The Natural Voice: Singing and Breathing Studio in Hobart, Tasmania | School

The Natural Voice: Singing and Breathing Studio

Locality: Hobart, Tasmania

Phone: +61 417 123 680

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25.01.2022 I hurriedly sketched out a picture of vocal cords this week. Turns out I drew Pacman.

25.01.2022 You can attend a workshop "enhance your breathing, enhance your sound" with our very own Helen Todd as part of this year's Festival of Voices. Saturday, 13th July, 9.30am. Cost $45/$30. https://festivalofvoices.com/enhance-your-breathing-enhanc/ I attended the two workshops Helen led last year and I can tell you they were completely brilliant. Don't miss out on this opportunity!... --Eleanor

24.01.2022 We had a great night Friday at Fern Tree Tavern's Christmas in July. Myself, Isabel Snow and Charlotte May sang a couple of numbers each to support Tonic Choir.

24.01.2022 It's getting closer; time to make that booking.

24.01.2022 The Natural Voices own Louise Stubs and Kieran Slicer appear as The Plaintiff and The Judge in this years production of Gilbert and Sullivans Trial By Jury. As well as John Snell and Lana Mack featuring in the ensemble. The case gets underway this evening, with proceedings continuing throughout January. The trial is open to the public Friday and Saturday evenings 6pm and 7pm. Dont be court without a ticket! https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=577818

24.01.2022 Second exciting thing of the day is the details of a joint concert between HVT and TNV. See the details on the poster below.

24.01.2022 Sadly, Eurovision 2020 is another Corona casualty but do yourself a favour and check out Iceland's entry. Fun for the whole family with awesome dance moves to learn. Thanks to Eurovision guru Betty Evans for getting me on to this. ... https://youtu.be/VFZNvj-HfBU

23.01.2022 Singing teachers Helen Todd and Eleanor Webster have joined together to form "The Natural Voice: Singing and Breathing Studio." Lessons available in Hobart (Helen 0417 123 680) and Huonville (Eleanor 0416 667 933.)

23.01.2022 Daniel Levitin unravels some of the mysteries of music and what goes on in our head in the brilliant and highly acclaimed book, "This is Your Brain on Music." Here you can find a video documentary, "The Musical Brain" by Levitin: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/themusicalbrain There are also some free lectures by available online such as this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fV8EOwgEDzk

23.01.2022 From Natural Voice student Laini Colman: "As you know Australia, the beautiful country in which I live, is currently experiencing the most devastating bush-fire season on record. Lives have been lost, hundreds of homes have been destroyed and thousands of Australias native animals burnt alive. The worst is not over. I wrote this song last year during the terrible fires we were experiencing here in Southern Tasmania, but I never released it. I had intended it would be on my... next album, and I guess it still will be; but in trying to work out how I could best support the current disaster relief and recovery efforts, Im releasing it now in the hope that I can raise some money to forward to the Australian Red Crosss bush-fire disaster relief and recovery fund, which needs as much help as it can get. Once again, I have to thank Mike Raine for his wonderful production! If you feel you would like to help then please consider purchasing an MP3 download of the single from my website (where you can also listen to the song). All money raised will: Support people at evacuation centres and recovery hubs, and Provide emergency assistance (including cash grants to people who have lost homes in these bushfires.) Prices can be changed to the currency of your choice after adding to your cart. Needless to say, your support is much appreciated! https://www.lainicolman.com/music/tears-of-ash/

23.01.2022 Last year we held a concert in conjunction with Huon Valley Theatre. It was a fantastic Sunday afternoon soiree that we are hoping to repeat in November this year. Here are a couple of pics from last years concert courtesy of Laini. Laini was one of our singers on the day and had an incredible performance with an unexpected unaccompanied section in the middle. ... Afterwards I said to Laini, that the unaccompanied section was really awesome and a great choice: had she planned it with our accompanist, Andrew? As it happened the keyboard dropped out just as she got to the bridge and Andrew managed to get it going again as the verse came in. Laini, the pro she is, kept singing through the whole thing!!!

