Vocal Academy For Singers And Voice Teachers

Summer Watson - Vocal Academy

My story of why I coach voice.

When I was four years old I was introduced to music. My Mum would sing songs with me in the kitchen, such as the hit song from Walt Disney’s “Song of the South” released in 1946 Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah. I remember sheer joy; laughing and dancing I felt free and our energies flowing. My Dad would sing lullabies as I drifted off to sleep each night, I felt the tone of his voice, it was calming and reassuring. (And no, neither of them were musicians or singers, nor really listened to much music). The wonderful lady Molly Townsend, my music teacher at school from the age of four, who is now no longer with us, was the reason why I became a singer and had a very early and immediate love of music. MUSIC. Not a specific genre, artist nor a particular instrument, a level, just MUSIC. I loved it all. As I worked my way up from Grade 1 to Grade 8 ABRSM exams and then later went on to the Royal College of Music, London to gain my Masters in music and took the training as far as I could go. 20 and a professional Opera Singer became my label. I was known as the first ever classical signing to a major label SONY to later reach #1 in the US iTunes Charts. The genre Classical Crossover was born (Josh Groban, Il Divo).

It wasn’t, however, until many years after understanding the healing power of music post a train crash where I lost my voice from PTSD, was broken through challenging relationships unable to keep singing (as my throat chakra was blocked the key communication channel), and then stage 4 breast cancer hit – it was music that healed me.

Yes, I had a mastectomy, but it was sound baths, tribal drumming, reiki work with special harmonic tones that allowed the cleansing process to begin. Singing all types of music; classical, jazz, rock, soul, it opened me up to many possibilities. Through coaching all that I have learnt from life it is my life’s mission to pour this into my vocal clients for them to shed the old and rebuild their lives through music. No you don’t have to be professional to call yourself a singer. Everybody can sing, if you have a voice to speak, you can SING! It is the pathway to feeling great, having amazing communication, baring your soul and being truly free.

You see I believe that it is MUSIC that truly heals us. In these uncertain times, learning to sing could not be more of a perfect time to learn how to connect with your soul whether you are a complete beginner and just looking for something fun to try or whether you are looking to record your next album and reach new heights professionally I would be honored to work with you. 7 or 70! Rock or classical, Jazz or pop or wanting to sing in the shower whatever your story is I look forward to meeting you.

Until we meet again…. let’s Instagram!

Much love Summer xo

Enhance your technique, in whatever genre of music you sing, and gain confidence performing, recording and auditioning thanks to the expert, patient and enjoyable tuition of Summer, a Sony recording artist and chart topping soprano. These aren’t just vocal lessons, you will learn techniques that will apply to all areas of your life and soon be singing freely with complete joy, whether in the shower or on the stage.

Working with Summer Watson has been one of the most positive and creative extraordinary experiences I’ve had so far. Her knowledge, patience and attributes are that of a world class teacher. If you’re looking to push through to the next level whether that would be bettering your vocal ability, stage performance, self confidence Summer Watson would be the perfect coach to further your ambitions. Her teaching abilities are able to pull things out of you, you didn’t know you had. Always upbeat and a positive experience – a total joy to work with.

Summer is a fantastic person and really great to work with. She’s a phenomenal vocal coach. Her vast experience as a singer and performer on the best stages around the world give her a unique advantage. Her technique in coaching has made a real difference in my voice. She’s also a seasoned professional that knows the ins and outs of the industry. I’m really grateful for her commitment to my development and guiding me in setting structures to fulfill on my career goals. She’s simply the best!

I started taking vocal lessons with Summer Watson about four months ago. Starting with our very first phone call, I felt Summer's desire to help me become the singer I wished to be. I have never had any formal training before working with Summer and I was afraid of what she might think of my current level and ability. From the start, she supported and encouraged me to feel free to give my all to each song, both vocally and emotionally. We begin each session with a number of warm-up exercises that I like to record and use at home for practice. Something I love about our sessions is that Summer encourages me to tell her what I want to focus on. When I have a song I'm working on, I bring a track to the studio, I perform the song and Summer gives feedback and technical instruction all along the way. Summer's praise is genuine and heartfelt and her critiques are warm and honest. Summer has a special way of describing techniques that has allowed me to grasp and learn some difficult concepts and expand my abilities. Her training isn't limited to vocals only, she has given me crucial guidance on my performance and artistry. There were times that I encountered some difficulties while practicing at home and Summer gave me some tips over the phone which I felt was "above and beyond", but she assured me it was all part of her service as a vocal coach. I would recommend Summer Watson to vocalists of any age and ability. Summer will foster your unique talents and give you the tools and training to become the best singer you can be.

