How do I change my picture/avatar?
To add or change your profile picture/avatar, go to My Settings in the main drop down menu. From there, click on the gray box to upload an image (or drag image to it). To remove an image, click the trash icon or select the edit icon at the bottom of the image to resize and rotate.
How do I change my time zone?
To update the time zone you live in for accurate results in your vocal journal, weekly goals and private lesson times, follow the steps below. Once selected, daylight savings time will be automatically accounted for throughout the years’ activities:
- Go to the My Settings page in the main dropdown menu
- Select your desired time zone (if time zone is not listed, check to see if you have selected the correct country in your address)
- Click “Save Changes” at the bottom of the page
How do I change my password?
To update your password, go to the My Settings page in the main dropdown menu. Next, type in and confirm your new password before saving your changes at the bottom of the page.
How do I change my skill level?
To modify your skill level, go to the My Settings page in the main dropdown menu, select your desired skill level and “Save Changes” at the bottom of the page. Before doing so, it is highly recommended to consider the following to maintain an accurate profile and measurement of progress:
Upgrade to Intermediate if:
- You have 1-5 years of professional training experience
- You have 1-5 years of professional performance experience
- All 7 dimensions are at least 50% when taking an beginner assessment
Upgrade to Advanced if:
- You have 6 or more years of professional training experience
- You have 6 or more years of professional performance experience
- All 7 dimensions are at least 65% when taking an intermediate assessment
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards.
How do I update my payment method?
If you need to add or update a credit/debit card on file to avoid any disruption to your course subscriptions, follow the steps below:
- Go to My Purchases page in the main dropdown menu
- Select the “Payment Methods” tab
- Fill in the required fields before saving your changes
How do I view my purchase history?
To view the details or your course purchases (lifetime members) and subscription (monthly or annual members) history, follow the steps below:
- Go to My Purchases page in the main dropdown menu
- Select the “Orders” or “Subscriptions” tab
- Review your order details and history
How do I add an additional child to the Vocal Gym For Homeschool course?
As a parent, you can add an additional child to the Vocal Gym for Homeschool course for a $99/year subscription or $59/semester membership. To do so, go to the Parent Portal section in your first child's account and click on the "Homeschool Toolbox" to see your options.
How do I change a course subscription?
You can make changes to your course subscription, such as switching from monthly to annual, upgrading to the Advanced Course or purchasing a Lifetime membership, by going to the Memberships page. You can also click the plus icon (+) on the My Courses page at any time to view your course options.
How do I cancel a course subscription?
You can cancel a monthly or annual subscription at any time for any reason at all. To avoid an unwanted payment, be sure to confirm your cancellation prior to the next billing cycle. To do so, follow the steps below:
- Go to My Purchases page in the main dropdown menu
- Select “Subscriptions” tab
- Click on the subscription you wish to cancel and follow the prompts
How do I pay for an online voice lesson?
If you have recurring lessons set up with a teacher, you will receive an email reminder 24 hours prior to your scheduled lesson with a direct payment link included. Simply click on the link and pay prior to the lesson starting.
How do I reschedule a private lesson?
You can reschedule a lesson as long as it is at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled lesson time. If the lesson is already paid for, the payment will be automatically credited to the new lesson time. To do so, you can email your teacher directly or contact us using the form below.
How do I cancel a private lesson?
Lesson cancellations must be done at least 24 hours prior or the lesson is still to be paid in full. To do so, email your teacher directly or let us know by using the form below.
How do I access my affiliate account information?
If you are a Vocal Gym affiliate, you will see an affiliate link on the My Settings page in the main dropdown menu. From there, you can review your account information, including your unique affiliate code, sales history and referrals.
How do I navigate a course?
Upon entering a course, you will be automatically directed to whichever lesson you left off. To jump to a specific lesson (if available), you can click the “in progress” video link directly from the dashboard or use the curriculum view (sidebar in desktop or dropdown menu in mobile). When viewing the curriculum:
- Grey outlined buttons are lessons to be completed
- A purple outlined button is the lesson you are viewing
- Orange outlined buttons with a checkmark are completed lessons
All Vocal Gym courses (including Advance and Homeschool) are set up in a progressive format, which means that you must complete the lesson, quiz or assignment in the order they are presented. However, resource courses such as Beyond the Gym, Pattern Vault and Glossary are free-form, allowing you to jump to any lesson or exercise, with no obligation to mark them as “complete”.
How do I complete a lesson?
After viewing all the content of a lesson page, including text, videos, MP3s and diagrams, select the orange “Mark Complete” button at the bottom of the page. You will then be automatically taken to the next lesson, quiz or assignment listed in the curriculum.
How do I complete a quiz?
In order to unlock the next lesson, you must get at least 80% of the answers correct. If you’re unsure of an answer, you have the option to skip it by clicking on the numbers above the question and returning to it at the end of the quiz. Additionally, you are welcome to go back and study previous lessons and retake the quiz as often as you need. To answer a question, follow these steps:
- Select the answer you believe to be correct
- Click the “Check” button to verify your answer
- Click the “Next” button to move to the next question
How do I complete an activity inside of a lesson?
There are a variety of activities to explore within the lesson pages. In-course activities are viewable by your teacher/parent and will have fields or selections that must be completed before moving to the next lesson. For out of course activities, such as performing a specific task, follow the instructions provided before marking the lesson as complete.
How do I complete a course assignment?
