Notes For Singing Success From Leigh Nash

“To be able to encourage that and help bring that out of people everyday is a dream,” she said. “I mean, think about it, with each session I get to play with an amazing instrument for an hour. To hear what the instrument can do and help someone get stronger and more confident, it’s such a privilege.”

We recently checked in with Leigh to see how things are going for the singing coach and artist.

Q + A

SSTV: How has what you’ve learned through Brett’s teaching and methods impacted your approach to singing and performing?

Leigh: Many of the students I’ve been lucky to work with, have been young women. And I have been reminded of my voice 20 years ago. It has changed so much over the years for many reasons. The repetition of touring and making records really trained my voice to “do it’s thing.” I had no formal training though. The last year working with Brett and some of the other coaches has opened new doors for me vocally. I feel stronger and more confident on stage and in the studio.

SSTV: When working with a new student that’s an experienced singer, how do you prioritize goals in planning sessions?

Leigh: I try to start with a good conversation in which I ask plenty of questions and do plenty of listening! I try to find out which issues are most important to the student and go from there.

SSTV: But what about working with a student that is absolutely green, is there a set plan you follow in terms of structuring lessons? How do you determine what to work on first, the order to follow, and the pacing of their progress?

Leigh: Again, I start by trying to get to the core of what they want out of the lessons. I ask about their short term and long term goals in regards to singing. Then, once we start working I can then begin to ascertain what the best course of action will be.

SSTV: How do you handle situations where a student is reluctant to work on something that is vital to their development? Let’s say you sense it’s more of an issue with comfort or confidence, or even fear of failure. So, what’s the best way to proceed?

Leigh: When a student is reluctant to work on things that are holding them back vocally, I try to remind them that you cannot skip steps and then expect great results. It’s not likely to happen. I definitely see that it is frustrating sitting at point A and desperately wanting to be at point C. It really all boils down to the student being patient and non-judgmental of themselves as they progress slowly or swiftly toward their goals.

SSTV: What are some of the lessons your students have taught you? Have you had any breakthroughs, a-ha moments, or surprising epiphanies prompted by working with a student?

Leigh: I have been very moved and inspired by many of my students. Their voices and many times the songs they bring in that they’ve written are truly a privilege to listen to. I feel very blessed to be teaching.

SSTV: Who are some singers with great technique that you admire and recommend for the listening and learning pleasure of your students? What are some of their specific key strengths?

Leigh: Most of my favorite singers I enjoy because of a certain character in their voice. I love Rufus Wainwright, Leonard Cohen, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Feist, Lhasa de Sela – to name some. They all stand out to me in their uniqueness of voice and the profundity of their writing.

SSTV: What are some opportunities for gaining experience as a singer that are often overlooked or underrated?

Leigh: I got my first experiences singing in public at church and at a school talent show, and it was through those events that I was asked to sing on Sunday evening at a local restaurant in the town I grew up in. I was 14 at the time. I would sing when the opportunity presented itself, and it always seemed a new opportunity would follow.