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John & Shaun Natural Singing and John Oxley

Learn 'How' to sing Naturally from a professional singing teacher who has worked as a singer and trained all types of vocalist worldwide.

This course is about "How" to sing - we get straight to the point...

To help you with that daily singing routine, we have produced this Natural Singing Fundamentals Course with the beginner, actor and singer in mind, using the "John Oxley Technique"

The Natural Singing fundamentals course will help you in many ways for example:

Read more

Learn 'How' to sing Naturally from a professional singing teacher who has worked as a singer and trained all types of vocalist worldwide.

This course is about "How" to sing - we get straight to the point...

To help you with that daily singing routine, we have produced this Natural Singing Fundamentals Course with the beginner, actor and singer in mind, using the "John Oxley Technique"

The Natural Singing fundamentals course will help you in many ways for example:

  • Opening your Throat and freeing it of tension

  • Correct breathing the absolute core of singing

  • Understanding resonance through the 'Focus of Breath technique'

  • Using the 'Covering Technique' when singing in the upper register (high notes)

  • And not having to sing falsetto (Male voice)

  • This training is geared to straight singing, e.g. Musical Theatre & good Pop singing

  • By using this training your voice will last you years

  • You will be able to approach all styles; Pop, Blues, Jazz, Folk, etc.

  • No matter what style you do decide to sing, there is one important rule that Your throat must be open and free of tension

If you wish to sing then the mantra is you have to practise daily to improve. This means you get to exercise your voice but also you build your awareness of your voice.

The course not only offers you good vocal technique but a confidence knowing that well known actors such as:

Jeremy Irons - Jane Lapotaire -  Tim Pigott-Smith -  Chris Biggins -  Greta Scacchi -  Allan Corduner

...to name just a few, received the same basic training from John Oxley at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and all have made their mark in the profession as actors and over many years have used their voices correctly in speech and singing.

I emphasise the Natural approach with my knowledge gained over many years of study and singing, and teaching.

Don’t sit back and do nothing Enrol today and prepare yourself for your future as an all round confident singer..

John is in touch with many of his old students who are now household names and they regularly thank him for his influence in their professional careers. He can do the same for you if YOU are prepared to work at it.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

In this short video we walk you through the process of 'How to add a Rating or edit a Review'. A simple video explaining all the necessary steps. Your comments are very welcome. Natural Singing.
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This is a short preview of our Warmup 01 video.

We have recorded for you a simple but effective vocal warmup that will help you develop a regular routine for singing, along with great technique.

A good vocal warm up should accomplish a number of things:

1) Preparing the mind and body for vocal awareness and its physical needs

2) A breathing and diaphragm warm-up

3) Preparing the articulators (tongue and soft palette) and resonators (sinus cavities)

4) The movement from the spoken voice to the singing voice

5) The extended spoken register for acting

6) Preparing for any song sheet or script that is going to be rehearsed or performed

The main benefit is regular use of the lungs, improving their capacity, and the awareness of tensions that may exist in the body... breathing and singing is a great combination when it comes to relaxing the body and soul.

Breathing is Singing and Singing is Breathing.

Hello and congratulations on selecting the Natural Singing Fundamentals Course. In this short video you will hear a personal recorded message from John Oxley. The background picture was recently taken at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Bristol during the opening of the Link building.

Over £1M was raised from a range of charitable trusts and foundations, companies and individual benefactors to Link the Downside Road buildings together with new teaching and rehearsal spaces and an accessible reception. A great facility that will benefit all future visitors, from all walks of life, to the Theatre School.

In this lesson we are going to learn about breathing and how to breath correctly. If you want to learn about singing the first step is breathing, and if singing Naturally is your goal this is the course for you.

In this lesson we will continue with breathing using a descending four note scale over an octave using the word Tah.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson we will continue with breathing using the full major scale in a descending pattern, using the word Tah.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson we will start singing the song 'Down in the Valley' starting on half phrases.

We are now establishing a sense of musical phrasing and strengthening your breathing over half phrases.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson we will continue with the song 'Down in the Valley' but will now work on whole phrases.

This will really strengthen your breathing and musical phrasing.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson we will continue with the song 'Down in the Valley' but will now extend the song and increase the tempo slightly.