Depending on which course you are taking, there are three types of assignments. Note that any in-course forms or uploaded materials (such as PDFs, MP3s, or video files) will be viewable by any teacher and/or parent (organization) you are associated with:
- In-course form: Fill in all fields, click "SAVE", and then mark the lesson as complete
- Downloadable PDF: Print the PDF and follow the instructions before marking it complete
- Out of course: Follow the instructions presented and then mark the lesson as complete
How do I adjust the lesson video settings inside the course?
You can adjust the following settings on lesson videos:
- Play Icon - Starts and pauses the video (be sure to complete the entire video in order to move on to the next lesson)
- Slide Icon - Click and drag to repeat any section within the video (do not skip to the end to “complete” the video or it won’t count towards your weekly goals)
- Volume Icon - Click to adjust the volume setting manually
- CC Icon - If the video your viewing has a Closed Caption option, this icon will appear next to the volume settings and can be used to read the dialog from the corresponding video
- Gear Icon - Allows you to select the quality of video (highest setting is recommended unless having difficulty with your internet connection)
- Expand Icon - Click to have the video lesson expand to full screen view
How do I download lesson content?
There are several opportunities to download content:
- PDF - To download a PDF from a lesson page, click on the “download” icon in the bottom bar of the PDF displayed
- MP3 - To download a practice track (MP3) in the Pattern Vault, click on the “download” button attached to the audio player (Reminder: practicing with a downloaded file will not be automatically included towards your weekly goals)
What if I have a question about a specific lesson?
To submit a question or comment about a particular lesson, scroll down to the bottom of the lesson page to the “Post a question or comment” section. There, you can post a private message directly to your teacher, parent or support for feedback. You will receive a notification when someone responds to you, which will be viewable both on the lesson page and in the messages section.
How do I use the Pattern Vault?
The Pattern Vault is a free resource of practice patterns (MP3s) included with your Vocal Gym Course subscription. Use any of the tracks to build custom exercises or modify the exercises featured within the course for practice. If you play a track while logged into the Vocal Gym (not downloaded), it will automatically count towards your weekly goals.
- Go to My Courses to open the Pattern Vault
- Select the type of pattern you want to play (single note, glissando, scale or mix)
- Select the specific pattern and tempo you want to play
How do I use the Glossary?
The Glossary is a free resource of voice-related words and anatomical images included with your Vocal Gym Course subscription. You can access the Glossary by clicking on My Courses or the Glossary button (A-Z Icon) in the upper right corner of any lesson page. From there, select the word or phrase you are looking for to reveal its pronunciation and description.
How do I get my certificate for completing the Vocal Gym Course?
You will automatically receive a downloadable Certificate of Completion on the final lesson page of the Vocal Gym Course. Once awarded, you can retrieve the certificate any time by clicking on the completed course from the My Courses page.
How do I sign in and out of the Vocal Gym dashboard?
To sign in to the dashboard, click on the Sign In button in the upper right corner of your desktop screen or in the dropdown menu of your mobile device. If you are already signed in, you will see a “Go To The Vocal Gym” button instead. To sign out of the dashboard, click the “Sign out” link at the bottom of the main dropdown menu from inside the dashboard.
I'm signed in. Why can't I access any courses?
If you have an active subscription to a course, but are unable to access it, log out of the dashboard. This can occasionally occur if you have logged in to multiple devices over a period of time or have not visited a course for several weeks. To sign out of the dashboard, click the “Sign out” link at the bottom of the main dropdown menu from inside the dashboard. To sign back in, click on the Sign In button in the upper right corner of your desktop screen or in the dropdown menu of your mobile device.
Can I retake my Vocal Profile Assessment?
Yes! You can take your Vocal Profile Assessment as many times as you like. To start a new one, click on the Take Assessment link in the main menu or the plus icon (+) in the upper right corner of the Vocal Profile section of your dashboard. To review your history of assessments, click on the View Your Vocal Progress button at the bottom of the Vocal Profile section. From there, you can update your personal notes in the memo section or delete any unwanted assessments. However, it is recommended to always keep your first assessment (quick and in-depth) in order to accurately see your progress in each of the dimensions.
How do I subscribe to a course?
To subscribe to your first course, click on My Courses in the main menu to view your options. To subscribe to an additional course or modify a current subscription type (monthly, annual or lifetime), go to the Membership Page or click the plus icon (+) in the upper right corner of the My Courses section of your dashboard.
How do I earn badges on my profile?
Dimension badges (F, B, I, R, T, A and S) are awarded and automatically displayed on your profile upon the completion of the dimension quizzes within the Vocal Gym Course (Flexibility, Breathing, Intonation, Range, Tone, Articulation and Strength). The badges are viewable to any organizations (teachers and/or parents) you joined and to other members within any groups you belong to.
How do I send and reply to messages?
You can view, create and respond to messages to one or multiple recipients at the same time. To send a message, go to the Messages in the main menu and follow these steps:
- Click the plus icon (+) to start a new message
- Select the organization (teacher) or group to find your recipient(s)
- Type in or select the person(s) you want to send a message to
- Add a title to the message
- Add a topic (optional)
- Fill in the body with your message
- Attach a file (optional)
- Submit your message
How do I switch from one dashboard view to another (student/teacher/parent)?
You can jump from one dashboard view to another by simply choosing the one you want in the main drop-down menu, under “Dashboard View”. The basic differences between the dashboards are:
- Student view: View/retake your Vocal Profile Assessments, access all courses, and schedule private lessons.
