HM Voice Studio - FAQ

1. HOW MUCH DO LESSONS COST AND HOW DO I PAY FOR LESSONS? 

Prices are all located in the intake form. Please note you will need to book a Discovery Call first followed by an Initial Fit Lesson before ongoing lessons or flexi lessons to ensure you get the best out of the lessons.  For lesson payment - lessons are billed fortnightly, monthly or by the term via XERO and can either pay via your bank card (Stripe) or via bank transfer. Payment is to be made within 7 days. If you need support around this please let the studio know. A late fee may be added if payments are not made within 14 days.  

2. WHAT IS YOUR LESSON STYLE, AND HOW DO I KNOW ITS RIGHT FOR ME?

All lessons are  tailored according to your need's and passions, whether that is focusing on singing/piano/songwriting for pleasure and fun, pursing performance opportunities, recording or audition prep. She is passionate about developing voices at any stage of the  musical journey, particularly singers who need solid or further foundation work, adult students who have always wanted to learn or are wanting to get back into singing and need direction.  Hannah May uses a variety of techniques to ensure each and every singer understands how to use your voice with confidence, building strength, range, flexibility as well as exploring their unique tone and musicality regardless of age or level. Hannah May's style in teaching voice is wholistic ensuring together you leave no stone unturned in building your voice and working on any issues you might have.

3. CAN I GET ONE LESSON TO TRY IT OUT FIRST?  Absolutely, our process is two fold in that you have a Discovery Call to meet me, then an Initial Fit Lesson before you commitment to ongoing sessions or flexi sessions.  Every teacher and student is different and as a professional singer herself, Hannah May understands and encourages clients and younger students to ensure its the best fit for them. She has solid connections with other voice teachers both here in Tasmania, interstate and around the world so if she isn't the right teacher for you will happily recommend others to you. 

4. WHERE IS THE STUDIO LOCATED FOR IN-PERSON LESSONS? 

HM Voice Studio is located in Rosetta, Hobart, Tasmania. (2 minutes from MONA). Given studio is a private residence address is given after Discovery Call and time and date for initial lesson set if you are wanting an in person lesson.  All online lessons are via Zoom, Teams or Forte (first preference). 

5. DO YOU TEACH ONLINE? 

Yes, Hannah May has been coaching for many years online. It is super easy, and means you can save money on travel costs.  For all online lessons we use FORTE/Zoom and a link will be emailed to you to set up your account and to allow you to enter the private studio room. As long as you have a laptop, second device (such as a phone/ipad) and good internet lessons online lessons will give you ease and consistency even if you are travelling or away for work. 

6. WHAT AGES / LEVELS DO YOU TEACH? 

Hannah May works with beginners to advanced. In terms of age it depends on the student's personality and focus. Hannah May works with singers from 7-100. All students are invited in for an initial fit lesson and if on the younger side we discuss length of lesson and support. 

7. WHAT ARE THE OFFICE HOURS/TERM BLOCKS?

2024 Dates

Block 2 - 22 April 2024 - 5th July 2024

STUDIO CLOSED FOR 10 DAYS FOR WINTER BREAK 

Block 3 - 15 July 2024 -  27 September 2024

Block 4 - 14 October 2024 - 19th December 2024

8. WHAT ACCESS TO LEARNING TOOLS DO I GET? 

Lessons also include access to Practice Space, an app which houses all learning materials such as vocal exercise recordings, sheet music, and print outs needed to get the best out of your vocal, piano or songwriting development.  Performance and recording opportunities are also shared and provided when they arise. 

9. I WANT SINGING AND PIANO LESSONS (OR SONGWRITING), CAN I DO BOTH?

Absolutely - We offer two ways of doing that. First option is 1 hour lesson where you have a 30 minute lesson on the piano and followed by 30 minute lesson on singing. Second option is to alternate weeks Week 1-piano, followed by Week 2- voice and so forth. 

10. WHAT & WHERE IS YOUR STUDIO POLICY?

Down the bottom of this website page is the studio policy, and when you sign up for lessons you will need to read through it before signing up for sessions (a copy will also be sent to you as well)   A note to please read carefully through as the studio policy covers invoicing, missed lessons, cancelling lessons, and all terms and conditions around lesson attendance, alongside vocal health and wellbeing of clients and coach. 

11. WHAT WILL I LEARN IN MY LESSONS?

Singing Method/Style/Approach: 

Hannah May's approach comes from working with some of the best in the Australian music industry (and overseas) studying methods such as Speech Level Singing, Estill Voice Training, and Somatic Voiceworks, and many other modalities. Her one-on-one vocal lessons cover all areas of vocal production and musicality - from vocal health, to breath management, resonance, pitch, dynamics, diction, tone shaping, style, song selection, vocal and body confidence, posture/alignment and the science behind the voice across styles. She works on bridging vocal function so you can step into your musicality and artistry with confidence, whether you are singing pop/jazz songs, or dancing/singing on stage as a music theatre performer. Hannah May also specialises in working with singers and songwriters who may struggle with anxiety around performing or lack of vocal confidence to build a voice that you can be proud of. If you struggle with anxiety or singing in front of others you have come to the right studio. All ages and levels are welcome. 