Breathing and phrasing are the most important elements to master during this lesson.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson John will introduce you to the technique of Placing - learning how to place your voice.

This is a very important technique and can take some time to master, so please be patient.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson John will introduce you to the technique of Covering - normally referred to as the covering action, and we will be using Ah.

This is a very important technique and again can take some time to master, so please be patient.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson John will continue with technique of Covering - normally referred to as the covering action, however and we will be using Aw and Ah on this occasion.

This is a very important technique and again can take some time to master, so please be patient and allow the voice to adapt slowly overtime.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson we will look at the technique of Placing and Covering - using Ooo.

This is a very important technique so during your exercising try and imagine the sound is coming out of the top-of-the-head or from the forehead hair-line - again this can take some time to master, so please be patient.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson we will look at the technique of Placing and Covering - using Eee.

As with lesson 10, this is a very important technique so during your exercising try and imagine the sound is coming out of the top-of-the-head or from the forehead hair-line - again this can take some time to master, so please be patient.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson we will be working on how to descend smoothly and not allowing the voice to drop, using Ooo.

This lesson will help you develop your mastery over the small muscles inside the mouth and throat - also there is the continued benefit of breath control.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson we will be working on how to descend smoothly when singing and not allowing the voice to drop - but we will be using a different musical pattern and the word Tah.

As in lesson 12, this lesson will help you develop your mastery over the small muscles inside the mouth and throat - also there is the continued benefit of breath control.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson we will be working on how to descend smoothly when singing and not allowing the voice to drop - but we will be using a different musical pattern and the word Aw.

As in lesson 13, this lesson will help you develop your mastery over the small muscles inside the mouth and throat - also there is the continued benefit of breath control.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson John will introduce you to the Focus technique - focus of breath - where does that breath go?

This lesson may seem fairly simplistic but it is possibly one of the most important techniques to acquire and master - so please be very patient and listen very closely to John.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson we will continue with the Focus technique using the Cee, Mee, Eee and Humming.

As I mentioned in lesson 15, this lesson may seem fairly simplistic but it is possibly one of the most important techniques to acquire and master - so please be very patient and listen very closely to John.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

This is a short preview from lesson 17

In this lesson John will introduce you to the Voice Song 'Ombra Mai Fu' - and we will be working on Part 1 section 1.

Sheet music is provided in the key of E flat and F, for your benefit - John demonstrates in both keys but will teach using the key of E flat.

However in lesson 21 you will find two mp3 files for practice purposes in both keys for the sections we will be working on.

First John will sing the whole song through for your benefit - however in this course we will be only concentrating on the first 20 bars for teaching purposes to reinforce the previously demonstrated singing techniques of Placing, Covering and Focus.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson we will continue with the Voice Song 'Ombra Mai Fu' - and we will be working on Part 2 section 1.

As mentioned in lesson 17, in this course we will be only concentrating on the first 20 bars for teaching purposes to reinforce the previously demonstrated singing techniques of Placing, Covering and Focus.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson we will continue with the Voice Song 'Ombra Mai Fu' - and we will be working on Part 3 section 1. We will be singing all three Parts of section 1 of the song, and that will complete section 1.

As mentioned in lesson 17, in this course we will be only concentrating on the first 20 bars for teaching purposes to reinforce the previously demonstrated singing techniques of Placing, Covering and Focus.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson we will continue with the Voice Song 'Ombra Mai Fu' - and we will be working on Section 2. You will notice that the words are all the same in section 2, however the melody is different.

As mentioned in lesson 17, in this course we will be only concentrating on the first 20 bars for teaching purposes to reinforce the previously demonstrated singing techniques of Placing, Covering and Focus.

Once you have mastered this exercise with comfort and ease then move on to the next lesson...

In this lesson we will continue with the Voice Song 'Ombra Mai Fu' - and we will be working on Sections 1 and 2.

As mentioned in lesson 17, in this course we will be only concentrating on the first 20 bars for teaching purposes to reinforce the previously demonstrated singing techniques of Placing, Covering and Focus.

Well done!

This is the final lesson of the course. Congratulations on mastering all the techniques in the Natural Singing fundamentals course.

We are very keen to hear your feedback, if we can make any improvements that will benefit you in any way please contact us and let us know.

