Singing Lessons for Teens
At-a-Glance Benefits for Teens, Here:
At a voice conference with Robert Stevenson—Atlanta-based coach to Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Pharell, and more.
Singing Lessons Tailored to Your Unique Goals
It all starts with understanding where you’re at, where you’d like to get, and how you want to get there.
Challenging but balanced learning environment
Technique and style work is balanced with finding moments to enjoy the process, via connection, humour, musical collaboration, and vocal achievement on favourite songs.
Results via proven method
Lessons here are based on the incredibly successful Speech Level Singing method, used by stars like Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Sara Bareilles and Imagine Dragons.
Up-to-date songs you want to sing
Access to a huge, constantly updated library of pop, indie, and theatre songs, played and coached authentically—read on:
Authentic style coaching and accompaniment from a working commercial musician
I’ve been performing top 40 songs my entire career, most recently as musical director for Famous Players Band, as well as working original artist pop-based projects.
These are not like the classical piano lessons you had with the 80 year old Russian taskmaster when you were six. Wait—only me? (It’s fine. I’m fine…)
Playing ‘all the pop’ for another Famous Players Band corporate Christmas Party.
Serious bandleader duties: Playing a crucial slide-whistle cue on Groove is in the Heart while leading Famous Players Band through the 1990s Medley
That time a client played the Akon afterparty. This client may or may not also be the reason I sometimes say ‘cool-cool-cool,’ quickly and reflexively, now.
Serious educator, bahaha
In addition to my BFA in Music, I recently completed my Bachelor of Education degree through UBC, and am now a BC Ministry of Education-licensed teacher, bound to the Ministry's pedagogical and ethical standards.
This qualification is fairly unique among Vancouver-area singing teachers, and represents an additional layer of accountability in a teacher's interactions with youth.
The Ed. degree also represents a significant investment in learning current evidence-based best practices for curriculum design, inclusive education, social-emotional development, and delivery of broader educational goals.*
*(But mainly we just sing and goof around a lot.)
Select Experience with Teens:
Musical director for top teen pre-professional programs including Arts Club Youth Musical Theatre Intensive, Richmond Gateway Summer Musical Theatre Program, and Byng and Magee Fine Arts High School theatre programs.
Musical director for over twenty high school shows, all told. Many musicals at Balmoral, Carson Graham, and Rockridge Schools in North and West Vancouver, as well as Vancouver College and Crofton House.
Many clients are teen singers—we seem to get along great :)
Philosophy for Working with Teens:
Teens studying here get treated the same way as adults, mostly, i.e. some work, some fun—according to each individual's strengths, personality, and goals—in a respectful, inclusive atmosphere.
“Courtenay has made me a better and more confident singer. I really enjoy our sessions together and recommend him to anyone seeking to improve their singing.”
— Gabby, Grade 12. Dancer/Singer
Book a short free call
A short friendly chat to answer any questions you may have about lessons here.