StimmWerk Zurich Support Hub - Vocal Coaching & Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Get quick and clear answers to our most common inquiries regarding lessons, scheduling, billing, policies, and what to expect during your time with us.

Booking your private vocal lesson is straightforward. New students typically begin with an initial consultation to assess their needs and goals. Following this, you can schedule regular lessons by contacting our studio administration via email or phone. For enrolled students, we also offer access to our secure online scheduling portal, providing flexibility to view availability and book sessions directly. Detailed instructions for portal access are provided upon enrollment, ensuring you can find a time that works best for you and your instructor.

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. We require a minimum of 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a private lesson. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed appointments without prior notification, will be charged the full lesson fee. This policy helps us manage our instructors' schedules and ensure fair availability for all students. Please refer to the comprehensive terms and conditions provided during registration for complete details on our policies regarding cancellations, rescheduling, and holidays.

For your convenience, StimmWerk Zurich accepts payments via bank transfer and major credit cards. Invoices for lessons and workshops are typically issued on a monthly basis for ongoing students, or per event for workshops. You will find all necessary banking details and instructions for credit card payments clearly outlined on your invoice. Should you have any questions regarding billing, payment schedules, or specific arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact our administration office. We are here to assist you with any financial queries.

Your first session is a pivotal opportunity for you and your coach to get acquainted and set the foundation for your vocal development. It usually begins with a friendly discussion about your musical background, any prior singing experience, your specific goals, and what you hope to achieve through coaching at StimmWerk Zurich. Your coach will then guide you through some initial vocal exercises and potentially listen to you sing a piece to assess your current vocal range, tone quality, breath support, posture, and areas where you can grow. You'll collaborate to outline a personalized plan tailored specifically to your individual needs and artistic aspirations, ensuring a focused and effective learning path from the very first note.

Absolutely! Recognizing the diverse needs of our students, StimmWerk Zurich provides high-quality online vocal coaching sessions. These virtual lessons offer a flexible option for individuals who prefer to learn from the comfort of their own space, have busy schedules, or are located outside of Zurich. Sessions are conducted via secure and user-friendly video conferencing platforms, allowing for real-time interaction, visual feedback, and personalized guidance just as in person. Please contact us to inquire about the availability of online instructors and discuss the simple technical requirements (stable internet, webcam, microphone) to ensure a smooth and productive virtual studio experience.

Yes, alongside private lessons, StimmWerk Zurich regularly hosts engaging group singing workshops, masterclasses, and ensemble opportunities. These sessions provide a wonderful environment to explore different musical styles, learn harmony singing, develop performance skills in a supportive setting, and connect with fellow singers in the vibrant Zurich community. Workshops vary in focus and duration, covering diverse topics from specific genres (jazz, pop, classical) to advanced vocal techniques, stage presence, and managing performance anxiety. Keep an eye on our website's news section or subscribe to our newsletter for announcements on upcoming group activities and how to register.

Our standard private vocal coaching sessions are typically 50 minutes in duration. This allows ample time for warm-ups, technical exercises, working on repertoire, receiving feedback, and discussing practice strategies. We believe this length provides a comprehensive and effective learning experience without causing vocal fatigue. Longer sessions may be available upon special request and subject to instructor availability for intensive work or specific preparation needs like audition coaching.

Vocal Resources & Guides

Expand your knowledge and refine your practice with expertly curated articles, tips, and guides from the StimmWerk Zurich team. These resources are designed to support your journey outside of lessons, helping you maintain vocal health, practice effectively, and prepare for performances.

Singer doing vocal warm-up exercises, gently humming

The Importance of Warming Up Your Voice

Preparing your vocal cords before any singing activity is crucial for preventing strain and optimizing performance. This guide walks you through essential warm-up exercises recommended by our coaches, explaining the 'why' behind each step, from gentle hums to lip trills and siren sounds. Learn how a consistent warm-up routine can improve your range, tone, and overall vocal agility, setting you up for successful practice sessions, rehearsals, or performances while reducing the risk of injury.

Person looking calm and focused before a performance on a dimly lit stage

Managing Performance Anxiety: Tips from the Stage

Stage fright is a common hurdle, even for experienced performers. This resource offers practical techniques and mindfulness exercises to help you feel confident, centered, and in control before stepping into the spotlight. We discuss strategies for thorough preparation, effective mental rehearsal, breathing techniques, and channeling nervous energy into powerful, expressive performance, drawing on insights from seasoned vocalists and performance coaches who understand the unique pressures of live singing.

Water glass and throat lozenges on a piano keyboard, emphasizing vocal care

Protecting Your Most Valuable Instrument: Vocal Health Essentials

Your voice is a delicate and powerful instrument requiring diligent care. This comprehensive guide covers fundamental vocal health practices crucial for singers, including optimal hydration, avoiding irritants like smoke or excessive caffeine, managing speaking voice habits to prevent strain, and recognizing the early signs of vocal fatigue or potential issues that require rest or professional attention. Learn how lifestyle choices impact your singing voice and discover simple, effective steps you can take daily to ensure your vocal instrument remains healthy, resilient, and capable of meeting your musical demands for years to come.

Person reviewing sheet music at a desk, planning a practice session

Structuring an Effective Singing Practice Session

Maximize your progress and make the most of your time outside of lessons by structuring your practice effectively. This article provides a template for organizing your daily or weekly singing sessions, balancing essential components like warm-ups, targeted technical exercises, focused repertoire work, and necessary cool-downs. Learn how to set achievable goals for each session, prioritize areas for improvement, utilize feedback from your coach, and track your progress efficiently, ensuring every minute of practice contributes meaningfully towards your vocal development milestones.