22.01.2022 I love making musical connections. A couple of years ago I was given some music from former student, Liz. I was delighted to find a copy of the beautiful art song "Young Love Lies Sleeping" by English composer Arthur Somervell; a song I remember hearing at Eisteddfods when I was growing up.... I also have a music book "The Compleat Teacher: the Three Rs in Music Vol 3" (Boosey & Co Ltd, 1932) which I only just realised is by the same Arthur Somervell. This lovely quote from page 5 of "The Compleat Teacher": "There is an obvious reason why the purely vocal part of the work is so far ahead of the reading and ear training. It presents fewer obvious difficulties, and is naturally more enjoyable to both teacher and pupils than reading and ear training. But it is quite certain that, if reading and ear training were taught with anything like the enthusiasm often spent on the vocal work, the present sharp contrast between the results would disappear. Wherever the sight reading and ear training are satisfactory, the children thoroughly enjoy themselves, because they are aware of their own progress and the development of a new power."

22.01.2022 Thank you to Andrew Morrisby for the beautiful playing and to George Snow for sound. Also, to Georgina Douglas-Morse for the video!!

22.01.2022 Welcome to the new year! We are very excited to announce that Kieran Slicer is joining our teaching team this year. Kieran is an exceptional singer and teacher and will be available in the Hobart area and possible south - more details to come! Helen Todd - 0417 123 680 - [email protected]... Hobart and Lindisfarne Helen has begun teaching for the year and has a few spaces still available. Eleanor Webster - 0416 667 933 - [email protected] Begins Tuesday, 13th February (after school goes back). A few spaces available during the day - after school currently full (but please do enquire as things can change). Kieran Slicer - 0428 119 039 - [email protected] Details to come - watch this space!

22.01.2022 Tonights office. Many of our students are singing across the Christmas period. Its remarkable sunny here at Glen Huon tonight.

22.01.2022 Congratulations to Laini Colman for her result of an "A" in AMEB Grade 3 Singing for Leisure. The comments remarked around how well prepared she was for the exam. It is so lovely to work with students who put in the work needed to get a good result :D

22.01.2022 Ever wondered how the diaphragm works? This video from Operation Ouch gives a great visual presentation (from 1'25). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUVMok4Qp-Y

21.01.2022 Laini Colman's CD Launch next Friday, 31st May!!! A word from Laini: "I'm really excited to share the news that my second album "Take a Breath" is being released on 31st May. Four years ago, I would never have thought it would be possible - that I would have the confidence in my voice to achieve this - and for that I have to thank the Natural Voice Studio and my wonderful teacher Eleanor Webster for her constant support and encouragement. ... I have already released two singles off the album - "Take a Breath" and "I Breathe You In"- and if you are interested, you can listen to them (as well as watch the music videos) on my website here, where you'll also find the music from my debut 2017 album . http://www.lainicolman.com

21.01.2022 The current bushfires have affected many of our students down south. We hope Paige and her family will be back in their home soon.

21.01.2022 Congratulations to Kieran and Isabel who are singing, and former student Niamh who is dancing, in "First Steps: An Irish Journey" this weekend. If you want to go you'd better hurry as I don't think there are many tickets left! https://www.facebook.com/events/228822251636940?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22search_results%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22search%22%7D]%7D

21.01.2022 While Festival of Voices wasnt able to go ahead this year they still found a way to do "The Big Sing." Heres the video for you to sing along to. https://www.facebook.com/abchobart/videos/731242964358015/

21.01.2022 Whilst back on home-soil for a brief visit, soprano Sarah Jones is giving a lunchtime recital at the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music tomorrow. Get along if you can - the program looks brilliant! https://www.utas.edu.au//au/sarah-jones-lunchtime-recital

20.01.2022 Sadly, Eurovision 2020 is another Corona casualty but do yourself a favour and check out Icelands entry. Fun for the whole family with awesome dance moves to learn. Thanks to Eurovision guru Betty Evans for getting me on to this. ... https://youtu.be/VFZNvj-HfBU

19.01.2022 In view of the uncertainty surrounding Corona virus we have postponed our first student recital for the year. Helen, Kieran and myself are advising students of private teaching arrangements. To bring a smile to your face Im going to post some musical bloopers below. Feel free to add your own. ... Ill begin with John Lennon stuffing up the words to "Help". The questionable lyrics from John Lennon are at 124. Also, not a huge blooper, but a guitar falls over at 26". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYpDVzxbxkQ

19.01.2022 Thanks to Andrew Morrisby for the beautiful playing and to George Snow for sound. Thanks to Georgina Douglas-Morse for the video!