- Teacher view: Set up organizations and groups, view student progress, and view/grade assignments.
- Parent Portal: If you enrolled your child into the Homeschool course, the Parent Portal link will appear in the Dashboard View section when logged in as your child.
STUDENT How do I join an organization (teacher/school)?
An organization can be a private teacher, parent, school, choir, theater company or otherwise. Follow the steps below to find and join an organization you wish to be a part of (please note: any organization you belong to will be able to see your course progress, assessment results and contact information):
- Go to the Organization page from the main menu
- Click the plus icon (+) at the top of the page to search for an organization
- Type in at least the first three letters of the organization name you are looking for and select the “Search” button
- Click the “Send Request” button next to the organization you wish to join
If the organization accepts your request, you will receive a notification and can return to the same Organization page to learn more about them and communicate directly.
STUDENT How do I join a group within an organization?
Groups are made up of select students within an organization. Unlike an organization (teacher, parent, director, etc), students are only able to view each other's first name, first initial of the last name, the country in which they reside and any participation level within the Vocal Gym (including course certification and awards). To join a group, follow the steps below:
- Go to the Organization page from the main menu
- Select an organization you already belong to see any available groups
- Click “Request to Join” next to the group you are interested in joining
If the organization accepts your request to join a group, you will receive a notification and can return to the same Organization page to view and participate within the groups you have joined directly.
STUDENT What is my weekly goal and how do I reach it?
Your weekly goal, located on the Student Dashboard, is calculated based on how much time you spend learning (watching lesson videos, vocalizing with MP3s and taking quizzes/assessments) within the Vocal Gym. A recommended time has been preselected according to your current skill level. However, you are welcome to set a new goal at any time that best suits your personal vocal needs and objectives.
STUDENT How do I change my weekly goal?
Weekly goals are measured from Sundays at 12:00AM (00:00) to Saturdays at 11:59PM (23:59) according to your selected time zone on the My Settings page. To change your weekly goal, click the “Edit Goal” link in the upper right hand corner in the weekly goal section of your dashboard. Your options are:
- 30 Minutes: Recommended for curious singers
- 90 Minutes: Recommended for casual singers
- 180 Minutes: Recommended for dedicated singers
- 360 Minutes: Recommended for serious singers
STUDENT How do I complete an assignment?
- In-course: In-course assignments can be found in the Vocal Gym course lesson pages. To complete, follow the instructions on the assignment page and click the “Submit Assignment” at the bottom. Your teacher/parent can then choose to view, grade and comment directly on the assignment.
- Out-of-course: Out-of-course assignments can be sent from your organization (teacher, school or parent). To access them, click the Assignments link on the main menu and select the assignment you want to complete. You can download any materials provided and submit your completed assignment by the due date on the same page.
STUDENT How do I book a private online voice lesson with a Certified Throga Instructor?
To book a lesson, simply go to the
Private Lesson page to select a teacher that best suits you. Then follow the instructions to book your first lesson.
STUDENT How do I contact my teacher?
To send a private message to an organization (teacher, director, school, etc), go to the Messages page from the main menu and select the organization you wish to contact directly. Alternatively, you can email your teacher directly (if you have already completed a first lesson) or contact us using the form below.
STUDENT Can I share my singing with other Vocal Gym members?
Yes! We invite you to be part of our concerts and special events. You will receive a notification of any upcoming events in which you may be eligible to participate in. You are also welcome to share audio or video of yourself performing on our Vocal Gym Facebook Page for positive and constructive feedback from our Certified Throga Instructors.
PARENT How can I see my child’s progress?
If your child is subscribed to the Homeschool Vocal Gym course, you will have access to the Parent Portal by first logging into your child's account. There, you will be able to see their course progress, saved assignments, quiz results, vocal profile progress, and much more.
PARENT How do I access the Parent Portal?
After logging in to your child's account, select "Parent Portal" from the main drop-down menu. Next, enter the password (provided in your initial welcome email). If you need the password again, please use the contact form below and we'll be happy to provide it for you.
PARENT How do I book a private voice lesson for my child?
To book a lesson for your child, simply go to the Private Lesson page to select a teacher that you feel is best for your child. Then follow the instructions to book your first lesson.
TEACHER How do I create an organization?
An organization can be a private teacher, parent, school, choir, theater company or otherwise. Follow the steps below to create a new organization before adding students or groups:
- Go to the Organization page from the main menu
- Click the plus icon (+) at the top of the page to create a new an organization
- Fill in all of your organization details and upload an appropriate image
- Click “Save Changes” at the bottom
Once created, your organization will be searchable to all Vocal Gym members. However, they will not be able to join or communicate with you directly unless you allow them to join.
TEACHER How do I add a student to my organization?
You can add multiple students to an organization (school, private coach, director, choir, etc). Once a student has accepted your invitation to join your organization you will be able to see their information, send assignments and monitor all of their Vocal Gym progress. To add a student, follow these steps:
- Go to the Students page from the main menu
- Click the plus icon (+) at the top of the organization you wish to add them to
- Search for your student by their email address
- Click the “Send Invitation” button next to the student’s name
TEACHER How do I create a group within my organization?
You can create multiple groups, made up of select students, under any organization. Once you have created an organization, follow these steps to add a group:
- Go to the Organization page from the main menu
- Select the organization in which you want to add a group to
- Click the plus icon (+) at the top of the Group section
- Add a Group name and brief description so your students know what the group is about
- Click “Save Changes” at the bottom
TEACHER How do I add a student to my group?