Best wishes and kindest regards John Oxley & Shaun Batt

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a foundation in vocal technique, including breath control, resonance, and covering, which are essential for musical theatre and pop singing
Emphasizes a 'natural' approach to singing, which may appeal to those seeking to avoid vocal strain and develop a sustainable technique for long-term vocal health
Includes a vocal warm-up routine designed for daily practice, which can help beginners establish consistency and build vocal awareness over time
Features exercises using the song 'Down in the Valley' to develop musical phrasing and breathing control, which are important for expressive singing
Requires consistent daily practice to improve, which may be a barrier for some learners with limited time or those seeking immediate results
Focuses on techniques like 'Placing' and 'Covering' that require patience and self-awareness, which may be challenging for some beginners without prior vocal training

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Reviews summary

Natural singing fundamentals and technique

According to students, this course provides a solid foundation in natural singing techniques. Learners particularly praise the emphasis on correct breathing and the clear explanation of fundamental concepts like vocal placing and covering using the John Oxley Technique. Many found the material accessible and well-suited for beginners or those looking to correct bad habits. However, the course requires consistent daily practice to see results. Some reviewers felt the pace was slow or the content basic for more experienced singers, and the use of a classical example song wasn't universally appealing. Overall, it's considered effective for building fundamental vocal health and technique for a variety of styles.
Ideal for new singers or those correcting fundamental issues.
"I found this perfect as a beginner; it lays a solid foundation without overwhelming you."
"If you're new to singing or need to correct fundamental issues, this course is ideal."
"This course is clearly designed for beginners or actors needing fundamental vocal technique, not advanced singers."
Core methods like placing and covering are well-explained.
"The explanations of placing and covering were eye-opening and helped me understand vocal resonance better."
"Learning the Focus of Breath technique was particularly helpful for finding clarity and projection."
"John's method for placing and covering clicks, it's a systematic way to build vocal strength without strain."
Provides a solid foundation in core singing techniques.
"This course really grounded me in the absolute core of singing: proper breathing technique."
"I feel like I finally understand how to support my voice properly after these breathing exercises."
"The focus on breathing was essential and felt like a necessary starting point for any serious vocal study..."
Primary practice song ('Ombra Mai Fu') is classical.
"Using 'Ombra Mai Fu' is fine, but I wish there were more modern examples to practice the techniques with."
"While the classical song is a good vehicle for technique, it might not resonate with students focused solely on pop or blues."
"Be aware the primary song example is classical; you'll need to apply the techniques to your own preferred style later."
Content can feel slow or too fundamental for experienced singers.
"As an intermediate singer, I found some parts a bit too basic and slow-paced for my needs."
"If you already have a strong technical foundation, you might find yourself wishing for more advanced concepts."
"While thorough for beginners, I didn't feel challenged as much as I hoped as someone with some prior training."
Course effectiveness hinges on consistent daily exercise routine.
"Be prepared to practice daily; the instructor emphasizes this is crucial for improvement."
"...requires dedication and daily practice, but it's worth it for long-term vocal health."
"Success in this course really depends on consistently applying the exercises day after day."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn "How" to Sing with Natural Singing for everyone with these activities:
Review Basic Music Theory
Strengthen your understanding of music theory to better grasp the concepts of pitch, rhythm, and harmony used in singing.
Show steps
  • Review scales and key signatures.
  • Practice identifying intervals.
  • Learn about basic chord progressions.
Singing for Dummies
Gain a broader understanding of singing techniques and vocal health.
View Singing For Dummies on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes.
  • Practice the exercises in the book.
  • Apply the techniques to your singing.
The Inner Game of Music
Address the mental aspects of singing, such as overcoming stage fright and building confidence.
Show steps
  • Read the book and highlight key concepts.
  • Practice the mental exercises described in the book.
  • Apply the techniques to your singing practice.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Daily Vocal Warm-up Exercises
Reinforce proper vocal technique and prepare your voice for singing through consistent practice.
Show steps
  • Perform breathing exercises.
  • Practice scales and arpeggios.
  • Do lip trills and tongue twisters.
Practice with a Singing Partner
Receive feedback and support from a fellow singer to improve your vocal performance.
Show steps
  • Find a singing partner.
  • Practice singing together and provide feedback to each other.
  • Discuss vocal techniques and challenges.
Record Yourself Singing
Identify areas for improvement in your singing by listening to and analyzing your own recordings.
Show steps
  • Choose a song to sing.
  • Record yourself singing the song.
  • Listen to the recording and identify areas for improvement.