19.01.2022 The Natural Voice's own Louise Stubs and Kieran Slicer star as The Plaintiff and The Judge in this year's production of Trial By Jury. Performances start this evening and run throughout January on Friday and Saturday evenings. Don't be court without a ticket! https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=577818

18.01.2022 One of our students just had the most beautiful compliment paid to them. This is the message I just received: "Ive just had a neighbour from the back call on me asking whether I was alright and whether I was going. That was nice. Then he said he could hear me sing every day and how much he enjoyed it. ... I close all windows when I sing to ensure I dont about anyone. I might as well leave the windows open. Cant say Im not thrilled " It made my day to hear this! Also, from yesterday, I love the following that a 14yo student posted: "This is how my gymnastics is going. Due the to corona virus unfortunately my dance company is now closed until further notice. Until than I have decided that Im going to work on things that need improvement with my dance life. When dancing reopens I might be that little bit better. Remember guys just keep on trying and following your dreams."

18.01.2022 Preparing for the mics and lights workshop starting shortly!

17.01.2022 While we're talking about things that are on this weekend, we also have students in Hobart College's production of "Singing in the Rain". See the dates in the link. Lawrence Ellis Taishah Simvis... https://www.facebook.com/events/2186381308114696/

17.01.2022 Eleanor has been working with the Prep class at Sacred Heart Geeveston the last two terms on a xylophone song writing project. Today the Preps have their big performance of their original songs for family and friends. They have made tickets. It costs a gold coin donation with proceeds to go to Hobarts Choir of High Hopes.

16.01.2022 An unexpected and belated birthday gift from a friend. I can't wait to read it!

15.01.2022 You can now head over to Spotify to hear Laini Colman's new album. Congratulations Laini!! "Following on from my news on 22 May, I'm really excited to announce that my second album "Take a Breath" has been released today. It can now be streamed on all the major online channels and I really hope you enjoy listening - here is the Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/album/7t8Ewxz0WUcfJYUg1jFtYP . If you would like to purchase your own copy then physical CDs and downloads are available from my website here: https://www.lainicolman.com//take-a-breath-cd-digital-dow/" Laini Colman

15.01.2022 Lovely to see Huonville Festival of Carols going ahead. We have a few students singing this year

15.01.2022 Wishing good luck to all the vocal competitors in the Hobart Eisteddfod! We have students singing across the weekend in the Music Theatre and Pop sections. If you're in Hobart why not pop in and catch a session. Classical session are next weekend.

14.01.2022 I'm so inspired by this song right now. I bought the music yesterday and sat at the piano singing through it. Today I had a lesson with Sarah. It was her second lesson and I'd been thinking about a song to give her but hadn't come up with anything I thought would suit. Right before her lesson I walked by the piano and saw Afterwhile sitting there and thought, that's it! Sarah connected with the song straight away and sang it so beautifully and with a genuine emotion. ... It was a really special moment for me as a teacher. There is nothing more satisfying than finding a great song choice for a student. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UBoUoSHrBk