Once a group has been created, you can add or remove a student from within your organization at any time. To do so, follow the steps below:
- Go to the Organization page from the main menu
- Select the group name you want to add or remove a student from
- Click the plus icon (+) at the top of the Student section
- Select the student you wish to add or remove
TEACHER How do I send and respond to assignments?
As an organization (teacher, chool, director, etc), you will be able to monitor and respond to your student’s assignments provided in the course. Additionally, you will have the option to create and send custom assignments. To view, edit or respond to an assignment already created, click the title on the Assignments page from the main menu. To create a new assignment, follow the steps below:
- Click the plus icon (+) to create a new assignment
- Select the student(s) you wish to send the assignment to
- Add a title to the assignment
- Add a topic (optional)
- Fill in the body with your assignment
- Attach a file (optional)
- Click the “Save Changes” button at the bottom submit the assignment
TEACHER How can I see my student’s progress?
You can view a student’s current course progress, Vocal Profile Assessment and weekly goals by going to the Students page from the main menu and selecting the student you wish to monitor.
How do I join the Vocal Gym Newsletter?
For even more singing tips and Vocal Gym updates, check the Vocal Gym Newsletter option at the bottom of the My Settings page from the main drop down menu.
What is the Vocal Gym? Is it a course?
Yes… and no! The Vocal Gym isn’t like any other online learning platform. It isn’t just a collection of exercises, or abstract concepts. It centers around breaking the voice down into 7 easy to process dimensions, that make it much easier to learn to master your voice.
Just like any professional athlete focused on improving a specific element of their sport, singers can focus on specific areas of their voice while doing customized vocal exercises. Combined with tools, to track your progress learning how to sing has never been simpler.
What courses do you offer?
The Vocal Gym features several training courses to choose from. Below is a brief description of our current courses with more in development. If you have already registered by taking your free Vocal Profile Assessment, you can view a more detailed breakdown on the My Courses page from the Vocal Gym dashboard:
- Vocal Gym Basic: Your free Vocal Gym membership includes a customized guided exercise based on your profile results and features to start training your voice and measure your progress right away! It also allows you access to communicate with other members, book private lessons and use our payment gateway.
- Vocal Gym Course: Our flagship course is a fully interactive and customizable training course designed to help you discover and develop your vocal skills to your fullest potential! The course includes everything in the Vocal Gym Basic, plus access to patented techniques, hundreds of easy-to-follow lesson videos, assignments and quizzes to reinforce the learning process, a pattern vault, picture glossary, downloadable MP3s, live lesson events, a vocal journal, Certificate of Completion and much more.
- VG Advanced Course: This course is designed for more experienced singers and vocal teachers. It includes access to the Vocal Gym Course in addition to the advanced version, which is taught entirely by Throga’s founder, Richard Fink IV. This is perfect for those interested in taking a deeper look into the anatomy of the voice with more challenging quizzes, real-world assignments, and an Exercise Generator (coming soon!).
- VG Homeschool Course: The homeschool version of the Vocal Gym is very similar to the main Vocal Gym Course, except that the curriculum includes several additional assignments and activities to count towards a Fine Arts credit, and therefore takes much longer to complete. Additionally, the parent receives access to a Parent Portal and Homeschool Toolbox which includes assignment guides, quiz keys, and many extras.
- Beyond The Gym: This course is a resource included with the Vocal Gym, Advanced, and Homeschool Course subscriptions. In addition to WEEKLY new lesson content, this is where you will find links to live lessons, highly specialized vocal exercises and exclusive vocal tip videos to take your voice beyond the Vocal Gym and on to the stage!
I’m already taking private lessons, do I need the course too?
Many students use the Vocal Gym course as a supplement to their private singing lessons. This way they can focus on vocal technique with access to all of the Vocal Gym exercises and Pattern Vault to maximize their practice. Plus, your teacher (Throga Certified or not) can monitor your progress to provide additional guidance and feedback.
I’m a complete beginner. Will I actually learn how to sing with this course?
Absolutely! The course is designed for singers of all skill levels. If you have little or no experience as a singer, or want to go back and study the basics, we have you covered in the first several lessons of the Vocal Gym course. Additionally, the exercises presented throughout the course are customizable, so that you always have the appropriate degree of challenge to progress to the next level.
What age is the Vocal Gym course best for?
The Vocal Gym Course uses techniques that are safe and beneficial to singers of all ages! However, we recommend children under the age of 13 to explore the course with a parent, teacher or an older, more experienced, singer. Although the course is not created to monitor and measure more than one person’s progress, assisting a young singer will allow you to learn along with them and enable you to encourage and guide them as needed. Just be sure to let them make mistakes and discover imbalances on their own first!
Am I too old to take an online singing course?
Whether you’re in your 50s, 70s or even 90s, you’re never too old to start singing! Singing is a lifelong journey; it doesn't matter where you begin, or continue learning. Should you have any specific questions or challenges once you’ve started the course, you are always welcome to reach out to our Certified Throga Instructors in the private Facebook Group to assist you.
Are there any live lessons available to course subscribers?
Yes! Live lessons are available through the Beyond The Gym course. This includes both group sessions with several Vocal Gym members, as well as 1-on-1 opportunities with a Certified Throga Instructor for others to watch and learn from. Private lessons are also available.
Can I download lessons from any of the courses?
