Testimonials

“I've studied singing for exactly one lesson — just one — but even that short moment has shaken the way I think about singing.

Riikka's way of teaching is at the same time so simple and natural, yet also wonderfully multi-layered — almost like a philosophy of life. In any case, it has already changed my world.

After the first lesson, people asked me, 'So how did it feel?'

It felt like I had been in music therapy, not at a singing lesson.

We didn't even sing that much, but something opened up inside me. Maybe it was an insight, maybe a connection to the universe, or maybe my soul simply realised its chains had fallen away. My body did try very hard to hold on to its old patterns and tense up in the face of something new. But even so, I was left with a light and good feeling.

So you just have to trust. Life, yourself, and the listener. It's so easy — and so hard.”

“I joined a choir after retiring and attended some singing courses, but I didn't receive sufficient guidance there. I have now been taking weekly lessons with Riikka Vuorijärvi for three years.

Under her guidance, my voice has quickly become freer and I have found resonance in my body. For Riikka, teaching is a holistic process in which both the music and the singer's physical presence are given balanced attention. She applies the Alexander Technique, which is also very useful in everyday life. She is a determined, precise and inspiring teacher.

I admire her musical insight — the character of the song, its rhythm, tempo, tone and message must become clear to the student. In her lessons, it is wonderful to enter into the making of music.”

“As Riikka's student, I have learned how the singing voice is produced naturally and without effort. I had studied singing for several years before, yet every lesson still felt like performing under pressure. Even though I received praise, my voice tired easily, and especially singing the highest notes required force. This often led to a breathy or leaking tone.

When I began studying with Riikka, I felt that I had to relearn the basics of singing. The best part of the new learning approach was that it was no longer based only on imagery or imitation, but on identifying and solving problems using factual knowledge about the body and the respiratory system. For Riikka, every student is unique, and lessons always focus on the individual's needs.

You rarely hear Riikka say 'no' simply because something is too difficult. Instead, you work together to understand why something feels hard and how to solve it in order to reach the best possible result.”

“When I started three years ago, I was unable to sing even a single note. Considering that, it was quite an achievement that I recently premiered two songs I had composed and written myself at a student concert. At the moment, I am rehearsing repertoire for small-scale troubadour performances.

I am extremely grateful that I ended up in Riikka's teaching. In the beginning, we focused purely on producing sound, without pressure to hit the right notes. Nowadays, we work on self-expression, stage presence and the convincing interpretation of my own songs. I also receive feedback on my compositions and lyrics.

The same old blocks sometimes appear again, physically or psychologically. We work through them together — sometimes with physical exercises, sometimes by talking, and by directing attention in a constructive way.

I have found the joy of singing — and even performing. I call my lessons with Riikka 'singing therapy sessions.' After the lessons, I am without exception very energetic and empowered. Thank you, Riikka.”

“I decided to try whether singing lessons might work as a kind of 'exposure therapy' for my stage fright and especially for my breathing-related problems. Luckily, I found Riikka, because she seemed to understand the nature of my difficulties immediately. She has turned out to be an incredibly kind, compassionate, safe and skilled teacher who is not intimidated even by unusual challenges.

Nowadays I manage my work tasks much better, as the fear related to performing is no longer so paralysing. My body also feels more relaxed in general, since my muscles are no longer in a constant state of vague tension. I have also found the connection between body and mind again. In some way, I feel much more present in my own existence than before. And, surprisingly, singing itself feels easier too.

I warmly recommend Riikka's singing lessons to anyone who struggles with performance anxiety.”

“I came to my first singing lessons feeling excited, but also a bit unsure. For a long time I had dreamed of becoming a better singer and maybe even turning it into a career one day. I hadn't sung very much before, because starting singing lessons felt like a big step.

I'm really grateful that I did. I've learned so much more from Riikka than I ever expected. Through her teaching I've gained confidence, expanded my vocal range, and received help with breath support and singing in tune. I've also learned to connect more with my body.

My dream of becoming a singer no longer feels like just a dream. It's something that is actually moving forward — thanks to Riikka's wonderful teaching.”

“I'm a fifty-something 'lifestyle singer' with choir experience ranging from children's choirs to university and chamber choirs in adulthood. My voice type is bass. I started studying with Riikka Vuorijärvi about two and a half years ago. Since then, my solo singing hobby has shifted into a completely new gear!

The Alexander Technique that Riikka teaches is based on the natural and holistic use of the body in voice production. Through it, I have discovered an entirely new instrument within myself — Voice with a capital V! Singing has become easier, even though the increased level of demand keeps the challenge alive.

I can warmly recommend Riikka's singing lessons both to those with little experience and to more serious singers. Vocal technique also brings more substance and agility to choir singing.

And by the way: learning voice production and especially proper breathing technique makes everyday life easier for anyone who uses their voice in their work.”