Andy Follin is without doubt the best singing teacher I have ever come across. His subject knowledge as an Estill CMT is outstanding and he knows exactly how to get the best from your instrument. He explains everything so clearly and I have made such progress with him. Anyone looking for a teacher of the highest quality should try Andy at Vocal Skills.
Andy is probably one of the top vocal coaches in the North West. I'm a singing teacher myself and I still find that there is so much to learn from him. Qualifying for Estill CMT status, as Andy has done, is no mean feat and essentially means that he has a thorough scientific understanding of how the voice works and can apply this knowledge to help you get the results you want FAST.
Andy's lessons approach vocal tuition the way that any musical instrument should ideally be taught, through a thorough grounding in technique - something only a very select number of vocal teachers seem to do. The results are fantastic, liberating and surprisingly quick (compared with my experience of non-Estill vocal teachers). This, coupled with the friendly atmosphere of the lessons, makes them well worth the money. I'd recommend Andy's lessons to anyone wishing to improve their singing.
Receiving singing lessons as a present was both exciting but daunting - a real private 'Everest' to climb. While I've enjoyed group singing for fun, recently singing bass in a harmony group, I'm reliant on the leadership of others' voices, believing I could never sing solo. Having had tinnitus for many years with hearing loss, also major cancer surgery 18 months previously with chemotherapy finishing a year ago, my normally high personal confidence was at a low ebb.
I seriously believed before my initial class that 'one to one' sessions would prove so embarassing for both Andy and me that I would inevitably cancel the rest of the course. However, having patiently listened to my outpouring of excuses, and asked about my objectives, Andy made encouraging remarks before making an immediate start on my 'project'. Challenging me with innovative approaches to gradually stretch me out of my comfort space he vividly demonstrated with his 3D models the physiological principles of how different qualities of singing voice are produced. I was astounded to find what a high register (what I jokingly called my 'naughty' zone) and range I could reach with Andy’s coaching, albeit with varying musical quality emerging!
Having completed the lessons-gift, I recorded a song in a professional studio; while the result is a far from perfect 'work in progress', it's been a remarkably insightful and enjoyable learning experience, which I hope to continue.
Andy proved to be an outstandingly gifted and professional teacher, guide and mentor on my solo singing journey: immediately engaging with me as an individual ; gently stripping away my preconceived inability-to-sing-solo baggage; highly knowledgeable about both the physiology and psychology of singing; quietly enthusiastic in empowering me with understanding of both theory and practical application. The atmosphere was relaxed and informal but highly focussed with learning points patiently revisited.
I would unhesitatingly recommend Andy Follin as a singing teacher and coach. Being a rare Estill Voice Training Certified Master Teacher (CMT) is clearly a hard won and well deserved measure of his abilities.
Andy is knowledgeable, professional, patient, passionate and easily understandable. I have been taking opera singing lessons with Andy for the last 18 months and would recommend him to anyone for any type of vocal training. I have had lessons with several teachers and Andy is simply a cut above. His Estill training enables him to provide clear explanations of how the voice can be manipulated to make all types of sound in speech and all singing styles. His manner is always professional but relaxed and welcoming and his ability to give direction whilst remaining positive and encouraging is always welcomed, in addition to his seemingly endless patience. Andy's passion for Estill techniques and all the work that we do together is inspiring and motivating and the results are quite frankly, unbelievable.
What an experience! I am a 'mature' student and visted Andy wanting to know if I have a voice or the ability to learn to sing. Within a few minutes of the first session, I realised how lucky I was to have found Andy Follin. He is a true professional. Very welcoming, enthusiastic, encouraging and clearly passionate about his profession. In that session alone, he gave me a real understanding of how my voice works and with practical application he showed me how to use that understanding to get the best from my 'instrument'. Andy's experience and knowledge is evident. His ability and approach increased my confidence by 100%. By the end of the session I was working on a song I wouldn't have attempted in my wildest dreams, and I loved every minute of it! His enthusiasm is infectious and like great teachers who empower their students, he sent me out eager to put the learning into practice. I haven't stopped singing since (much to the amusement of my fellow travellers on the motorway!) and I am keen to find out what is in store at the next session. Andy's approach is fun and professional. If you want to learn to sing, or increase your existing ability to the highest level, and you are keen to understand your voice, this is the place for you.
My daughter Danielle has found the lessons are taught at the correct pace. Andy's explanations on how the voice works and how to add range and power are explained in an easy to understand way. The lessons have improved Danielle's confidence. She recently performed at a charity event in front of a large audience and the difference in delivery and tone since starting with Andy was apparent as she exercised her newly learnt techniques. Andy is very friendly and will put anyone at ease if nervous. I would highly recommend Andy to anyone who wishes to improve their technique.
Andy's approach to teaching is very professional, relaxed and fun, he makes you feel comfortable and tailors each lesson to your need as an individual. He has extensive knowledge of the voice and how it works, is able to identify problem areas and give techniques and advice to correct and improve your vocal ability. I have been singing with Andy for about 12 months and have gained invaluable knowledge and experience. I am now able to use different voice qualities to sing in a variety of genres, which I didn't think possible! I feel extremely fortunate to have found a vocal coach with Andy's level of skill and expertise.
From the first lesson I had with Andy, I already felt a big difference in my voice, and others did too! My sound was louder, more resonant and took much less effort to produce once he taught me a few simple exercises that change the way you think about singing. His lessons are fun and motivating; he's laid back and gives you plenty of encouragement. What I love is about Andy's service is that you don't need to go regularly, and he never forces you to rebook a lesson with him next time, but tells you to go as and when you need him. With just three lessons my voice has greatly improved (greater range and control) and so has my confidence. Andy is well worth every penny. I'd recommend him to anyone!
Andy clearly knows his stuff,He is very passionate about what he does and intuitively knows what is going to work for the individual. In my first lesson Andy was able to show me the ability I already had within me just by showing me a few simple methods of singing. If you want serious singing lessons and want to understand your voice, Andy is your man!
As a "mature" pupil not expecting too much, I have been delighted with the improvement in range and power of my voice that Andy has taught me.I am now able to hit notes that I once thought impossible and when singing it has been rewarding to see the effect on audiences (dare I say) of both the power and timbre of my voice.Andy makes the lesson both instructive and constructive....and he's a nice guy! If in any doubt as to whether or not you should contact him, I would say "do it" today.
Lessons are available for 30 minutes, 45 minutes and 1 hour.
£25.00 for 30 minutes
£37.50 for 45 minutes
£50.00 for 1 hour
To book a session with Andy, you need to put down a deposit of £25. This is to cover the studio costs in case of late cancellation.
The £25 will be deducted from the first lesson fee.
Simply click on the button below and follow the Paypal transaction instructions. Once you've paid, Andy will contact you to arrange a suitable time for your lesson.
Please note: Students must give a minimum of 48 hours' notice should they need cancel a lesson. Giving less than 48 hours' notice will mean the full cost of that lesson will be charged. Additionally, if a student forgets a scheduled lesson or is late (regardless of reason, including illness) the full cost of the lesson will still be charged.