Video lessons are not available for download. However, you can download practice MP3s from the Pattern Vault (included in the Vocal Gym Course) and course assignments. Please note that playing downloaded MP3s from your device will not get automatically calculated into your weekly training goals.
Is there a mobile app for the online singing courses?
The Throga App (iOS and Android compatible) is free to use. It includes a vocal blog, practice tracks, book related media and direct access to the Vocal Gym and courses for paid subscribers.
What if I have questions during the course? Can I talk to the instructors?
Absolutely. If you don’t already have a teacher or organization to help you, there are two ways to contact our Certified Throga Instructors: Post your question in the private Facebook Group or send a direct message to our support team by scrolling down to the bottom of the lesson page you are inquiring about. If your question goes beyond the expertise of our general support, it will be immediately forward to one of our instructors to assist you directly.
Do you have a trial membership for any of the online courses for singers?
Access to the Vocal Gym dashboard is free. Forever. This includes the Vocal Profile assessment, your custom guided exercise, and interaction with all of the Certified Throga Instructors for general questions and feedback. After that, you can choose a subscription plan (monthly, annual or lifetime) to start the Vocal Gym Course with over 300 videos, a pattern vault, live streaming lessons, and much much more. If you’re still not sure, we recommend trying the monthly plan for only $59! This way, you can have access to the entire program for a full 30 days with zero obligation to continue. That's 24 hour access for an entire month to hundreds of exclusive videos and lessons for less money than the national average of a 1 hour private lesson.
Will I really notice a difference in my singing just by taking the online course?
Without a doubt! As long as you take the time to apply what you are learning, you will absolutely see REAL changes in both your awareness and skills as a singer. The techniques and exercises you will learn are designed to adapt to whatever your current needs are so that you continually progress. Like any other physical activity, the more you practice/repeat something with good form, the deeper your mental programing (muscle memory) becomes, and the quicker you will improve.
What if I can’t get to the course every day? Will my singing still improve?
The beauty of this online course is that you can go at your own pace, on your own schedule. These lessons are available anywhere you have internet, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! This way you can watch a lesson, practice a guided exercise, or read about singing whenever you want. If you have to skip a day, two, or even a week, you can pick right back up where you left off. Of course, if you stop vocalizing or singing for several weeks, or even months, it will take some time for your voice to respond at the same level you were when you stopped, but it will be much faster than it was the first time you built those skills up!
Are there any opportunities to perform in the Vocal Gym?
Yes! We have both online and in-person opportunities to perform and share your voice. Although the premise of the Vocal Gym is to train and build skills for singing, the Beyond the Gym members (included in the Vocal Gym course subscriptions) are invited to participate in monthly live events online, where they can interact with other members and perform with direct feedback from Certified Throga Instructors. We also encourage you to share your recorded singing videos on the private Facebook Group with the Vocal Gym community. In-person performance opportunities include Throga Retreats, studio recording (at Throga Records) and convention style events at various locations (these events are currently paused due to COVID traveling and performance restrictions).
What makes the Vocal Gym different from all the other online singing courses?
To start with, we truly care about each and every one of our Vocal Gym members and feel strongly that the more people we can help to embrace their voice, build self-worth and express themselves with joy in their heart, the better the world will become. Meaning, we believe that cultivating a safe and positive environment for people to grow as singers (and humans) is more valuable than the number of sales we make! This is why we offer several free vocal exercises, video tips and personal feedback on singing to ALL of our members, not just our paid subscribers. That said, we have several standout features that are, in the very least, unique, and won’t be found anywhere else:
- Vocal Profile Assessment to monitor and measure progress
- The patented 7 Dimensions of Singing to accurately identify skill levels
- Customizable exercises that truly assist ALL singers in ANY style of singing
- Our system auto-tracks and journals your practice time towards weekly goals
- Advanced users can generate their own exercises to target desired vocal dimensions
- Interaction with Certified Throga Instructors - you are never alone in your journey!
How long does it take to complete a course?
If you are working with a teacher or homeschool program that is integrating the lessons into a curriculum, the Vocal Gym Course can easily be spread out over a year’s time to provide the appropriate practice time in between private and/or classroom lessons. If you are taking the course on your own, you can move at any pace that feels right for you! Like a good book, many singers often repeat the same lessons, if not the entire course, several times to get the most out of it! The course is rich with information and even professionals repeat the basics while exploring new challenges to stay in peak performance throughout their career. Alternatively, you could push through the entire Vocal Gym Course inside of a single month. Though this can be useful to get a feel for everything in the course, along with absorbing a ton of new information, it is not recommended. Binge watching videos and rushing through assignments will not magically advance your voice without putting the hours of practice in, needed to fully benefit from what you will learn. After all, creating new mental programs and physical behaviors takes a whole lot of repetition. And because singing is a lifetime love for many, we always have something new for you to explore in the Beyond The Gym course (included with the Vocal Gym Courses) with weekly exclusive content added. Whatever you decide, don’t feel rushed and go at your own pace. You will continue to see growth regardless of how “fast” you are going and as always, we are here to help you along the way!
If I complete a course, can I re-watch the videos and retake the quizzes and assignments again in the future?
As many times as you like! So long as you have an active subscription, or are a lifetime member, there is no limit to how many times you can play videos or MP3s. You will never be limited to a one-time viewing.
How much are the online singing courses?
Vocal Gym Basic is completely FREE! The Vocal Gym Course is just $33/month (with an annual subscription) with Lifetime Membership discounts available! For a detailed breakdown, visit the My Courses page from the Student Dashboard (login required).