14.01.2022 I am very excited that after a nine year break I am playing the Plaintiff in G&S's summer season of Trial by Jury at Hobart's Supreme Court. I first played this role in 2000 alongside Darren Sangwell and I'm so thrilled to be reprising it this year with Darren playing judge again. Although I missed the first weekend due to being away (thanks to Cassie Ogle for filling in) I am back in the wedding gown this weekend. Performances at 6pm & 7pm : Friday, 11th, Saturday, 12th and... Friday, 18th. Final performance 6.30pm Saturday, 19th. https://www.facebook.com/events/289078461749906/ If you have never seen Trial by Jury (or even if you have) you mustn't miss it. It's an hilarious 40-min romp as the Defendant and Plaintiff face-off trying to win support of the Jury under the watchful eye of the Judge who comes up with the most ridiculous solutions to the problem. Far from being outdated "Trial" is just as relevant over 140 years after it was first produced (if not more relevant!). Tickets are $25 adults, $20 concession, $15 child (6-16) per $70 per family and are available through the event link here. The Natural Voice: Singing and Breathing Studio has a big presence in the cast with teacher Kieran Haydn Slicer in the ensemble and understudying the role of Judge; Charlotte May, Millie Snow and Louise Stubs playing the bridesmaids; and Lana Mack, Isabel Snow and Kylie Cahill featuring in the ensemble. --Eleanor

14.01.2022 Im so inspired by this song right now. I bought the music yesterday and sat at the piano singing through it. Today I had a lesson with Sarah. It was her second lesson and Id been thinking about a song to give her but hadnt come up with anything I thought would suit. Right before her lesson I walked by the piano and saw Afterwhile sitting there and thought, thats it! Sarah connected with the song straight away and sang it so beautifully and with a genuine emotion. ... It was a really special moment for me as a teacher. There is nothing more satisfying than finding a great song choice for a student. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UBoUoSHrBk

14.01.2022 Here's a video from Friday night. It's me! Thanks to Andrew Morrisby for the fun piano and to George for sound! And thanks to Georgina Douglas-Morse for taking the video!

13.01.2022 This weekend we are coming up to our second student concert of the year. We usually get in four concerts a year plus our Christmas gig. We aim to give our students a safe and friendly space in which to explore the music they are learning. It is delightful to see the progress from beginners to the more experienced singers.... From our last concert here is a little video of Mae who's only five-years-old performing for the very first time. Thanks for sharing this with us Beck!

13.01.2022 Huon Valley Theatre's first Virtual Voice and Variety Concert went up on YouTube today featuring some of our students (and former students!): Liz Cherry, Catherine Blake, Saila Perera, Dilon Perera, Paige Hensley, Monica Robbie, and myself and Ben van Tienen. Follow the link below to see! Thanks to Monica, Mike and Huon Valley Theatre for getting this concert happening!... Oh, and if you're feeling inspired after watching you might like to submit a video for the next virtual concert! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ozjIiUMIHy0

13.01.2022 A workshop coming up with Helen Todd!

12.01.2022 Our teacher, Eleanor, will be singing at Mona this Friday (20th) from 12.30-2.30.

12.01.2022 This year is the Centenary of AMEB and they put the call out for people to submit a video to be a part of their "AMEB Online Orchestra." Congratulations to student, Saila, who entered, and guess what? She is the very first singer on the video, opening the whole song! See the video of "Waltzing Matilda" below. Well done, Saila - you are amazing!!!... Shyamali Jayatunge Perera https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJmUVGK_nYY#action=share

12.01.2022 The Natural Voice is looking forward to supporting Tonic for this festive occasion.

11.01.2022 At the Hobart Eisteddfod with this monkey waiting for Isabel to sing. We just heard a most inspiring section, the Open Art Song. I would encourage people to get along to the remaining classical sections. So many outstanding voices and talented singers in Hobart. Bravo to the singing teachers that put in all the hard work being the scenes!

11.01.2022 Our teacher, Eleanor, has been busy the last few weeks putting together a recording and film clip. Here it is! A cover of Silje Nergaards "Shame on You." Thanks to Mike Raine for his hard work as sound engineer and video producer.

11.01.2022 I always tell my students that problems are part of performances and it's not about the difficulty but how you deal with it that is important. I just love this little guy who sings the national anthem beautifully despite a serious case of the hiccups!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=188M8j_xN7Q

10.01.2022 Lessons are in full swing for 2020! Helen Todd and Eleanor Webster's schedules are now fully booked. Kieran Slicer still has some spaces at Moonah and Lower Longley.... Our students are already getting out and about and involved in productions. Congratulations to Isabel Burdick who was in the summer school production of Be More Chill. Here's a pic of two of our students NOT singing (Dan and Saila plus former student, Taishah)! They are involved in Huon Valley Theatre's upcoming production of "So Much To Tell You." Incidentally, it is directed by another student, Monica, who is not only a lovely singer but a talented actor and seamstress. Liz Williamson Shyamali Jayatunge Perera

10.01.2022 Very proud today of Saila Perera who stepped in at the last minute to sing the National Anthem and Amazing Grace at today's Remembrance Day Ceremony at Huonville.

