femke swart
Vocal coach - Trainer - Writer
IT STARTED WITH...
... A CONTINUOUS CRAVING FOR KNOWLEDGE AND THE FUN IN TEACHING.
Why do I have to do this exercise? I asked my teachers constantly. I wanted to know what was happening. What was moving inside. How did I succeed, or not. Why did I have to sing some exercises as a warm up. And why warm up in the first place.
I asked questions. As long as I can remember. Not only to myself, but also my to my students. What is the goal? How do you want to sound? What do you like? What don’t you like? By asking question you remain fresh and open.
Femke graduated from the Fontys Conservatory Tilburg, Master of Music (Musical Theatre). After attending several Level 1 en 2 Estill Voice Training workshops (in Rotterdam and New York) she started the Estill Certification Pathway. She graduated as Estill Master Trainer in 2021, mentored by Tom Burke (New York), ‘… because you’re never old enough to learn.’
Femke teaches voice at Musical Theater Lab to people of all ages. Apart from that she writes and plays theatre shows at remarkable locations for Stichting Dan Tien and writes (corporate) trainings for FS Voice and Lekker Druk. She is affiliated with the Dutch Association of Voice Teachers (NVZ).
'You are never done by learning. I teach and learn from my students. They feed me with new ideas. I love that.'
What students say about Femke
“From the first moment it felt safe with Femke. I dare to make mistakes when I’m in class. I have been studying with Femke for almost two years now and have been able to learn so much from her. I feel much more confident and have much more knowledge and control over my voice. Because of her, I now understand how I have to work when I bump into a problem. She gives clear directions, everything is understandable. Femke is simply a very good vocal coach and a nice person to work with.”
~ Esther ~
“Femke is a pleasant teacher with whom you can search for ways to improve your singing voice! Because of her pleasant way of teaching, every lesson is a gift! Before you know it, a 45-minute session is over and you always go home with new insights and inspiration!”
~ Stacey ~
“I really like Femkes lessons. She can explain how certain anatomy works and how I can use it to improve my vocal technique. And if it doesn’t work out she always knows a good metaphor to use like ‘pretend you carry Lois Lane in your arms’. In addition, she has has a good sense of humor and makes sure you feel comfortable to sing.”
~ Laura ~
“Singing lessons with Femke are always a party! Under her expert guidance I travel from opera to jazz via pop and I can explore my vocal possibilities in a playful way.”
~ Anneke ~
Lekker Druk
Femke is working as a writer, actrice, singer and trainer at Lekker Druk.