How quickly can I expect to see results?
Having an awareness of new concepts and exploring new exercises can have an instant positive effect on your voice! Since the course presents everything from an anatomical (scientific) perspective, it is common for singers to ‘get it’ quickly and notice some changes right away. However! Any lasting behaviors and improvement of skill will require a tremendous amount of practice. So the length of time it takes to reach your goals depends on how often you practice your new training, how effectively you apply the new techniques and how much mental “re-writing” is needed if you are starting off with poor habits. Changes can happen quickly, but quality results will take time and devotion to your craft.
Will I receive a certification for completing the Vocal Gym Course?
Upon successfully completing any of the Vocal Gym Courses (this includes all lessons, assignments and quizzes with a score of 80% or higher) you will automatically receive a downloadable, date-stamped, PDF that you can print and show your teachers and share with others. In addition, you will be awarded up to seven badges for every dimension section you successfully complete within the course!
If I get the homeschool course for my child, do I have to monitor their course curriculum?
In short, no. The Homeschool Course is designed to spark interaction between you and your child to assure a productive learning experience, but it is not required for you to use the Homeschool Toolbox for parents for them to complete the course on their own. Regardless of your desired level of involvement, you will have continuous access to monitor your child's course progress, assignment completion, and quiz grades throughout the process by logging into the Parent Portal.
How much do private voice lessons cost?
The cost of voice lessons varies greatly due to the teacher's level of experience, geographical location, and availability. To see the current rate of lessons, go to the Private Lessons page and click on the "Book Now" button under the teacher's name. For Richard Fink IV's lesson rate, please enquire using the form below and we are happy to share his current rate and general availability.
I’m already taking the Vocal Gym course, do I need private lessons too?
Taking both private lessons and the Vocal Gym course will no doubt accelerate your vocal progress. However, your decision to do so really depends on your personal goals. The biggest advantage to having both simultaneously is that you can work on your vocal technique at your own pace within the course (monitored by your teacher for guidance and feedback) and then utilize your time in a private lesson to focus on style and performance. We recommend trying a single lesson with an available Certified Instructor to get a feel for an online lesson and receiving direct feedback on your voice, then you can make an educated decision on what the best course of action is right for you to reach your short- and long-term goals!
Will voice lessons change my singing style?
No. The method we teach will help you cultivate whatever style you are passionate about singing. This includes every genre imaginable, like Pop, Country, Musical Theater, Classical, R&B, Jazz, Folk, Grunge, Rock, Metal and the hundreds of sub-genres related to them. Throga and the 7 Dimensions of Singing are designed to develop a singer’s instrument through isometric exercises and coordination to reach your full potential. The greater your vocal skills become, the easier it will be to express yourself in your own unique style!
What happens during a private online singing lesson?
Every lesson is individually tailored towards a students’ goals and needs. That said, a first lesson generally consists of a brief introduction and opportunity to discuss any specific questions you may have. Afterwards, voice lessons are often divided into two parts: vocal exercises (warm-ups) and songs (performance). Regardless of what you are working on, your teacher is always listening, evaluating and eager to help you find the best path for your voice and artistic expression. However, what happens outside of the lesson is even more important. The time you spend applying what you’ve learned, challenging yourself and singing often is essential to your growth!
Why should I consider online voice lessons instead of in-person?
Not only are online voice lessons popular for both teachers and students because of their convenience and cost-effectiveness (no travel related expenses), they also provide students access to top voice teachers and vocal coaches across the globe. With a number of Certified Instructors to choose from, you can book lessons to fit your schedule in between other activities from home or work. It’s also important to point out that the only access a voice teacher has to a student's instrument is through verbal communication. Unlike a piano or guitar lesson, a teacher can not reach over to help the student hold a finger down or tune a string. In this respect, online lessons are the same as in-person.
Who should take online voice lessons?
Online singing lessons are ideal for anyone seeking guidance about their voice. Private lessons can be used to explore and develop a singing style, overcome performance anxiety, prepare for an audition, learn about vocal health and maintenance, create a vocal regimen, increase vocal range, improve breathing techniques, and much more. Whether you are just curious about singing or looking to maintain your instrument for a word tour, online voice lessons with a quality vocal coach can help!
What if I’m a complete beginner? Will online voice lessons work for me?
Absolutely! If you haven’t had the opportunity to sing on stage yet, struggle with some fundamentals of singing, or maybe just are not confident enough to share your voice with others, private lessons will help you in reaching personal goals as a vocalist.
Are there any opportunities to perform as a private student?
Yes! There are both online and in-person opportunities. Beyond The Gym members are invited to participate in monthly live events online, where they can interact with other members and ask Certified Throga Instructors for feedback on your training AND singing. We also encourage you to share your recorded singing videos on the Facebook Group with the Vocal Gym community. In-person performance opportunities include Throga Retreats, studio recording (at Throga Records) and convention style events at various locations (these events are currently paused due to COVID traveling and performance restrictions).
Do students have to be a certain age for lessons with Throga’s Certified Instructors?
Most of our teachers work with ages 9 and up. The reason for this is that online communication requires a relatively good attention span for optimum results. Although exceptions can be made for more experienced children and focused personalities, children learn best through play, which can be challenging at times when physically separated. Otherwise, there are no restrictions in terms of age, style or skill level!
Am I too old to learn how to sing?
