Hi, my name is Todd

 

I have been writing music and singing for over 30 years.  I attended Selkirk College for Contemporary Music and finished the rest of my music education at MacEwan University. I also spent two decades operating behind the scenes in broadcast television, working with some of the best radio/television voices in the industry.

 

I have studied with dozens of high-level private music teachers and studied singing extensionally with vocal coach Mitch Seekins (RUSH, Three Days Grace, Big Wreck).  I continue to have Mitch as a mentor and teacher and his approach and style is what I base a lot of my teaching on.

 

I believe in life long learning and I am also enrolled in the Institute of Vocal Advancement (IVA) program, and the Muscle Music Mastery program, which helps artists and creatives manage performance anxiety, stage fright, and creative burnout.

Taking one on one vocal lessons has been one of the most rewarding experiences and has made me a better all around musician. It’s also made me more creative in my songwriting and sharpened my ear. I’m excited to pass on some knowledge to students so they can discover new possibilities with their singing.

A man with short brown hair and light skin, wearing a dark button-up jacket over a light shirt, posing against a dark gradient background.

Common questions

  • They work great with video technology like Zoom. You can make all the colourful sounds that come with vocal training in the privacy of your own home. As long as you have good internet access and a camera/microphone on your computer or phone then you are all set.

  • I honestly preferred online lessons myself as a student. I liked that I could fit it easily into my schedule without having to drive anywhere and I always felt safe to make weird sounds or just try new things at home with my teacher. Even though I prefer taking and teaching online lessons, I still want students to get out there and sing with other people, play gigs, start bands, try new songs at karaoke and have fun singing out.

  • Can everyone be a professional artist singing at the highest level? Obviously no. Can everyone learn and discover something within themselves from taking vocal lessons? Yes, and it can be fun to see where it goes once you start. Maybe you’ll start writing songs, or try singing different genres of music. Maybe you’ll join a band or feel good singing with friends around a camp fire. Maybe you’ll never sing in public or go on tour but maybe it will be fun to just explore and learn.

  • Being nervous while trying something completely new is as normal as normal gets. Try to find a space you feel comfortable in where you can make noise. Please don’t worry at all where you are at with your singing and it’s okay if you’ve never even tried singing in your life. The biggest thing is just showing up. We will take things step by step and you can ask as many questions as you want along the way.

  • My training is in more contemporary styles and mostly working on discovering your chest, head and mix registers.

    I grew up loving and singing pop, rock, folk, country, punk, emo, indie, singer/songwriter and all the many flavours within those genres.

  • Once I have an idea of your goals and where you are at, we would get to work on vocal exercises to start building connection in your different registers. Some of the exercises sound a bit wild but are highly effective in building your voice. All you have to do is show up.

  • There is a standard 24 hour cancellation policy. If you are unable to attend please reschedule or email info@independentvocalstudio.com.

    All sales are final but you can easily reschedule before the 24 hour cancellation policy.