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Brett East
Creative Director - Centre Stage Academy
About The Voice Academy
International Voice Coach Michael Woudstra gives singing lessons for individuals and groups from his studio in Brighton.
For over 20 years, Michael, founder of The Voice Academy, has been improving the quality of singing in the UK and Europe.
He studied music, singing and composition in England and Europe and performed extensively in Holland, his native country. Michael has over 20 years experience as a music teacher working with people from 5 to 75.
Michael Woudstra
Course DirectorThousands of students have benefited from his groundbreaking methods. Singers first need to understand how the voice works and then learn how to work with the vocal mechanism. This knowledge and understanding will empower them and set them free. It is essential to free the voice and open up its potential.
Michael has been a professional vocal coach for over 20 years and during this time has developed his own singing method called: "Singing from the Soul" The method develops the tools and techniques that will teach both beginners & professionals to give performances that leave the audience with goose bumps & singing becomes a joy. Includes a special chapter: Anybody can sing in tune! -Tone deaf just doesn't exist!
"In My previous career, I spent ten years working in the music industry, not as a musician , but in A&R as well as running a recording studio and managing record producers/ artists. In that time I learned to ‘spot’ talent and was lucky enough to have been involved in the work of such artists as Nik Kershaw, Gary Moore, Gypsy Kings, Mory kante, Ian Broodie and the Lightning seeds, Cutting Crew and even Motorhead! I have known Michael for over four years and in that time had the privilege of hearing the development of the voices he had coached, witnessed remarkable results and seen some stunning performances. By teaching the mechanics of how to breath and how a voice works right through increasing the vocal range and power of a voice, he instils in his students the confidence and ability to give delight to many. Michael also uses a holistic approach to his teaching and works with students not only to train the voice, but to bring the student’s personality, individuality and confidence into the performance, Some of Michael’s students had to overcome huge personal difficulties and to see these people grow in confidence and give such joy to the audience is quite inspirational. Michael is sensitive, caring, kind, intuitive, enormously talented and highly professional. Anyone fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with Michael, will be richer for the experience."
Jules Morgan
Songs composed by Michael Woudstra
'Those Eyes'
(Woudstra)'London, We can not leave you'
(Ferrari/Woudstra)
From the Musical: 'Dead End Kids''Paroxetine'
(Masco/Woudstra)Vocal: Michael Woudstra
Piano: Frank Stagnitta
Double bass: Jacques Schols
Drums: Arnoud Gerritsen
(Jacques & Arnoud accompanied Eartha Kitt that night at the North Sea Jazz festival)
Recorded at Studio 44, Monster, Holland
Sound Engineer: Max BollemanLead vocal: Adrienne Stiefel
BV's: Roger Rowley, Sienna Weller, Claire baker,
Jasmine Poole, Katarina Eriksson
Keyboard: Joss Peach - Cello: Rhiannon Lock
Recorded at the Voice Academy StudioVocal: Pam Masco
Backingtrack: Michael Woudstra
Recorded at the Voice Academy Studio -
Richard Ashworth
Author of: "The Feng Shui Diaries"
The 1:1 Vocal Coaching Programme
By the end of our 2 hour ‘Introduction to singing’ you will know your strengths and weaknesses. However, with the help of your personalized exercise CD, those weaknesses will become strengths and even your strengths will have been improved!
After the initial sessions We’ll make sure your voice will be ready to incorporate your newly learned technique into singing a song and then recording the song!
You will be able to hear how your voice really sounds, which again can help with improving your technique and it makes a great present!
The recordings take place in our private studio that is set up for quality vocal recordings with a vintage Neumann microphone and more amazing gear all of which is included in the price.
"Michael is the third vocal coach I have worked with, and I have already achieved more in 2 sessions with him than I managed with the previous 2 coaches. He has a keen eye for identifying physical problems with technique. This is combined with a strong interest in knocking down the psychological barriers to singing, and the use of recording technology to make you identify yourself what can be improved. I can't wait for the rest of the course, but in the meantime, I'm back out on the road gigging. I wholeheartedly recommend him." Alan Young
Before and after
At one point, during Charlotte's singing lesson we were working on 'Here, there and everywhere'. We recorded this as part of the teaching session. When Charlotte first sung the song I felt that she missed the connection with her soul, although she thought it sounded really good. So I suggested to record it again, hence the before and after. Please listen to see what you think. First the recording in which she thought she sounded best."Here, there and everywhere" track 1:
Then I wanted her to follow my instructions:
Don't focus on trying to make the song sound good, but connect to the lyrics, why don't you sing the song into the Universe to a wonderful new boyfriend."Here, there and everywhere" track 2:
Find out more about Charlotte at: www.charlottewoodman.com
"When I met Michael in 2004 I had been singing choral and barbershop styles for over 40 years and perhaps felt my future was behind me. However with great sensitivity and an impressive understanding of Vocal technique, Michael took me back to basics and showed me how to be in tune with my breathing. This, combined with interesting and stretching vocal exercises, has increased my vocal range beyond all expectations and has given my voice a strength and endurance I could only have dreamed of before I met Michael. My only regret is I didn’t meet Michael 40 years ago- a great guy, and a superb teacher."
