WHAT I DO

I help people find their freely produced, efficient and authentic voice. I love to teach and empower students. Each singer is different, there is no 'one size fits all'. My sessions involve lots of physical and vocal explorations, positive reinforcement and lots of encouragement.

Using actors' voice training techniques, I help singers find freedom through embodying their voice and releasing unhelpful tension.

I believe ‘trying harder’ nearly always leads to vocal difficulties. When vocalists discover the power and range of natural, organic and instinctive sounds, they grow in confidence and ease - often discovering the voice they didn’t know they had!

I help those who rely on their speaking voice for their profession, such as teachers, public speakers and call centre workers (to name a few!), avoid vocal fatigue, become more engaging to their listeners and maintain a healthy voice.

RAISE YOUR VOICE

Expert Vocal Coaching with Lea Baker

With more than 20 years of experience learning about and teaching voice, I have an insatiable curiosity about all things vocal - a self confessed "vocal nerd"! Singing as a hobby since my teens, I learned much about the voice through my own voice teachers, reading books and trying out different things. I've studied Lessac and auditioned successfully for NIDA, graduating in 2021 with a Master of Fine Arts in Voice. My goal is to help singers and speakers discover effortless, expressive and engaging voice use. I use a holistic approach to voice teaching and during my studies at NIDA learned the value of vocal training for stage actors and how these techniques are extremely useful for singers. With a firm grounding in the science and physiology of the voice, I help students discover their natural, organic and instinctive voice use. I'm a proud member of the Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing (ANATS), Australian Society of Music Educators (ASME), National Association for Music Educators (NAfME) and Sweet Adelines International (SAI).
Another big musical aspect to my life is the Endeavour Harmony Chorus, a female a cappella ensemble. After forming the group in 1996, I've been their Musical Director ever since (I now share the Directing job). I'm very proud that we are one of Australia's premier female vocal ensembles. The chorus has performed at the Opera House, won many awards, and performed on TV and Radio. Learn more about the chorus here.

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Hello there!  What I offer....

Here are the four philosophies I follow:

• Trying harder will almost always lead to a deterioration in vocal improvement. It’s finding the ease in vocal use that is the key. Less is often more.

• The most freely produced and authentic singing or speaking comes from your natural, organic and instinctive voice. Often it's noticing and releasing unhelpful vocal habits & muscle tension to find that voice. 

• I believe learning is about self-exploration and discovery, with guidance from your voice coach. Doing what the teacher asks to gain their approval isn’t learning.

• Training at NIDA opened up a whole new world. Using acting voice training helps singers to feel and sense their voice, rather than just hear it. 

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Why choose me?

• I help the student discover for themselves with guidance and targeted techniques.

• I take the time to understand the mindset of the student towards their voice and address this in my coaching.

• I teach holistically – I teach the whole person, not just their voice.

• Students get clear explanations of the ‘why’ when to comes to voice usage.

• My Teaching is underpinned by a good understanding of the science and physiology of the voice.

• Finding the unhelpful habits or traits of the student and helping them rewire these.

• Experiential learning is key, helping students to discover for themselves, no “pleasing the teacher”.

• Learning is layered. What each particular student needs at this particular time. I don’t clutter them up with lots of ‘nice to know’ stuff - it's not about how much I know, it's about what the student needs to be a better singer, speaker or performer.

• Voice lessons are either online or in person (Covid safe).