talenasmith.co.uk - vocal coaching for the extreme

Talena Smith BA(hons) is a specialist providing vocalists with the techniques required for powerful & extreme vocals. From the genres of Pop & RnB to Rock & Metal, Talena will give you the skills needed to belt like a pop diva or growl like a metal king. Whether you are a beginner looking to train to enter this demanding field or are a professional wanting to improve your technique, Talena can offer tuition to suit your specific needs. Lessons cover vocal, stage and mic techniques as well as vocal stamina for touring and studio work.

Talena believes that vocalists wanting a ‘power’ voice should get the training needed for these extreme vocal styles. Currently a vocalist for Manchester-based metal band Gone Til Winter, Talena has been performing within these genres for many years and after becoming a singing teacher discovered that there are few resources for extreme vocalists.

You can now buy lesson vouchers! They entitle you (or the person of your choice) to a vocal session with Talena.

Please contact me for details!


Q: "I'm a folk singer (don't laugh!) looking for a bit of advice about improving my technique, particularly with reaching higher notes more easily and with more power.. I've sung all my life and am pretty happy with my style generally, i wonder if the techniques would crossover anyway?! " A: High notes! Everyone has a problems with "high notes" in whatever genre of music you're singing! There are a few little things you can do to help... 1. Make sure that you are breathing correctly (diaphragmatic breathing/Deep breathing/Belly breathing). 2. when you do go for a high note try NOT to push too hard! 3. Aim the note to the floor (if you look up or think high it will raise your larynx making it harder to produce the note). 4. due to the waves the higher notes have, they need to resonate in a higher resonance space (high mask) so you need to help them...raise your eyebrows & lower your jaw! Give all those things a go & see where that gets you!

Q: "I'm a folk singer (don't laugh!) looking for a bit of advice about improving my technique, particularly with reaching higher notes more easily and with more power.. I've sung all my life and am pretty happy with my style generally, i wonder if the techniques would crossover anyway?! "

A: High notes! Everyone has a problems with "high notes" in whatever genre of music you're singing! There are a few little things you can do to help... 1. Make sure that you are breathing correctly (diaphragmatic breathing/Deep breathing/Belly breathing). 2. when you do go for a high note try NOT to push too hard! 3. Aim the note to the floor (if you look up or think high it will raise your larynx making it harder to produce the note). 4. due to the waves the higher notes have, they need to resonate in a higher resonance space (high mask) so you need to help them...raise your eyebrows & lower your jaw! Give all those things a go & see where that gets you!

» Ask Talena a question!

Her students so far have included:

Matt Drake (Evile)
Rosie Smith (Rosa Damascena/Cradle of Filth)
David Duxbury (Last Chance To Dance)
Simon Gordon (City Of God / Xentrix / 1000 Points Of Hate/Hellfighter)
Rob Vicars (Lavondyss)
Mike Pilat (The Ocean/Heresy of Thieves)
Caroline Sterling (Ryna/The Switch)
Gaz Burrows (Blueprint To A Downfall)
Ben Davy (Mishkin)
Marcus "Jester" Alexander (Doom Valley Drivers)
Gary Harkin (Bison Hammer)
Ste Burke (Inbred Quarter)