1. What is your greatest passion or joy as a singer, voice teacher, or vocal professional?
As a singer, it is when I am able to show those who are listening the emotional attachment of the words of a song and relate to whatever emotion that delivers. This includes what I do as a Worship Leader at my church.
As a voice teacher, this would be to see the development in others vocally and watch the success they have through my teaching. As a professional, I am always pleased to hear when they come back to me and state how the lessons and vocal tasks set for them have helped tremendously and that they have spoken to others about it.
2. Please tell us the latest news about you, your studio, and your work.
There is so much to tell since completing the NYVC Voice Teacher Training Program. Almost immediately, when returning to England I set up my own studio, voice coached three individuals that have made it through televised national talent shows, such as The Voice and Britain’s Got Talent. Two individuals landed lead parts on West End Theatre shows and other productions. Holding various workshops and master classes all over England. Whilst doing one-on-one voice lessons, I have become regional voice director for an award winning choir who I give voice lessons too, that were not originally singers. I run wellbeing groups as part of my work, which takes professional workers out of their day to day duties. Once a week we sing and they learn how to use their voices. And not so long ago, I set up and arranged a five week teacher training course for Voice Coaches here in England, which incorporated a lot of the working principles I had learnt at NYVC – Thank You Justin!! This was very successful, and a number of the class members went on to coach their own clients. I have since taught over 1000 individuals, which also includes rappers for spoken voice.
3. What is an interesting or funny fact about you?
An interesting fact about me is that I am quite shy when it comes to speaking to crowds of people and I get intimidated quite easily; but nobody believes me when I tell them this.
4. What led you to the NYVC Voice Teacher Training & Certification Program?
I actually work in England for the Crown Prosecution Service. This was after I finished studying Law. However, I always wanted to sing and took a singing course whilst studying at University. I enjoyed it so much, I started researching about further studies in singing and it wasn’t until 10 years later, I was listening to a number of NYVC’s YouTube submissions, that I thought I want to know more! I contacted Justin, visited New York from England, and the rest is history.
5. What was your experience in the NYVC Voice Teacher Training & Certification Program?
I was quite nervous at first, even though lessons were done over Skype, as everyone seemed just that little bit further on with their knowledge than I was. However, I began to realize, each had their own strengths, including me. And the course taught me how to focus on what I do know and still make an effective change in order to develop another person’s voice. I visited NYVC in person for two weeks and it's there I realized just how much I had learned by being given the opportunity to put it into practice. It opened my eyes to a lot of things that truly changed my life, when it comes to singing and being an effective vocal technician.
6. What advice would you give to future participants of the Program?
The advise I'd give for future participants is to make sure you let go of all your own personal inhibitions about how you see yourself when it comes to teaching others. Make sure you ask questions that will seek to increase your knowledge of the subject, building your confidence.
7. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an artist, teacher, or vocal professional?
The biggest challenge I faced as a voice teacher was when I had to get a choir of individuals that had no prior experience singing on any platform to be the headline performance choir at a national televised music awards ceremony – with the only common goal of publicizing the benefits and encourage donating blood to help individuals that suffer with a debilitating disease called Sickle Cell. I had three months to teach and train the choir. It was noted as one of the best performances of the night.
8. What was your greatest victory ever as an artist, teacher, or vocal professional?
The greatest victory for me as a professional and teacher was getting to the finals of Britain’s Got Talent. Not only as a singer, but with individuals I had trained. To see the elation on their faces and the audience that listened and cheered as the song was taking place... It is something I will never forget!
9. What is one piece of advice that you would love all singers to know?
Singing can be easy. Be true to yourself and don't try to be like another. That draws on the authenticity of your sound.
10. What is something you've learned on your journey that you would love other vocal professionals to know?
Like my piece of advice mentioned above, I have learned to be me and that is enough. I used to compare myself to others, but now I realize that people want your story, not someone else’s. Doing this has earned me an honor of MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the King's New Year’s honors list. Keep striving to be the best version of you.
11. How can we find out more about you and your work?
You can visit my webpage: www.conradgayle.co.uk
Or contact me on social media,
Instagram: conrad_gayle
Facebook: Conrad Gayle Vocal Training and Education
