
- Jayne Gregory
Richard is a true professional. Under his expert guidance my confidence and vocal abilities have grown immensely. I always leave feeling relaxed, energized, and more confident.
- Belle Houghton
I cannot find enough superlatives to describe the job you did for the whole team and the skilful way you went about it. I have never had an event that has generated so much positive comment.
- Stephen Smith, HR Director, Lloyds Banking Group
If you did some one thing that nobody else in the world did it would be a good thing. To Richard it’s come quite naturally because he is a storyteller and he’s a singer. He’s put the two things together. It’s not something you’ll find anyone else doing.
- Wyn Davies, Music Director, New Zealand Opera
Send a message today
to arrange a consultation
by email: richard@refreshingvoice.com
or
phone on 07974 397771 to chat informally about your desire to develop, strengthen and free your voice and breath
e: richard@refreshingvoice.com
t: 07974 39 7771
Frequently asked questions
Rich answers questions regularly asked by clients...
What happens in a session?
Every session is different, completely guided by your needs. In our first consultation meeting we'll talk about how you want to develop your voice and your previous experience. I'll outline the basics of good singing, breathing and spoken voice, and we'll start to explore them together. Following sessions usually consist of half an hour of exercises with a further half an hour where we apply the good basics to songs and/or texts. Everything is always tailored and paced for your needs and development.
What are your qualifications?
I have a degree in music from Sheffield University, studied voice as a postgraduate at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and undertook six years of singing lessons with Mark Wildman, Head of Voice at the Royal Academy of Music. I've worked in theatre too in musicals, tv, radio and opera, performing classical song at international music festivals. I've taught voice extensively. I coach individuals and also have led larger voice education projects.
How long is a coaching session?
Each session is an hour. Sometimes they run over a little.
How much do sessions cost?
Sessions cost £60 for children and students, and £80 for adults.
Where do you teach?
I'm based in South Wales, at the edge of Cardiff. I teach from a studio here, but travel widely to coach, undertake workshops and give performances.
Do you only work with professionals?
No, although I work with professional singers, actors, presenters and speakers, I also work with students, young people and any adult serious about developing voice and breathing. If you are genuinely interested I will teach you.
What can you offer to professional singers/actors?
Come for a singing M.O.T. to refresh and renew. We can discuss your specific needs, solve problems, ensure breath support and vowels are brilliant, develop technique, work on relaxation, energy and focus and look at dynamic, flexible posture for great delivery of voice. We can work on audition songs and old/new rep.
What's the most important thing when finding a vocal coach?
It's really important to find someone who helps you to feel relaxed. There's no point having a brilliant instructor if you don't settle and enjoy your vocal sessions. Happiness and joy are important parts of great voice, so you need to find a coach/teacher with whom you can feel good and be yourself.
What styles of singing do you teach?
All singing is based on vocal freedom, brilliant breathing and healthy vocal production. I teach techniques and approaches which underpin all styles of singing and am happy to work with you on applying your dynamic and healthy voice to classical, opera, musicals, theatre, jazz, pop, folk or any other music that interests and excites you. Good basic technique travels across all musical styles.
At what age should children start having lessons?
I recommend children wait until at least 11 years old before beginning formal lessons. Younger children should simply be singing fun easy songs with friends, groups and by themselves.
Can I improve my speaking voice?
Yes, actors, presenters, public speakers and teachers rely on dynamic, flexible, healthy voice. I can help you discover how to use these techniques for your speaking voice.
I'd like to change my shallow breathing patterns - can you help?
Yes. I can show you how singers take good, deep, brilliant breaths for healthy singing. Anyone can learn this. It's not just for singers! Deeper breathing helps develop voice, but it also is encouraged by medical practitioners for good health. Exploring and developing your breathing for everyday life is simple, but takes practice and application.
It's a bit nerve-wracking when meeting a new voice coach!
Yes, it can be strange - our voices are so important and personal to us! But I have a friendly, professional and relaxed approach. I'd be glad to meet and chat, and help.
Can I book you for a team development event at work?
Devising a group singing activity and challenge at work as part of team development can be very rewarding and great fun. I've worked in company HQ's, conferecne centres, hotels and even at Chelsea FC's ground delivering corporate sessions in which people come together to explore confidence, community, focus, release and give their voices together in a dynamic challenge to create the sound of a top choir. If you are looking for something exciting and different, and huge fun, for your team by all means give a call.
Do you work with schools?
Yes! I was appointed as the whole school singing teacher at Cadoxton School in South Wales - energising with song the the staff and the pupils helping everyone to release their voices joyfully. It's really rewarding work. I've delivered singing work in lots of schools and coached pupils and university students for special events. I've run a large voice project for England's Youth Music scheme and am delighted to talk to schools about voice, community and freedom.