Explore YouTube Vocal Tutorials
Refine specific singing skills by following online tutorials from experienced vocal coaches.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on specific vocal techniques.
  • Follow along with the exercises in the tutorials.
  • Incorporate the techniques into your singing practice.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn "How" to Sing with Natural Singing for everyone will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Musical Theatre Performer
A musical theatre performer combines acting, singing, and dancing to tell stories on stage. They audition for roles, rehearse extensively, and deliver captivating performances that engage and entertain audiences. This course on natural singing helps musical theatre performers by strengthening their vocal technique, increasing their range, and improving their overall vocal performance including the use of 'covering technique' which is very important for high notes. The course's lessons on breath control, resonance, and vocal placement are essential for sustaining the demands of singing and acting simultaneously. The training is geared toward musical theatre.
Vocal Coach
A vocal coach helps singers of all levels improve their technique, build confidence, and refine their performance skills. This career involves assessing vocal abilities, identifying areas for improvement, and developing tailored training programs to enhance vocal health, range, and control. This course on natural singing provides valuable insights into fundamental techniques, such as breathing, resonance, and vocal placement, which are essential for effective vocal coaching. By understanding and applying these techniques, aspiring vocal coaches can better guide their students toward achieving their singing goals. The course's emphasis on freeing the throat of tension and correct breathing provides foundational knowledge that would enable a vocal coach to diagnose and correct common vocal issues for their students.
Singing Teacher
A singing teacher instructs students in the art of singing, covering aspects such as vocal technique, music theory, and performance practice. They work with individuals or groups to develop their vocal abilities and musical expression. This course on natural singing helps prospective singing teachers by providing a solid foundation in vocal fundamentals. The 'John Oxley Technique' covered in the course, along with the lessons on breath control, resonance, and covering techniques, offers a structured approach to teaching that can be adapted to various student needs. The course's focus on maintaining a tension-free throat is also crucial knowledge for any singing teacher since this is a common detriment for singers.
Talent Show Contestant
A talent show contestant participates in talent competitions, showcasing their skills and competing for prizes and recognition. Talent show contestants must possess strong vocal technique, stage presence, and the ability to captivate judges and audiences. This course on natural singing helps talent show contestants by refining their vocal technique, enhancing their stage presence, and improving their overall performance quality. This course will help you with confidence knowing that well known actors received the same basic training. The course's lessons on breath control, resonance, and vocal placement are essential for delivering memorable and impactful performances.
Voice Actor
A voice actor provides voices for characters in animated films, video games, commercials, and other media. Voice actors interpret scripts, create distinct character voices, and deliver compelling performances using only their voice. This course on natural singing helps voice actors by enhancing their vocal control, range, and expressiveness. The course's emphasis on breath control, resonance, and vocal placement directly translates to improved vocal delivery and character portrayal. The techniques for opening the throat and freeing it of tension, as taught in the course, are particularly valuable for voice actors who need to maintain vocal stamina during long recording sessions. Having worked with actors, the teacher of this course understands the vocal needs of voice actors.
Cruise Ship Singer
A cruise ship singer provides live musical entertainment for passengers on cruise ships. Cruise ship singers must have a versatile repertoire, excellent vocal technique, and the ability to perform consistently in a variety of settings. This course on natural singing helps cruise ship singers by strengthening their vocal technique, expanding their repertoire, and improving their ability to adapt to different performance environments. The course's lessons will certainly help a cruise ship singer's vocal stamina. The course can help one approach all styles; pop, blues, and jazz.
Choir Director
A choir director leads and directs a choir or choral group, selecting repertoire, conducting rehearsals, and guiding singers to achieve a cohesive and harmonious sound. Directing a choir requires a deep understanding of vocal technique, harmony, and musical expression. This course on natural singing provides the understanding of vocal production and technique required to do this well. The course covers essential elements such as breath control, resonance, and vocal placement, equipping choir directors with the knowledge to improve their singers' vocal abilities and overall choral sound, which in turn helps the choir director. The course emphasis on tension-free singing can enable a Choir Director to assist singers in proper technique.
Session Singer