I started singing, dancing, and acting when I was three years old. It's what I love. Growing up I performed in musicals, operas, and in choruses. I continued to sing all through college, and graduate school. Then after a few years performing professionally I hit some roadblocks that caused me to stop singing. I continued to act but did not sing for many, many years. To say I was nervous about getting back into it is an understatement. I was terrified! I didn't know where to begin, or if I even should! Then I found Summer. Within minutes of meeting her I felt so comfortable, at ease, and safe I knew I had made the right choice. I’ve had many good teachers in my life, but Summer is the most intuitive and adaptable I’ve ever had. She is gifted in figuring out what kind of learner you are and then teaching to your specific needs. She shows you how to find YOUR sound, YOUR voice. She is amazingly focused and patient, coming up with ten different ways to teach something if need be until I have that aha! moment. Her skill and knowledge of vocal technique and different music styles is incredible and she shifts effortlessly between them. Want to do opera one week, then pop, then jazz, then musical theater? No problem! Summer has brought the joy of singing back in my life, and raised my confidence level as an actor. She epitomizes professionalism while being totally approachable and having a big heart. I seriously cannot recommend her highly enough. Whether you are a professional or just thinking what the heck I’ll try singing, do yourself a favor and go see Summer!

I can be a bit shy about my singing when I first start working with someone, but Summer seriously made me SO comfortable and confident within minutes of meeting. She's just lovely as a person and extremely knowledgeable as a teacher. She knows a ton about the physical process of singing, but is able to put things simply in a way that makes them seem more approachable. I will definitely be returning for more coaching. Highly recommended. Great balance of professional and laid back.

I have been in the entertainment industry for nearly 25 years and the one thing that has always terrified me is singing. That was until someone suggested I see Summer as a vocal coach. I was apprehensive but thought I would give it a shot. How wonderfully surprised I was. Summer instantly made me feel at ease and created the most relaxed and safe atmosphere in which to work. Her understanding of vocal technique is nothing short of masterful but she is also incredibly personable and finds ways to impart that knowledge in a way that is personally relatable to you making it so easy to grasp. I have known many professional instructors and performers throughout my life but I cannot stress enough how rare it is to find someone of Summer's talents. Not only does she give you the technique with which to sing, she will also help you to find your voice and add your own emotional content to whichever piece you are working upon and give you the confidence to do so. There are many instructor's around but Summer is a teacher in the truest sense of the word. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

I have been singing most of my life and during that time I have worked with a few vocal coaches. I can honestly say that Summer is the best I have worked with. Whatever your vocal type, Summer will help you achieve the best of your talent. My singing lessons were via Skype, which was a bit nerve racking at first, however Summer put me completely at ease! She is incredibly patient, compassionate and understands fully what it is like to be the student, which is one of the best qualities a singing teacher can have. Summer helped me greatly when I had a short time to rehearse for my west end debut and I can honestly say I don't think I would have been so confident had it not been for her. She helped me open my voice so it was better than it had ever been and her wonderful aura and kind attitude gave me the confidence I needed! Thank you Summer

What an amazing woman, and teacher! She has spent her life perfecting her craft, and is now sharing it with others. In my little trip to LA, I received an audition which I was nowhere near ready for. I hadn't sung classically in over 6 months, and was freaking out. I had one day to get back in shape... IMPOSSIBLE. Well... before describing what she did, I have to say I ended up getting the gig, I recorded my audition tape for the west end in her studio, and now i'll be back on the west end because of this amazing teacher. Ok... firstly, her method is based on discovering where you are as a person and craft wise. She allows you to make all the mistakes in the world, and makes you so comfortable to do this that you end up getting the best out of yourself... a rare thing. Being comfortable and relaxed is without doubt the key to success, and her ability to instill that in me as a singer and actor was beautiful. Technically... WOW! Posture, breathing, vowels, positioning, intentions; we managed to cover all these essential components, and put them into practice in my audition. Summer is a master at her craft, truly gifted at working with your nuances, and a beautiful person. What a pleasure it was working with her. I'm back in January, and will be straight back to her.

"I think we are all looking to better ourselves and our crafts. Looking for someone who help us think about things differently to take our art to next level. Summer has changed the way I think about singing and music and through her experiences has helped me so much I've even hired her to come in and work with some hip hop artists on the most current album I'm producing. Her support and positive attitude are a breath of fresh air in the studio and in a business that can be quite cold and off putting. She inspires everyone around her to be better. Thank you Summer!"

Summer’s dedicating her talents to helping emerging talent reach their goals as an amazing mentor. Summer has the technique, talent, experience to push singers of all genres to the highest level. She’s my go to coach for all our talent.

As a former professional basketball player to now a full time actor, I have had many different coaches throughout my different careers. After working with Summer for the past 3 years I have to say she’s one of the best I have had. I started from scratch, no prior training of any sort, to performing open mics to even recording my own songs. Her attention to detail and care that she has shown me has really helped me grow as a singer in a very short period of time. Her talent for the craft is obvious if you ever hear her sing and she translates her years of training and performing into personalized sessions that even beginners can relate to. She is a wonderful, inspiring, and positive force in my life now and I cannot wait to get back to work with her!

Summer Watson - Vocal Academy

My story of why I coach voice.

Contact: (323) 333.6133

contact@summerwatsonofficial.com