10.01.2022 While there can be so much negativity on the internet it is also a hive for inspiration. Here I share with you a video of a very special singer. Share in the comments a favourite video that's inspired your singing! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHUuCLgfMpo

10.01.2022 When learning your lines gets serious.... (Thats lyrics facing in to the shower by the way ) Preparing for Huon Valley Theatre and The Natural Voices online concert. A song with a former student....I wonder if you can guess who!?

09.01.2022 The Natural Voices own Louise Stubs and Kieran Slicer star as The Plaintiff and The Judge in this years production of Trial By Jury. Performances start this evening and run throughout January on Friday and Saturday evenings. Dont be court without a ticket! https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=577818

09.01.2022 The AMEB 2019 Online Orchestra video - "I Am Australia" - has been released. https://www.facebook.com/AustralianMusicExaminationsBoard/videos/2303662089761057/?v=2303662089761057

09.01.2022 There are so many cool reality shows for singing. This year me and my family have been watching American Idol, The Voice, Britains Got Talent and Americas Got Talent. Just when you think youve heard it all someone comes along and blows you away. Heres a favourite audition of mine. Margie Mays from 2019 American Idol singing "Shot" by Lawrence. This audition makes me smile every time.... Share your favourite clips with us in the comments! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5WeOsQbp20

08.01.2022 I have had a very enjoyable couple of weeks visiting with returning and new students. Exciting things coming up this year with entries in the Hobart Eisteddfod and AMEB exams plus lots of great personal goals. Especially proud of Jaye this week. She had a theory task that she finds challenging and doesn't particularly enjoy, yet she knuckled down and got the job done quickly discovering that she has the skills and knowledge to do it. Congratulations Jaye! Also, a lovely bit o...f feedback today. You know you're doing something right when a student who missed their lesson this week due to unforeseen circumstances tells you they are going through withdrawal symptoms! What a dedicated bunch I have. It's a pleasure to be teaching again after the long break. --Eleanor

08.01.2022 First student concert for 2020 this afternoon. Look at this setup! Big thanks to Rosemary and Home Hill Winery for hosting us today.

08.01.2022 What an opportunity! Choir Nelson Sound are running a workshop with Helen next Wednesday evening for anyone interested. Cost is just $10. https://www.facebook.com/events/2291176144240933/

07.01.2022 Performance anxiety is something that affects all singers to different degrees. Watch Amy Cuddy's TED Talk for an strategy to boost your confidence! https://www.youtube.com/results

07.01.2022 My last three lessons tomorrow are Kaye, Mae and Jaye.... I planned that well... Almost as good as the day Mon came to Choir of High Hopes for the first time and I photographed her sitting with John, Ron and John....

07.01.2022 Check out this online singing competition!

07.01.2022 Kierian Slicer We'd like to welcome Kieran to our practice!

07.01.2022 "Ali stroker, who has just become the first person in a wheelchair to win a Tony. She is paralysed from the chest down so has developed her own singing technique to compensate for lack of diaphragm and core control, and wears a brace to support there core." Thanks for sharing this with me, Sally!! https://www.youtube.com/watch

07.01.2022 Look who popped up on the front cover of the Tasmanian AMEB newsletter! Congratulations again to Saila for being the opening singer in the 2018 AMEB online orchestra. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJmUVGK_nYY Shyamali Jayatunge Perera Dilon Perera

06.01.2022 Charlotte May singing a beautiful rendition of "Mary Did You Know."

06.01.2022 Pamela Andrews returns to Hobart for the Tasmanian Scenic Opera Tour. This will be a fantastic concert and features our teacher, Kieran Haydn Slicer, as a guest artist.

