geoffreybaird.com 

 Melbourne   Australia
Where's that?
 

Let the  SONG RISE!  
Supporting all people
to  
SING NOW!

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CONTACT  -                                                                                                         Client only download area

(Looking for all sorts of information about SONGRISE? --'Noticeboard' is the best place to start!) 

Answers to 
common questions.
 How / why / when 
do I work with clients?
 

 
    (Where is SONG RISE?   What do I bring with me to my first session?)
                   

 My teaching style is personal, and adaptable, customized to your needs and preferences!   
I prefer YOU as the client, to be in control of the process and to be very active in making choices about how and when we work. 

   I specialize in adapting traditional bel-canto vocal techniques for modern singers and singing styles. As well as working with professional 'working singers', I have a particular passion for working with beginners, especially those who may be very scared of singing, or are doing singing as ‘a personal growth’ exercise for confidence building. Some clients also work with me as a preparation for doing 'up-front' speaking and presentations in corporate environments. 

Audition Preparation is a specialty!

   I have worked with all sorts of singers:  from opera singers through to a Jimmy Barnes 'covers' singer!  (for overseas people, JB is a wild rocker!)

   I suppose the majority of my clients though, would be singing pop songs, or musical theatre songs or jazz standards, (Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra etc) but I also work with people on their own original songs or other unusual, alternative vocal styles. 
   A sample list  of songs sung recently by my clients  or   Search the 'SONGRISE' library

   My rates are $60 (AU) an hour, which includes the making of all personalised recordings for practice, etc **   I place a high emphasis on students having appropriate tapes, CD's etc, to practice with at home, especially if they don't play keyboards etc.
(These recordings are custom made each client, to suit their needs)

   I prefer hourly sessions rather than 1/2 hour, even if that means people come less often. 
(I am not really convinced that an appropriate rapport can be established, and detailed work accomplished in 1/2 an hour, but once again, in keeping with my client-centred approach, we can do a 1/2 hour if that is what you really need.)

 Being able to read music or play a musical instrument is definitely NOT necessary!

   Sessions can be booked for almost at any time, but if you book for sessions during business hours, you are more likely to get the time you want.  Most evenings, and weekends during the day are available. 

Sessions are conducted in a friendly 'home' environment at my flat in Elwood, Melbourne. 

Informal group singing events are also held regularly:
(Students gather in someone's private home, with a bit of supper and a few drinks! - and we each sing a song. (YES! --me too!)
Attending these is entirely voluntary. They are available particularly for people who want to gently 'dip their toe' in the waters of public performance! 
A very supportive atmosphere is assured!     More details

 

    TAX DEDUCTIONS?                     
Some clients may be able claim tax deductions for skills development, voice production work etc. Check with your boss, union, workmates, or accountant to see if this may apply to you!  If you regularly perform any sort of 'presentations' or other activities that involve the voice, as part of your paid work, you may be able to claim your sessions at SONGRISE as a tax deduction!  (That would be nice wouldn't it?)
I prefer to provide quarterly, half yearly or yearly statements. 
(Writing receipts at the end of every session wastes valuable lesson time)           
 
YEAR 2005-2006 Statements available now!

      **Bigger projects may attract an out of hours fee for more complicated customized backings or music transcriptions etc.
(Transposing sheet music and other customised arrangements.)

   Please write to me if you have more questions:      (see CONTACT above)