Hello! I’m Vicky, a vocal coach from Cambridgeshire, UK. My journey with Complete Vocal Technique (CVT) began at a workshop in London, where I arrived skeptical and unsure of what to expect. The workshop featured singers from diverse musical backgrounds—a gospel singer, a rock singer, a jazz artist, and more. Each singer had a 15-minute session with a CVT teacher, and in that short time, they all achieved their singing goals. It was incredible to witness their confidence soar; it felt like watching a magic trick unfold. I had always believed that singing was something you either had or you didn’t.
One memorable moment was when a singer aimed to reach a very high note. The CVT teacher gently guided him with phrases like, “Raise the soft palate,” “Use an ‘ee’ vowel,” and “Engage your stomach muscles.” Suddenly, there it was—the high note, glorious and strong! I could see the singer’s confidence blossom, and at that moment, I was sold. The technique truly WORKED, and I was captivated by the astonishing sounds anyone could learn to produce. I knew I wanted more.
This excitement led me to enroll in a week-long CVT course in Copenhagen, where I explored this technique with songs of my choice. One aspect I love about CVT is its student-led approach; choosing a song fosters a special connection, motivating the singer to invest in their learning.
Before I discovered CVT, I was an introverted performer. I had little experience with vocal effects and struggled to control my high notes. Since learning CVT, I’ve conquered these challenges, and the feedback I receive now exceeds my expectations. My confidence as a performer has never been higher.
When I began teaching singing in Cambridge, I was offered a position based solely on my ability to sing. However, I realized I didn’t know how to effectively communicate my skills to others. My teaching had significant gaps. Learning CVT transformed my approach; I can now provide my students with all the pathways they need to reach their goals.
Naturally, I enrolled in the three-year diploma program to become a fully qualified CVT coach. Today, I am one of only seven in the UK trained in this extraordinary technique. Not only does CVT work, but witnessing its pedagogy in action is magical. I recall a classical singer attempting to sing pop music. Her rigorous training had left her psychologically damaged, and she was off-pitch. The CVT teacher handled her sensitivities with grace, never saying she was out of tune. Instead, he gently guided her back to the center of the pitch. It was a lengthy process, but one that was entirely achievable with dedication. The applause she received when she finally found her pitch was one of countless special moments I experienced with CVT.
Completing the three-year diploma and discovering CVT has been life-changing. I can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. I now have a network of singing friends from across Europe, and we regularly meet online for study groups, sharing our challenges and supporting each other in our teaching journeys.
During my three years of studying at Europe’s largest institute for semi-professional singers, I made lifelong friends. I had to confront my insecurities about singing, laying them bare for all to see, which allowed me to work through them. This experience has enabled me to empathize deeply with my students and their unique fears. At every seminar in Copenhagen, at least one of us would shed tears as we faced our challenges. It felt like therapy, and now I’m able to offer that therapeutic approach to my students’ voices.
True magic! I hope you find the same joy and empowerment in your singing journey.