It’s never too late to learn how to sing! Singing is a wonderful way to keep the mind active and the body responsive through artistic expression and physical challenges that improve breathing, communication skills and so much more. We have students and Vocal Gym members who are in their 80s and even 90s.
Are online voice lessons expensive?
Not at all! The average cost of “local” singing lessons in the United States is $60 per hour–the same rate at which our lessons start. However, all of our teachers are certified with years of singing and teaching experience that goes beyond the typical teacher in the community. Plus, online lessons don’t come with transportation costs or wasted commute time! We also offer an online Vocal Gym course at just $33 per month with an annual subscription, allowing you to learn at your own pace within an affordable budget.
Do you offer any discounts or lesson packages?
Yes. Several of our teachers offer five and 10 lesson discount packages. Visit the Private Lesson page for details.
Do you offer any free voice lessons?
We do not offer private voice lessons for free. However, we have several free options available to help you improve your singing and get you started towards your goals right away! Take the Vocal Profile Assessment to gain access to the Vocal Gym Basic, which includes seven fully guided exercises. We also have a Facebook Group for direct feedback from Certified Throga Instructors on your singing and a ton of free vocal tip articles in the Vocal Blog and videos on our YouTube channel.
What kind of equipment do I need to get started?
All you need to get started is:
- A smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer
- An internet connection
- A fairly quiet space to speak and sing in, whether home, office or car
- An account with Zoom, Skype or FaceTime
An external microphone and/or headphones designed for singing is optional.
Do I need a high-speed internet connection for online voice lessons to work?
Singing lessons will work with your regular home internet connection for standard video conferencing with Zoom, Skype or FaceTime.
Do I have to prepare anything for my first lesson?
Your teacher will connect with you through the Vocal Gym dashboard prior to a scheduled lesson to discuss any specific needs. If there is a specific song or audition you need to work on right away, be sure to let your teacher know in advance.
Do I have to be able to play piano or guitar to take voice lessons?
Not at all. Although being able to accompany yourself while vocalizing and singing can enhance your experience, it is not necessary in order to improve your singing abilities.
Can private voice lessons expand my vocal range?
Yes! Improving vocal range is a very common request among singers and is one of the 7 Dimensions of Singing you will learn about. Your teacher can provide you with several techniques–mental and physical–to help you reach a balanced voice with a comfortable range with which to sing!
I am afraid of singing in front of people, will private voice lessons help?
Private lessons are a fantastic way to take that first step towards overcoming stage fright. Improving your skills with specialized vocal exercises will help to build confidence. More importantly, you will have the opportunity to practice performing songs during your lesson time to get positive and constructive feedback to help bring your singing to the next level in a safe and encouraging environment.
Can I record a private voice lesson?
Yes, please do! There are many benefits to recording your private voice lesson, including not having to write everything down to remember your teacher’s feedback and tips, being able to listen back to your vocal progress and helping you practice along with any new exercises.
Can I start with just one lesson? Or do I have to commit to several?
Our teachers are here for YOU! Whether you want to set up a single lesson to start, commit to a consistent schedule or book individual sessions at your convenience from our online booking system is completely up to you.
How often should I take lessons?
Yes! We have both online and in-person opportunities to perform and share your voice. Beyond The Gym course members are invited to participate in monthly live events online, where they can interact with other members and ask Certified Throga Instructors for direct feedback. We also encourage you to share your recorded singing videos on our private Facebook Group with the Vocal Gym community. In-person performance opportunities include Throga Retreats, studio recording at Throga Records and convention-style events at various locations (no in-person events are currently scheduled, due to COVID traveling and performance restrictions).
What is your cancellation policy?
All scheduled lessons must be canceled with at least 24 hours advance notice, or the lesson is still to be paid in full. If there is at least 24 hours' notice, lessons can be canceled at no charge or rescheduled if already paid. Refunds are not offered. Out of fairness and integrity to teachers and other students, please note that we can not make exceptions to this policy. To cancel or reschedule a lesson, email your teacher directly or let us know by using the form below.
How do I reschedule a private lesson?
You can reschedule a lesson as long as it is at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled lesson time. If the lesson is already paid for, the payment will be automatically credited to the new lesson time. To do so, you can email your teacher directly or contact us using the form below.
Do I have to audition to take online voice lessons?
Never! Singing lessons are available to anyone interested in improving their voice, no matter their age, style or skill level. Finding the right teacher for you and your goals is essential to reaching your goals. This is why you get to choose the teacher you feel the most comfortable learning from (pending availability), based on a teacher’s musical background, experience and personality.
How do I know which Certified Throga Instructor is best for me?
Every voice teacher, like every singer, has unique vocal qualities, backgrounds and personalities. We are pleased to introduce several teachers from around the world that have studied Throga’s techniques in-depth and have learned how to implement them into their own teaching style. Explore their personal biographies, teaching rates and availability on the Private Lesson page to find the instructor that is best for you!
I'm ready! How do I book a private voice lesson?
To book a lesson, simply go to the Private Lesson page to select a teacher that best suits you. Then follow the instructions to book your first lesson.
How do I pay for recurring lessons?
If you have recurring voice lessons set up (weekly or bi-weekly), you will receive an email reminder with a direct payment link 24 hours before every scheduled lesson.
Can I become a Throga Certified Instructor?
