"Any person can basically sing anything and learn any sound"

In the Swiss music scene Nicole Tejada is known for a long time. She has worked with countless national and international artists. Now she offers in collaboration with Instrumentor Complete Vocal Technique (CVT) Workshops in Zurich.

As one of 14 "Authorised Complete Vocal Technique Teachers" in Switzerland Nicole answers the most important questions about it below.

What is CVT and what are its advantages?

The technique is scientifically based, concrete and therefore easy to grasp. Each sound that can produce the human voice occupies a term and each term has only one meaning. This minimizes misunderstandings between student and teacher, thus simplifying communication. The technique is continuously evaluated together with ENT doctors and tested and discussed by hundreds of singers and singing teachers.

When and how did you first hear about Complete Vocal Technique (CVT)?

Six years ago a friend told me about it. I then ordered the book and read it. It said that any person can sing anything and learn all the sounds they want. That made me curious and I wanted to learn more about it. So I signed up for the next CVT course in Zurich.

Why did you decide to do CVT training?

I had been struggling with voice problems on and off before. Neither speech therapists nor specialized vocal coaches could really help me. During the CVT course in Zurich, the teacher was able to tell me what I was doing wrong after the first session! I followed his tips and was able to massively improve my vocal health after just three weeks. Of course, this also meant that I suddenly had a lot more reserve vocally in general. By the last day of the course, I knew I wanted to learn a lot more about this technique and was hungrier for knowledge than ever before. So I decided to do the training at Complete Vocal Institute in Denmark.

Is CVT helpful for beginners and advanced students?

CVT is a very helpful technique for both beginners and advanced students.

For beginners, the philosophy that you can basically learn anything is very encouraging. With prejudices such as "there are voices that can not sing high" or "you can not influence how your voice sounds", is quickly cleared up.

Advanced singers usually already have a good feeling of their instrument and can usually implement the various exercises very quickly. You can dive deeper into the material and work on more difficult techniques, such as belts, effects or complex transitions. Thus, they get to know new facets to their voice, which they may not have known before or did not know they could produce at all.

Furthermore, singers who sing very often and work intensively with their vocal organ can benefit in the long term, especially regarding vocal health.

Is CVT genre-dependent?

It does not matter in which genre you are at home. In the context of CVT, we do not work on musicality, unless it is explicitly requested. Basically, however, it is about the healthy production of the desired sound or effect.

But not only singers can benefit from CVT.

For people who have to speak a lot, e.g. teachers, actors, lecturers etc., CVT can also be very helpful.

How is CVT structured and what are the learning steps for a(n) beginner?

CVT is structured as follows:

1. The three basic principles: Support, necessary twang, and avoid lip tension or advanced lower jaw.
2. The four vocal modes: Neutral, Curbing, Overdrive and Edge
3. Tone colors
4. Effects: Vibrato, Growl, Distortion, Screams etc.
5. Interpretation, Improvisation, Rhythm

The first step for a beginner is to learn the three basic principles. These form the basis of singing, no matter what fashions are sung in, and regardless of the style of music.

What are the advantages of learning CVT in a group workshop?

I love group lessons!

Many feel that being in a group makes you feel ashamed if you are less good than others. This understandably makes group lessons very uncomfortable. However, CVT basically doesn't differentiate between good and bad, only between far and less far. If you can't do something yet, it's only because you haven't practiced it enough. This principle creates a non-competitive and supportive atmosphere.

In a group, you also learn that others are struggling with the same problems and find support, friends and fellow sufferers. Participants can motivate each other and a positive dynamic is created that would not be present in a one-on-one setting. You can watch how the teacher works with others, so nuances become audible. This makes curious and desire to try it too.

How many workshops would I have to attend to master this technique?

This depends, of course, as always on how much you can practice. The more certain procedures are repeated and internalized, the more progress you can book. Also important is a positive attitude when practicing. Not being too impressed and dragged down by mistakes is very important for efficient progress. We will also practice this during the workshop!

You can register now for a workshop with Nicole Tejada!

What participants say:

Susanne, teacher

I got a new view on the singing voice, which gives me much more room to maneuver.

Nicole understands very well how to create a good atmosphere and how to respond to individuals and their challenges.

Both the theoretical part and the learning on the practical example have broadened my singing horizon:)

Zäzilia, artist

The basic course is very well structured with its theoretical/practical part. I finally understand how the tones are built up. In the afternoon session with Nicole was amazing how much you can get out in a short time. Nicole is an ideal teacher! Professional, warm, top motivating. One wants more!

Chanti, musician, Bern

Awesome coaching! Kickass Teacher! I really like how she responded to each participant and always with positive energy. Keep it up, I can only recommend from the bottom of my heart.

Angela, musician

I really enjoyed the CVT workshop with Nicole! She was able to get a lot of potential out of my voice with positive energy and cool humor. Her tips and approach felt natural, which made me feel very comfortable and able to push my limit.

I was able to learn a lot in this short time and am motivated to continue attending her workshop.

I would highly recommend the CVT workshop to all singers who would like to learn something 🙂

Go Nicole!

Workshop Details and Registration