06.01.2022 While Festival of Voices wasn't able to go ahead this year they still found a way to do "The Big Sing." Here's the video for you to sing along to. https://www.facebook.com/abchobart/videos/731242964358015/

05.01.2022 Short notice but there is a terrific song-writing masterclass on this weekend with professional song-writer Alan Roy Scott. Click on the link for details. https://www.kickstartarts.org/alan-roy-scott

05.01.2022 Huon Valley Theatres first Virtual Voice and Variety Concert went up on YouTube today featuring some of our students (and former students!): Liz Cherry, Catherine Blake, Saila Perera, Dilon Perera, Paige Hensley, Monica Robbie, and myself and Ben van Tienen. Follow the link below to see! Thanks to Monica, Mike and Huon Valley Theatre for getting this concert happening!... Oh, and if youre feeling inspired after watching you might like to submit a video for the next virtual concert! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ozjIiUMIHy0

05.01.2022 The Natural Voice's own Louise Stubs and Kieran Slicer appear as The Plaintiff and The Judge in this year's production of Gilbert and Sullivan's 'Trial By Jury'. As well as John Snell and Lana Mack featuring in the ensemble. The case gets underway this evening, with proceedings continuing throughout January. The trial is open to the public Friday and Saturday evenings 6pm and 7pm. Don't be court without a ticket! https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=577818

04.01.2022 On our way to sing at Christmas in July at the Fern Tree Tavern.

04.01.2022 Tonight's office. Many of our students are singing across the Christmas period. It's remarkable sunny here at Glen Huon tonight.

04.01.2022 Singing this evening for the Tasmanian Scenic Opera Tour, and on my home turf! Thank you to Pamela Andrews - Soprano for the invite!

03.01.2022 Lessons are in full swing for 2020! Helen Todd and Eleanor Websters schedules are now fully booked. Kieran Slicer still has some spaces at Moonah and Lower Longley.... Our students are already getting out and about and involved in productions. Congratulations to Isabel Burdick who was in the summer school production of Be More Chill. Heres a pic of two of our students NOT singing (Dan and Saila plus former student, Taishah)! They are involved in Huon Valley Theatres upcoming production of "So Much To Tell You." Incidentally, it is directed by another student, Monica, who is not only a lovely singer but a talented actor and seamstress. Liz Williamson Shyamali Jayatunge Perera

03.01.2022 UTas is holding a "Voice Open Day" tomorrow. There will be master classes, a talk and a recital. Check out the program in the event. We have Laini singing in Bretts master class and Dan in Helen Thomsons.

03.01.2022 Today we celebrate our achievements with our annual Student Christmas Concert! It is at 3.30pm at the Polish Club in New Town. We would love to invite you to attend. Cost is $8 per person or $16 for a family.

03.01.2022 When learning your lines gets serious.... (That's lyrics facing in to the shower by the way ) Preparing for Huon Valley Theatre and The Natural Voice's online concert. A song with a former student....I wonder if you can guess who!?

03.01.2022 FINALLY we were able to hold our first student concert of the year and it was a beauty! Here are a couple of quick pictures from the day: Nina Griggs who sang Billie Eilish's, "Hostage" and Rachel, Josh and Nathaniel Choo performing "Country Roads." Thank you to all the performers who sang and played. They were accompanied by the talented Aaron Powell and Andy Morrisby who can play anything our students throw at them.... Thanks too to all the family and friends who made up our audience. We raised $131 for Choir of High Hopes Hobart through door donations. We were spoiled to have the beautiful barrel room at Home Hill Winery as our venue. Thanks so much to Rosemary for your support and generosity. (There was a glasses case left at the venue. Send a PM if it's yours).

01.01.2022 A huge congratulations and thank you to all our students who performed at our recent concert. It was an entertaining afternoon with all students performing to a very high standard. The best thing for me was seeing the students going to one another afterwards to congratulate each other and share how much they enjoyed their performances. ... I'll be putting an event up shortly for our Christmas Gig. If you want to pop in the diary it's Saturday, 15th December, 3-6pm, at the Polish Club, North Hobart. --Eleanor