Singing Lessons, Vocal coaching - Frankston, Patterson Lakes, Carrum, Bon Beach, Chelsea, Edithvale, Aspendale, Mordialloc, Parkdale, Mentone, Beaumaris. Seaford, Mt Elisa, Mornington, Mt Martha, Bayside. KIngston, Carrum Downs, Keysborough.
My name is James van Engelen. I have 34 years teaching experience and have a Diploma in Education. I teach all age groups from Primary school to adult.
I have taught many students who have gone on to become working professional musicians.
I’ve been a front man performing in bands singing and playing guitar for over 30 years in which I’ve also written and recorded my own material.
“Everyone is unique. Everyone has a voice.”
I’m here to help you find it.
How I teach
My approach to teaching singing is different to that of most singing teachers.
Most singing teachers teach from a technical view point. Scales.
Instead I teach you from the songs that you want to sing. As you find difficult sections, I create exercises which break down the difficult sections and make them manageable and accessible. You record me singing and playing the exercises on your phone so you can practice them at home.
I have a vocal range up to high E, so I can sing all the exercises for my female students.
Accompaniment
All accompaniment is live. This means that all exercises are created in real time. Key can be changed. Timing can be changed. It’s the most effective method of teaching.
Exercises
Exercises are created for any areas of the songs which need support. I have a vocal range up to high E. So I am able to demonstrate and record exercises for both male and female students .
Notes
Detailed notes are written each lesson. They cover all the points taught in the lesson and along with exercises recorded on the student’s phone, allow students to effectively practice between lessons.
Notes are sent to the student each week via SMS or email.
What I will teach you.
Songs
Any songs that you want to sing. Whether that be covers, or songs that you have written. If you want to write a song on the spot, I will help you. I will even write a song for you, on the spot. If that helps with your singing.
What I will teach you.
Pitch/singing in tune
I will teach you how to sing in tune. Everyone has a safe place in their vocal range. A place where they can sing in tune easily. I create exercises for you so you can use the strength of that safe place to go into the areas that you find difficult. Over time you will be able to sing in tune throughout your entire vocal range.
Expression/phrasing
I will teach you how to deliver the expression and phrasing in songs so to capture the hearts of your audience. I will teach you how to frame and deliver the “money notes”. The linch pins of the song. You will be able to deliver the emotional journey that your audience wants to hear.
Breathing and control.
I will teach you how to breath, how to become grounded. How to control how you let the air out of your lungs and resonate your vocal chords.
That is where the power and control of your voice comes from. That is also where you get your stamina.
Exercises designed specifically for you.
All the exercises and scales are designed specifically for the songs that you want to sing. They are created on the spot for you each lesson. There is no one size fits all in learning to sing. All lessons are tailor made to suit the individual student’s specific needs and requirements. These exercises and scales will hone in on the areas of your singing which require strengthening.
Pitch, timing, phrasing, articulation, breath, tone, delivery, strength, stamina and groundedness.
Being grounded is what allows you to shine onstage. Another way to describe groundedness is the ability to stay present within your self. That’s how you connect with your audience. Being grounded is also where you access your ability to deal with things when they go wrong. Whether you fight or flight. It will give you the power to stay present and deal with whatever’s coming your way.
Singing into a mic and PA.
Students also have the option to sing into a microphone and PA each lesson. Not all students want to and the mic and stand are stowed away so they never feel under pressure. It takes less than a minute to set up so students can opt to use the mic at any time in any lesson.
Stage Craft.
If you wish to perform live, I will guide you step by step as to how to prepare yourself for the experience. How to use a microphone effectively. How to make it work for you. How to use a microphone stand. As a way to fee your hands, or as a prop for self expression. How to communicate with the sound crew so you feel fully supported and comfortable.
Song Writing.
If you wish to write your own songs, I can guide through the whole process or just the areas that you want help.
There are so many ways to write a song. Endless. And you can do it anywhere, anytime. It all starts with an idea.
I can can guide you as to how to create the initial idea, the melody, lyrics, chord choices, song structure and instrumentation.
For examples of songs that I have produced recently,
For lesson prices and location,
If you have any queries or would like to organise a lesson,
please call or text on
0438 834 429
Or contact me via
Singing lessons/Vocal coaching – Patterson Lakes, Carrum, Bon Beach, Chelsea, Edithvale, Aspendale, Mordialloc, Parkdale, Mentone, Beaumaris. Seaford, Frankston, Mt Elisa, Mornington, Mt Martha.
Reviews
Sarah W.
“The lessons are really fun. I’ve never been so helped with my pitch before.”
Kerrie Jowett
“James is a great vocal coach. As a complete novice with less than 6 months coaching I feel much more confident with my singing. He is helping me prepare for my first amature performance. I know he has so much more to teach me and that feels exciting. He is endlessly patient. I love my weekly lessons.”
Aaron P.
“These lessons have changed my life. I’ve found my voice.”
Mardi S.
“The moment I walked in, I felt safe, warm and welcome. It’s a wonderful environment to learn singing.”
Summer
“James is the best singing teacher I’ve ever had. He’s made singing fun again.”
Bella
“He’s the perfect singing teacher. Each week he gives me exactly what I need.”
Russel
“I knew this body wanted to sing. James has allowed me to find my voice.”
Sandy
“The lessons are so much fun. Even when it gets hard, James finds ways to make the hard parts seem less scary. Each week my voice just feels better and better. Great singing teacher”
Rachael Herbert
“My daughter loves having lessons with James. She looks forward to them every week.”
Michael Steadman
“My son decided he’d like to try singing. We tried a couple of singing teachers. He certainly feels most comfortable with James and his singing has improved a great deal since the lessons have started. We feel very lucky to have found him.”
Julie Aarbuckle
“My daughter loves her lessons with James. Her wish is to have a life on the stage. The lessons have made her more confident as a singer in every way. “
Harry Smiles
“The lessons with James have inspired my daughter. We regularly hear her practise her singing and she’s gained the confidence to start singing in front of visitors when they come to the house. It’s been amazing to watch her develop. She has a new found confidence. “
Kirsty
“I was recommended James as a vocal coach by a mutual friend. He’s a great singing teacher. I’ve always wanted to sing and he makes the lessons so much fun. I look forward to them every week.”
Jess
“I’ve always wanted to learn singing. James is the second teacher I tried. The first teacher was ok but James is just brilliant. My singing has improved so much. “
Sarah W.
"The lessons are really fun. I've never been so helped with my pitch before."
Aaron P.
"These lessons have changed my life. I've found my voice."
Mardi S.
"The moment I walked in, I felt safe, warm and welcome. It's a wonderful environment to learn singing."
Sarah W.
The lessons are really fun. I've never been so helped with my pitch before.
Mardi S.
The moment I walked in, I felt safe, warm and welcome. It's a wonderful environment to learn singing.