If you are seeking to improve your own voice, expand teaching techniques, learn new exercises and grow your own business, this may be the program for you! To become a Certified Throga Instructor, a teacher must have gone through intensive vocal training and be tested on their knowledge of how the vocal instrument works and how to apply Throga techniques. To learn more about the program’s prerequisites, training process, and fees, please contact us by using the form below.
What is the Throga Technique?
If you can speak, you can sing! Throga is a vocal technique that uses a scientific approach to improve the skills needed to achieve a healthy, strong and well-balanced instrument. More importantly, it allows a singer to celebrate their unique vocal qualities in any style they love to sing. Throga features the only vocal technique in history to be awarded a US patent and has been used by singers, speakers, actors and educators in 126 countries around the world.
What is the Vocal Gym?
The Vocal Gym isn’t like any other online learning platform. It will teach you how to understand your voice and provide a series of exercises specifically for you. Just like professional athletes focus on isolating groups of muscles when working out, singers can focus on specific areas of their voice while doing customized vocal exercises. After completing your free Vocal Profile Assessment, you will have instant access to the Vocal Gym to explore for yourself, along with optional courses for more in-depth training and access to live lessons, the pattern vault, and step by step assistance to pair your voice with the right exercises!
What are the 7 Dimensions of Singing?
The 7 Dimensions of Singing is a simple way to divide different aspects of the voice, based on their physical location within the instrument and muscle functionality. Singers and teachers use this unique perspective to better identify vocal skills, accurately measure progress, and associate the right exercises to target when training. The dimensions are: Flexibility, Breathing, Intonation, Range, Tone, Articulation and Strength. To learn more and see which dimensions you excel at, be sure to take your free Vocal Profile Assessment.
How does science help me sing better?
Singing is a musical artform that requires both emotional expression (singing ‘from the heart’) and physical coordination (mental programming). There’s no denying that singing is absolutely possible without ever learning the science behind it. However, all emotion, physical coordination and desire comes from the mind. From the time we started to speak and hum along with our very first song, mental programs were being cultivated. The more we did it, the better we got. That’s right! Our ability to sing today, regardless of what skill level we are at, is a result of PRACTICE. Repeating a word, a sound, or even the thought of a sound, played a small role in the shaping of our voices. THIS is where the science of singing comes into play. The more efficiently we practiced something, the quicker we improved. Unfortunately, bad habits are sometimes formed through imbalanced muscle tensions and misguided beliefs, causing a singer to limit what they're actually capable of. Quality vocal practice, through understanding WHICH exercises to practice and HOW to do them, will create new positive behaviors and speed up the learning process. Science may not be able to teach a singer how to “sing from the heart”, but it can be used to reduce inhibitions (mental blocks and anxieties) and improve the instrument’s overall ability for their heart to be heard!
Will Throga Technique change my singing style?
No, it won’t. In fact, it will help you cultivate whatever style you are passionate about singing. This includes every genre imaginable, like Pop, Country, Musical Theatre, R&B, Jazz, Folk, Grunge, Rock and the hundreds of sub-genres related to each of them. How is this possible? This approach is designed to develop a singer’s instrument through isometric exercises and coordination to reach your full potential. The greater the vocal skills become, the easier it will be to express yourself.
What about classical singers? Will Throga help?
Yes! Like any other style of singing, classical singing has specific expectations to be met, along with a relative repertoire. These items can be explored directly with private singing lessons in addition to developing the overall strength and coordination of the instrument from training in the Vocal Gym.
What about hard rock and metal singers?
Yes, metal singers too! Learning how the instrument works and minimizing overall tensions while creating intentionally distorted sounds are key to a lifetime of reliable singing. A private coach can assist in developing this style even further to keep your voice healthy and strong.
Is Throga only for professional singers?
No! Throga focuses on the health and overall balance (coordination) of the vocal instrument, which benefits ALL levels of singers at any age. Whether you are a touring professional or simply curious about your voice, Throga is a safe and incredibly effective means to learn and develop your skills further with no prior singing experience necessary.
Is it true that you have to have natural talent in order to sing well?
What if we were to tell you that “talent” isn’t a requirement to become a great singer? Even if you’ve never taken a voice lesson or joined a choir in school, you have spent thousands and thousands of hours since the time you were born, learning to coordinate your instrument by mimicking others speak and sing to form your words (articulation), move your voice up and down (pitch and range), hold out sounds (breathing), and explore different volumes and textures to get your point across (strength and tone). You see, you may not have been aware, but you have been training yourself to sing your entire life! Of course, some individuals may pick things up quicker based on some genetic factors and other influences, but they too had to put in the time to achieve the skills they have today. No matter what your skill level is at this moment, the more efficient your training is, the more you will improve. This includes discovering and improving potentially bad habits and poor muscle coordination as well.
Is there any proof that the Throga Technique actually works?
Mechanically speaking, any modern physiology book that explores human anatomy and/or neurology, will support the claims presented in the Vocal Gym course and 7 Dimensions of Singing books. This is, in part, what earned Throga the only full-utility patent for a vocal technique in US history. Additionally, anyone who has re-taken their free Vocal Profile Assessment after spending quality time in the Vocal Gym, will actually see a measurement of success in their vocal skills. Artistically speaking, success can be measured in self-confidence, emotionally connecting with listeners, testimonials, ticket and merchandise sales, audition successes, increased fanbase, and most importantly, actually ENJOYING to sing more! However, if you’d like to see an extreme example of Throga's Techniques in action, check out Throga’s founder (Richard Fink IV) set the Guinness World Record for the Longest Continuous Vocal Note ever held.
