Creating a safe space to step out of your comfort zone

“I love teaching because I genuinely want to help my students discover new sounds, a new potential, new strengths and reach their goals.

And the best thing is, I can do all of this through the one thing that fulfills me most and makes me happiest: singing!

Giving voice lessons is so versatile. Every lesson, I’m excited to work with so many different unique voices and people.”

My vocal background

I started taking private piano lessons at age 7 and singing lessons when I was 9 years old. I have had classical vocal lessons during my conservatory studies, but for the vast majority of my life I have been trained singing anything in the realm of popular music, including jazz, r&b, soul, gospel, funk, etc.

During my vocal studies, I focused mostly on jazz and pop music. I decided to study jazz vocals because I love feeling free when I sing: in the way I phrase, interpret songs, move my body and in improvisation.

For me, learning proper vocal technique is a means to reach your personal goals as a singer. Without knowing how to use your voice in a healthy, sustainable, and purposeful way, you won’t be able to enjoy the singing experience as much. To be truly free and creative with your voice means learning the basics. All with one ultimate purpose: to be fully in the music; to express vocally and musically as you desire; to let go of fears; to release physical hindrances; to foster self-confidence (on and off stage); and to ENJOY singing.

My philosophy

What I can offer you

In my voice lessons, I apply knowledge gained from different vocal techniques because I believe the truth lies in the combination of different disciplines - especially when it comes to something so individual like teaching the voice. Every body, every voice, every person is inherently different. There is no one recipe that is the cure. It is finding out what works for YOU.

That being said, I use knowledge I gained through my personal experience of 20 years of vocal lessons which were influenced by EVTS, CVT, Feldenkrais method, Lichtenberg and more.

My specialty…

Jazz

  • how to sing jazz standards

  • learning how to improvise comfortable (over chord changes)

  • learning & transcribing jazz solos

  • building your repertoire

  • preparing for your vocal entrance exam

Sound

  • how to find you distinct vocal sound

  • how to be versatile so your can sing in many different styles

Soul & Gospel

  • how to fuel your voice with power, energy & attitude

  • how to use techniques like Belting & curbing

  • how to be anchored in rhythm & groove

Technique

  • how to use your voice in a healthy/sustainable way (singing & speaking)

  • how to be flexible & purposeful in the way you use your voice

Performance

  • how to bring your own personality in your singing/performance

  • how to interpret the songs you sing

  • how to tell a story

  • how to overcome obstacles like e.g. stage fright

Body

  • how to use your entire body as your instrument

  • how to feel comfortable in your skin while singing

Piano

  • how to accompany yourself with the piano while singing

  • “Through my singing lessons with Nicola, I’ve discovered a voice I didn’t know I had.”

    Fako

  • “I’ve been singing for a long time, but I was looking for a teacher to help me improve my technique and start singing jazz songs. I really enjoy my classes with Nicola, as she comes up with lots of useful exercises tailored to my learning goals. I definitely recommend taking lessons with her!”

    Suzanne

  • “Nicola’s singing lessons are both educational and fun. I always look forward to going to class. There’s always a very pleasant, open, and welcoming atmosphere. I feel completely at ease, which allows me to sing freely and with confidence.”

    Coosje

  • “In my lessons with Nicola, I’ve learned a lot of useful techniques. She gives practical tools that help you make progress quickly, such as using your body and movement for support or relaxation, and visualizing certain sounds. You can tell she has the technical expertise of a conservatory-trained singer, but she teaches in a very accessible way. On top of that, the lessons are fun and relaxed. I definitely recommend taking lessons with Nicola!”

    Nynke

  • "Being new to singing Nicola made me feel at ease right away. Through what seemed silly exercises she helped open up my vocal range. During our lessons she's guided me with patience and laughter, letting me experience my voice in a way I could never have imagined. I've enjoyed every lesson with Nicola, while experiencing and developing my own voice."

    Gerald

  • "I really enjoy the singing classes with Nicola. She creates a safe environment in which I can explore the possibilities of my own voice."

    Ellen

  • "My singing lessons have been a wonderful experience. They’re always enjoyable and relaxed, yet I’ve learned a lot in a relatively short time. I take lessons together with my sister, and she adapts the program perfectly to suit both of us, making sure each of our individual goals is addressed. She is very attentive to exactly what we want to work on, making every session both productive and fun. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to improve their singing in a supportive, personalized, and fun environment."

    Emile

 

Get in touch

If you have questions or you’re interested in scheduling a trial vocal lesson, fill out this form below and I’ll get back to you.