rachel.austin

• What do I need to get started with online lessons?

Nothing major. Some students have a USB mic they like to use; others use a wired gaming headset; some just use their phone or laptop speaker. It's handy to have another device handy to play music through, but isn't necessary.

Rachel will test your wifi in your trial lesson before you make a commitment. We use Zoom for all lessons as it's got the best audio quality. She plays the focused exercises and sends a recording a warmups after the lesson in a Google Drive Folder.

• What if my internet service is slow?

If you sign up for lessons and - once you start a session - your service is slow on the odd day, Rachel never charges for network or connection failures. If you have a slow connection in general, either in-person or phone lessons could work best.

• How do I manage payments or schedule a lesson?

You can sign up for a trial lesson, cancel lessons, manage your lesson calendar, monitor payments, and sign up for packages on my calendar and payment portal.

• Any hidden terms and conditions?

Rachel operates her sessions the way most voice and music studios do: she asks for 24 hours' notice to cancel a lesson without losing it and 30 days notice via email that you're stopping lessons.

• Are online singing sessions as effective as in-person?

Rachel offers online lessons worldwide and in-person lessons in Waynesboro, Virginia, USA. If you're a self-starter and you want to actively engage with learning to singing or accessing your voice, online lessons are great. As for their efficacy, as long as you have a good internet connection and a good headset and microphone, we're going to be fine. We're all different. Some of us need to get out of the house or want to go to a different place for sessions. Others live in places where there are no high quality voice educators. And then there are the busy people with family, work, mobility challenges, or immunocompromised.

• What exactly do your singing sessions look like?

Rachel does breath work, allowing you to connect with your body. Physical warmups do the same thing to help release tension. Then you'll do some voice explorations - exercises or vocalising through your range. She will also talk about technique and emotional connection, getting feedback from you along the way. It can be an exhilarating process, if not moving, at times. Then you get to sing a song generally speaking of your choosing. Rachel can help you find a song that's an appropriate level, too.

• How can I verify you know what you're doing?

You can check the reviews on Facebook, Google, or Thumbtack.

• What if I'm too old?

This is the best time to start, right when you think you're past starting. Students who are 70+ have found lessons good overall for their breath control and energy levels!

• What if I'm super self conscious?

Online sessions are actually great for people who feel self-conscious. You do it at home at a time that's good for you.