D. John Evans -
Tracey Ashworth
Angels Theatre School
International Vocal Group WorkshopsThe Foundation Course
The Foundation Course is for beginners, who will learn how a voice works and how to practically use it and for professionals to make sure their technique is solid.
You will learn:
- How a voice works
- Breathing and singing exercises
- Applying the tools in singing a song of your choice
- Includes a workbook with all the exercises
- One day workshop: 10am-5pm
"The Foundation Course"
What people thought of it:
- "Michael has a huge musical and vocal knowledge base and very quickly identifies the strengths and weaknesses in a voice enabling it to reach a fuller potential." - Sian McGarvey
- "Michael is a fantastic teacher. Warm, intuitive and he gave immediate and helpful advice to improve my song." - Susan Wrixon
- "Michael led a group of people to a level we didn't know we could reach. For me personally, it was a whole new way of singing from the inside. Magical!" - Ann Lewis
The Singing from the Soul Weekend
(only available for singers who have done the Foundation Course)
The 2 day workshop which will include:
- Advanced brearthing & singing exercises
- Showing you how to connect your inner self
- Setting your voice free and then putting it into practice
- Watch the reactions of others to your new way of singing!
- DVD recordings of your performances
"Singing from the Soul" weekend
What people thought of it:
- "Michael’s 'Singing from the Soul' workshop was a revelation. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who has a love for singing and a desire to grow as a person. This weekend has reinforced my faith in human kind." - Laura Snape
- "This is the best opportunity for aspiring vocalists to develop their natural talent. You are to be wholly commended for putting this workshop together." - Helen Pomery
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Ray Dickinson
Performer with internationally acclaimed tribute bands
Groups
Corporate Groups
Client comment
"I highly recommend Michael to any individual or company - be they amateur or even professional. You are guaranteed to be left inspired." - Rupert Clevely, MD Geronimo Inns Ltd- Superb vehicle for team building
- Generate lasting, humourous, shared experience
- Improve individual and team performance
- Enhanced public speaking, presentation and ability to perform in front of an audience
- CD recording to immediately recreate the collective experience of the group
- Improve status within the organisation
- Be amazed with your achievements after just a short time
Amateur Dramatics and Theatre Groups
Take your production to another level of professionalism.
Michael Woudstra has many years experience of working with amateur and professional musical productions.He will deliver a 2 hour "Introduction to Singing" Masterclass to your ensemble and will work with you to tailor-make programmes both for individuals and for specific rehearsals.
For more information call Michael on 01273 687671
"I work with professional young actors & had Michael over for a group workshop. He managed to coach & inspire even the most reluctant & under confident singers. By the end of the day they all wanted to sing & had started to apply the skills to enable them to develop their voices. He is awe-inspiring!"
Sheila Ashworth
Wings Agency (21 January 2011)
"I am writing this letter to inform you that I highly recommend Michael to every school or theatre. Michael and I have worked together for several years. Michael composed and produced all the music for my theatre shows, which I write and direct for children.
Michael works in a very professional way. He’s always looking for the best. I have opted to work with him on all my productions and would highly recommend him to every school or theatre."
Magali de Fremery
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Rosanna Rae
Singer
The Centre Stage Academy show: "Oh, what a night"
at the Kings Theatre, Southsea on the 26th March 2011
Photo by Clive Bennett
Prices and special offers
SPECIAL DEAL: First lesson FREE
After that lessons are €35 per hour.
Workshops:
For workshops contact me as prices are different per countryand per event.
Gift Vouchers
Looking for a special present?
How about a Voice Academy Gift Voucher?
- 2 hour "Introduction to Singing" session with vocal coach, Michael Woudstra
- Includes personalised practice CD
- £35 inclusive
Or a Recording Voucher?
- 2 hour recording session with vocal coach, Michael Woudstra
- £50 inclusive
Dear Michael,
Thank you very much for the "Introduction to Singing" today. The lesson far exceeded my expectations and I am really excited about developing my voice furtherBefore my 1:1 vocal coaching lesson with Michael I would not even described myself as a beginner. But with Michael's enthusiasm and encouragement I am really excited about finding out what I can achieve with my voice. For the first time in 50 years I've discovered I can sing! Thank you Michael.Clive Murrey (10th March 2011)'After lacking confidence for years with my singing ability I decided to see Michael. All I can say is that you rarely meet people in life like Michael. He is a genuine person with such a passion and commitment to every individual he works with. Michaels singing methods are completely unique and in the short period I spent with him I recognized for the first time how to use my voice correctly and sing from my soul. My confidence has increased and I am really looking forward to getting back on stage.Thank you Michael for your knowledge and all the laughs. Dana Taylor (25th August 2011)
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