Looking for voice lessons?
Whether you're just starting out, preparing for auditions, wanting extra practice, researching for a loved one, wanting to master karaoke, or just singing for fun, Jolie cultivates a safe, low-pressure, and fun environment to improve your vocal skills. Even if you're a seasoned performer, regular voice lessons are still valuable and necessary. Private lessons can raise your confidence, prepare you for any type of performance, expand your vocal range, and encourage proper breathing techniques and posture. These ideals are vital in and out of the classroom!
How do private lessons work?
It is recommended that lessons take place for at least one hour once a week. Each lesson is catered specifically to the student's interests and vocal needs. The first thirty minutes of each lesson are spent on exercises and warm ups. Physically stretching the body is important for singing preparation, just like any other physical activity. Breathing exercises are arguably the most crucial parts of each lesson. Without proper breathing techniques, a vocalist will never be able to reach their full potential or sing in the healthiest possible way. Singing warm ups start out simple and gradually grow more complicated and involved. You can't expect a dancer or a runner to do a full routine or run a whole race without first warming up the body, and the same applies when getting ready to sing. Warm ups use a variety of mouth sounds, shapes, and syllables to access different ways to healthily sing, expanding your vocal toolbox. While sounding a little strange in the moment, these vowel sounds and shapes can be directly used in preparing a full piece of music, the same way a dancer learns steps that eventually make up an entire choreographed routine. The last thirty minutes of each lesson are spent working on whatever piece of music the student desires, using the knowledge and techniques focused on during warm ups. Sometimes it can feel like so much to think about all at once while you're singing - breath control, good posture, shoulders back, body relaxed, open the throat, don't tense your jaw, take another deep breath - but the goal is for all of these vocal ideas and techniques to become second nature and muscle memory. Singing safely is the main focus of lessons, not just sounding good.
What do I need to know about Jolie's lessons?
Jolie offers lessons Monday-Wednesday from 12-8pm. Lessons cost $50/hour. All new students must have an in person meeting in a public place or Zoom call with Jolie before lessons can begin. This is non negotiable. Additionally, a new student registration form will need to be completed and submitted before lessons can begin. This form can be found below. Lessons are conducted at Jolie's place of residence in Midcity New Orleans. If the student or parent/guardian would prefer for lessons to be conducted at their place of residence, that can be discussed for a higher rate. Lessons are available to people of all ages and levels of experience. It is also recommended that some lessons focus on music theory or piano, however it is not required. These can be majorly helpful during at home practice and in fully interpreting pieces of music. The first one or two lessons will usually be spent solely on warm ups and exercises before the first attempt at a full song. All pieces of music performed in lessons are the student's choice. While any and all types of music genres are welcome and encouraged, it's important to note that Jolie specializes in pop, musical theatre, and jazz. Singing practice is required outside of lessons to see the most improvement. Water and a binder for sheet music and notes are the only materials students need to bring for class.
I've never taken lessons before, and I'm nervous.
Don't be! While that's so much easier said than done, lessons are most beneficial when the student feels comfortable and relaxed. Lessons should be fun and enjoyable! This is the time to play around, experiment, and make mistakes. There is no pressure to sound a certain way or set any specific deadlines. Stage fright is normal and natural. Even seasoned singers "mess up" all the time. No one is perfect! Learning to relax and not focus on every small detail can only lead to improvement. Sometimes exercises and warm ups will require you to make strange sounds or do strange things with your body. There's no need to ever feel embarrassed or self conscious during your lessons. Try your best to feel at ease, and over time your confidence will soar.
Feel free to email Jolie directly with any questions. Response times might be slower on weekends. Before setting up lessons, have a few time options available. For all payment and attendance requirements, please read through the new student registration form below. It's important to note that two cats live at Jolie's place of residence in case of allergies.
Let's sing together!