A session singer is a vocalist who is hired to sing on recording sessions for various projects, such as albums, commercials, and film soundtracks. Session singers must possess excellent vocal technique, versatility, and the ability to quickly learn and perform various musical styles. This course on natural singing is important for session singers by reinforcing their vocal fundamentals and expanding their stylistic range. The course will allow session singers to approach all styles. The course's emphasis techniques to maintain a tension-free throat and proper breathing are essential for session singers who need to maintain vocal health and consistency during long hours in the studio.
Wedding Singer
A wedding singer provides live musical entertainment for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Wedding singers must have a versatile repertoire, excellent vocal technique, and the ability to engage and entertain guests. This course on natural singing helps wedding singers by strengthening their vocal technique, expanding their repertoire, and improving their ability to perform consistently in various venues. The course touches on approaching all styles. The course's lessons on breath control, resonance, and vocal placement are essential for maintaining vocal stamina and delivering memorable performances throughout a wedding event.
Background Vocalist
A background vocalist provides vocal harmonies and support for lead singers in live performances and recordings. Background vocalists must blend their voices seamlessly with the lead vocalist and create a full, balanced sound. This course on natural singing helps background vocalists by refining their vocal technique, improving their ability to blend with other voices, and strengthening their overall vocal control. The course's lessons on breath control, resonance, and vocal placement enables background vocalists to deliver consistent and harmonious performances. The course mentions use in good pop signing.
Cabaret Performer
A cabaret performer entertains audiences in intimate settings such as nightclubs and lounges, often combining singing, storytelling, and comedic elements. Cabaret performers must possess strong vocal skills, engaging stage presence, and the ability to connect with their audience. This course on natural singing may be useful to cabaret performers by enhancing their vocal technique and stage presence. The course's emphasis on breath control, resonance, and vocal placement helps cabaret performers deliver compelling performances. The course mentions the need to practice daily to improve.
Music Director
A music director oversees the musical aspects of a performance or production, such as a play, musical, or concert. This involves selecting music, conducting rehearsals, and coordinating the efforts of singers and musicians. This course may be useful to music directors by deepening their understanding of vocal technique and the nuances of natural singing. The course's lessons on breath control, vocal placement, and resonance can inform a music director's decisions when working with singers, ensuring optimal vocal performance and artistic expression. The ability to identify tension and promote proper vocal health, as emphasized in the course, would be beneficial when guiding vocalists through demanding performances.
Opera Singer
An opera singer performs in operas, dramatic works in which the actors sing some or all of their parts. Opera singers require extensive vocal training, a powerful voice, and the ability to convey emotion through song. This course on natural singing may be useful to opera singers by reinforcing their vocal technique and promoting vocal health. Although opera singing demands rigorous training, the course's emphasis on breath control, resonance, and freeing the throat of tension can complement existing vocal training and enhance performance quality. This emphasis on allowing your voice to last years may also appeal to opera singers.
Podcaster
A podcaster creates and hosts audio or video programs that are distributed online. Podcasters often use their voices extensively for narration, interviews, and storytelling. This course on natural singing may be useful to podcasters by improving their vocal delivery, projection, and stamina. The course's lessons on breath control, resonance, and vocal placement can help podcasters maintain vocal health and clarity during long recording sessions. The course may help you develop a confidence as a singer.
Public Speaker
A public speaker delivers speeches and presentations to audiences, conveying information, inspiring action, or entertaining listeners. Public speakers must possess strong vocal skills, clear articulation, and the ability to engage and persuade their audience. This course on natural singing may be useful for public speakers by improving their vocal projection, resonance, and overall vocal delivery. The course's lessons on breath control and vocal technique can help public speakers maintain vocal stamina and command attention during presentations. The course mentions that well known actors received the same training.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learn "How" to Sing with Natural Singing for everyone.
Provides a comprehensive overview of singing techniques, vocal health, and performance tips. It useful reference for beginners and intermediate singers. The book covers topics such as posture, breathing, resonance, and diction. It also includes exercises and practice routines to help improve vocal skills. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Explores the mental aspects of musical performance, focusing on overcoming self-doubt and performance anxiety. It is helpful for singers who struggle with confidence or stage fright. The book provides techniques for improving focus, managing nerves, and enhancing overall performance quality. While not a technical manual, it offers valuable insights into the psychological side of singing.

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