Piano Method/Style/Approach:

Hannah May's approaches comes from a variety of backgrounds including her work as a pianist/keyboard player as an artist and musician, and having studied AMEB Piano for Leisure. While Hannah May does not cater for exams your piano lessons will be shaped depending on what you are wanting to learn - whether it's classical, or contemporary styles or jazz. Hannah May works with a variety of fun and engaging books including books/techniques, and books such as How to Blitz Theory to build upon sight reading and music theory.  You have access to Practice Space where all your learning tools will be housed, and where you can post videos between your lessons for extra support. If you want to do any piano exams please reach out to other piano teachers. 

Songwriting Sessions: 

Whether you are seasoned songwriter wanting accountability/another sets of ears/feedback before a recording session, or a beginner songwriter Hannah May works with you on crafting songs that are you, your style and that will leave you feeling really proud of your work. Songwriting is about storytelling and Hannah May will work with you to ensure your songs are lyrically, melodically and harmonically strong, captivating, dynamic, and with clear structure and flow. As an award-winning songwriting Hannah May loves nothing more than supporting  songwriters write and craft their songs for recording or a performance.  If you don't play an instrument she is skilled in providing you with electronic tools or apps that allow you to build your dream of writing your own songs. 

12. HOW MUCH DO I HAVE TO PRACTICE AND HOW GET THE BEST OUT OF LESSONS?

Here at the studio we use an app called 'Practice Space' and Google Docs giving you access to all exercises, practice sheet ideas, song lists, and your individual notes for your lessons. With regard to practice it is about finding what you are wanting out of your schedule, what your current strengths and weakness areas are and building a daily session into your lifestyle.  We find what works best for you, however a general rule is between 15-20 minutes daily including a warm up if you are wanting to feel/hear significant growth across the year.  

13. DO YOU RUN WORKSHOPS? Specialised small group workshops are offered by the term (ex: harmony, songwriting, microphone technique) to students who are invested in weekly training. Online workshops are also offered throughout the year.  Workshops will depend on Hannah May's availability. 

14.  WANT TO SING FOR A SPECIAL EVENT OR FOR MY PARTNER/MOTHER (AKA WEDDING, PARTY) CAN YOU HELP?

Depending on the song, time frame and focus absolutely! Hannah May has helped a number of singers work on songs to perform, record or share at a special event. 

15. I GET REALLY ANXIOUS SINGING IN FRONT OF PEOPLE, DO I HAVE SING IN FRONT OF YOU BY MYSELF?

Welcome, you have come to the right studio as we specialise in working with music makers, singers and songwriters who want to build on their skills and confidence. Hannah May will always support, guide and sing along when needed. This is a safe space for all creatives and we will always check in during and after lessons to ensure the best outcome for you. Please note Hannah May is not a trained therapist or a psychologist, and if you are struggling with your mental health please seek medical advice. HM Voice Studio will always work to ensure well-being of both coach and singer. 

16. I HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDED BY FRIENDS OR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL TO TRY SINGING TO HELP WITH MY ANXIETY OR DEPRESSION? AND/OR I STRUGGLE WITH MY MENTAL HEALTH - CAN I SIGN UP FOR LESSONS TO HELP? 

Singing is one way to help manage stress/anxiety/depression. However, please note Hannah May is not a trained therapist or a psychologist and if you are struggling with your mental health please seek medical advice via your GP.  While you will get some time at the start of each lesson to check in - the focus is singing, piano or songwriting in each lesson, and if you feel you are unable to do that please let the studio know in advance and can reschedule lesson. HM Voice Studio will always work to ensure well-being of both coach and singer,  which in some cases may meaning pausing or stopping lessons if you are unwell. 

17. I WANT TO WORK ON MY SKILLS AS A GUITARIST AND SINGER, CAN YOU HELP? 

Yes, while Hannah May does not teach guitar she does play and has a acoustic and electric guitar/amp in the studio, and has supported many singer/songwriters who play guitar and sing. If during lessons though you realise you need more training around your guitar technique we can recommend some great guitar teachers here in Hobart/online. 

18. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO SEE PROGRESS? 

Such an important question and its important to know there are many layers. It depends on whether you are attending weekly/fortnightly, your practice at home, and your level of awareness and aural skills which vary person to person. For learning any skill its usually around 2+ years of training and any year on top of them is building and growing the skill.  You will 100% see/hear progress in a lesson, however its about building upon that at home with the support of Practice Space to cement the learnings. 

19. I WANT EITHER DISCONTINUE LESSONS OR MOVE TO FLEXI BASIS. 

Simply email the studio to let Hannah May you need to pause/stop lessons or move to flexi and check studio policy if it is during the term/block. A survey will be sent out to all clients who are stopping lessons for feedback. Some clients need flexibility with work/travel and a flexi lesson can be arranged (please note this price is higher than weekly spot). 

20. I HAVE A QUESTIONS THAT ISN'T ANSWERED HERE? 

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