Person writing musical notes on a staff, understanding theory

Music Theory for Singers: A Practical Introduction

Understanding basic music theory can profoundly impact your singing, from improving your ability to learn new music quickly to interpreting complex harmonies and expressing yourself more fully. This guide introduces fundamental concepts like scales, intervals, chords, rhythm, and key signatures specifically from a singer's perspective, focusing on how these elements relate to vocal performance and musicianship. Discover how grasping these principles can make sight-reading easier, enhance your ear training abilities, and deepen your overall musical understanding and expression.

Meet Our Instructors

Learn more about the dedicated and experienced vocal coaches who are passionate about guiding your vocal development and helping you achieve your artistic goals at StimmWerk Zurich. Our team brings a wealth of knowledge across various genres and vocal disciplines.

Erika Musterfrau

Lead Vocal Coach (Contemporary)

Erika is a renowned specialist in contemporary vocal techniques, performance coaching, and artist development. With over 15 years of experience teaching singers across various popular genres including pop, jazz, and musical theatre, she brings a dynamic and results-oriented approach to her lessons. Erika's passion lies in helping students unlock their full vocal potential, build confidence on stage, and navigate the complexities of the modern music industry. She trained at the prestigious Conservatory of Music in Bern and continues to perform regularly in and around Zurich, bringing real-world, current industry experience directly into her teaching studio.

Hans Schmidt

Classical Vocal Instructor

Hans possesses a deep understanding and passion for classical repertoire and traditional vocal pedagogy. He guides students through the foundational techniques of classical singing, focusing on healthy breath control, clear diction across various languages (German, Italian, French, Latin), resonant tone production, and stylistic interpretation across different historical periods from Baroque to contemporary opera. Hans received his rigorous training at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) and has performed extensively as a tenor in opera and concert halls throughout Switzerland and Europe. His teaching is informed by a rich performance career and a steadfast commitment to nurturing healthy, sustainable classical voices for both aspiring professionals and dedicated amateurs.

Sofia Wyss

Studio Director & Accompanist

Sofia is the warm and efficient force behind the smooth operation of StimmWerk Zurich and an accomplished piano accompanist. With a strong background in music administration and performance, she ensures that both students and instructors have the support and resources they need to thrive. Sofia often accompanies lessons, student performances, and workshops, providing invaluable musical collaboration and insight. She is the first point of contact for many inquiries, managing scheduling, student accounts, and general studio operations, and is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, organized, and efficient environment for our vibrant singing community.

Luca Schneider

Accompanist & Music Theory Instructor

Luca is an integral part of the StimmWerk team, serving as a skilled piano accompanist and our resident music theory expert. His sensitive and musical accompanying provides a strong foundation for students during lessons and performance practice. Luca also leads workshops and provides individual coaching on music theory concepts specifically tailored for singers, helping them understand harmony, rhythm, and structure to enhance their performance and sight-reading abilities. He studied piano performance and music education at the Lucerne School of Music.

Hear From Our Students

Read what members of the StimmWerk Zurich community are saying about their experiences, vocal progress, and the comprehensive support they receive during their journey with us.

"The support I received when trying to schedule my first online lesson was fantastic. The response was quick, incredibly clear, and guided me through the process seamlessly. It made starting my vocal journey with StimmWerk Zurich so easy and reassuring, especially as a complete beginner trying online lessons."

- Ana Meier

Private Lesson Student

"I found the resources on vocal health incredibly useful and comprehensive. As someone who performs regularly in small venues around Zurich, having these guides available online is a real lifesaver for maintaining my voice. They are practical, easy to understand, and genuinely help me care for my most important asset."

- Ben Fischer

Workshop Attendee & Performer

"Whenever I have a question about my account, billing, or need to adjust my schedule due to travel, the StimmWerk team is always so responsive, understanding, and friendly. It feels like a truly supportive community that values its students, not just a music school. Excellent customer service every single time!"

- Chloe Weber

Long-term Client

"The FAQ section answered most of my initial questions before I even needed to reach out! It's incredibly well-organized and covers everything from booking to payment and policies. It's great to have such a comprehensive, self-service resource library readily available whenever I need information. It clearly shows how much StimmWerk cares about their students' experience and accessibility."

- David Müller

New Student Inquiry

"I appreciate the detailed guides and tips on performance techniques available in the resources section. They complement my private lessons perfectly and give me concrete, actionable strategies to practice at home, helping me feel more prepared and confident for upcoming student recitals or auditions."

- Elena Keller

Private Lesson Student & Performer

"Booking workshops is always easy through the provided links and information, and the details provided beforehand about the content and schedule are always clear and accurate. It's comforting to know that the logistics are handled so efficiently, allowing me to simply register and focus fully on the exciting musical content of the workshop itself."

- Fabian Zimmermann

Workshop Participant

"The advice provided in the resources on managing performance anxiety was incredibly helpful for my last recital. Reading through the techniques and tips made me feel much more prepared and calm before stepping onto the stage. It genuinely made a difference in how I felt and performed."

- Gianna Frei

Student Performer

"I needed clarification on an invoice related to a workshop fee, and the response from the StimmWerk administration was incredibly swift, polite, and perfectly explained everything I needed to know. Their support system is truly top-notch and always helpful."

- Lukas Huber

Client

"The online scheduling portal makes it so convenient and easy to manage my lessons and see my upcoming appointments, and any technical questions I had about using it were answered quickly and effectively by support. The blend of easy self-service and available help is perfect."

- Nadia Schneider

Online Lesson Student

"The quality of the vocal health resources is outstanding – they aren't just generic tips but feel informed by real expertise. It's clear that the StimmWerk team genuinely cares deeply about the long-term well-being and development of their students' voices, both inside and outside of lessons."

- Samuel Wyss

Student & Vocal Enthusiast

Welcome to the StimmWerk Zurich Support Hub

Frequently Asked Questions