Kaihaka Vocal Academy

Get the competitive edge and hone your vocal technique with expert voice training, specifically for Kapa haka!

Why This Course?

Understanding how your voice works is the key to unlocking its full potential. In kapa haka, your voice is one of your most valuable assets—it's the tuapapa (foundation) for the entire performance. This course empowers kaihaka to truly own their voice by understanding how it functions, particularly within te ao haka, and how to train it for beauty, strength and endurance that will sustain you through any performance, from whakangahau to Te Matatini.

What You'll Learn:

  • Vocal Anatomy Fundamentals - Understand how your voice actually works, with terminology in both te reo Māori and English, giving you a deeper understanding about your instrument

  • Vocal Health Essentials - Discover practical techniques to protect and strengthen your voice for sustained, powerful performances

  • Hoarseness Prevention - Learn why vocal strain occurs and master specific strategies to maintain vocal clarity throughout demanding performances

  • Effective Warm-up Routines - Develop proven preparation techniques that prepare your voice for the unique demands of kapa haka

Science-Based Approach

This course cuts through the confusion of vocal myths and misconceptions that can impact vocal performance. As a qualified Estill Master Trainer (EMT), Hinekoia provides instruction based on voice science and proven functional techniques that complement traditional knowledge.

Every exercise, every technique, and every piece of advice is grounded in how the voice actually functions, allowing you to achieve real results.

Master classes

Connect directly with Hinekoia in our exclusive Masterclass sessions. These interactive workshops allow you to:

  • Ask specific questions about vocal challenges you're facing

  • Workshop difficult vocal techniques in a supportive environment

  • Learn from the experiences of fellow kaihaka

  • Receive personalised feedback on your technique

Join us at Kaihaka Vocal Academy to transform your understanding of vocal technique and take your performance to new heights—while protecting one of your most valuable performing assets, your voice.

Who This Course Is For?

This course welcomes all kaihaka who want to deepen their understanding of vocal function:

  • Intermediate performers looking to enhance their skills

  • Seasoned kaihaka seeking to refine their technique and protect their voice

  • Young performers (minimum age 14) with a genuine interest in voice training

  • Beginners who want learn how to use their voice better in a kapa haka setting

Whether you're experiencing vocal challenges or simply want to take your performance to the next level, this training provides valuable knowledge for every stage of your kapa haka journey.

Here’s what you can expect from the course:

  • Online Vocal Course (1 year access): Over 50 pre-recorded videos to help you develop and master the techniques for strong, clear, and healthy vocal expression.

  • 6 Live Zoom Master Classes: A chance to ask questions, receive individual tuition, and refine your skills in a supportive space.

  • COST: $570 (more payment options available, just contact us through the form)

Enrolments are open!

Payment Options

One payment of $570

OR

6 monthly payments of $95

Not the right time for you to join Kaihaka Vocal Academy?

Join our Waitlist here for priority enrollment in our next intake.

What can I expect from the course and Master classes?

All Master classes will be recorded and made available for watching later.

Master Class dates for Kaihaka Vocal Academy 2025:

  • Wednesday 6th August, 7:30pm - 8:30pm

  • Wednesday 27th August, 7:30pm - 8:30pm

  • Wednesday 17th September, 7:30pm - 8:30pm

  • Wednesday 8th October, 7:30pm - 8:30pm

  • Wednesday 22th October, 7:30pm - 8:30pm

  • Wednesday 12th November, 7:30pm - 8:30pm

Time zone for all Master classes is GMT +13 (Auckland, New Zealand)

Course modules include 50+ videos covering:

  • Vocal Anatomy (5 videos)

  • Aligned posture (4 videos)

  • Breathing for singing (7 videos)

  • Vocal Warm-ups (8 videos)

  • Using cry/tangi to extend your range (6 videos)

  • Why does the voice get hoarse? (7 videos)

  • How to haka and avoid getting hoarse (9 videos)

  • The role of the tongue in voice production (5 videos)

  • Vocal Health (9 videos)

Master Class 1: Voice Foundations

  • Understanding your vocal anatomy - how your voice actually works

  • Breath control techniques (from a voice science perspective)

  • Essential vocal warm-ups for healthy singing

Master Class 2: Building Control

  • Mastering recoil breathing for vocal control

  • Identifying and releasing vocal tension

  • Strategies to prevent hoarseness

Master Class 3: Developing Your Sound

  • Exercises to strengthen and develop your singing voice

  • Using tangi techniques to naturally extend your vocal range

  • Natural projection methods vs. harmful forcing

Master Class 4: Haka

  • How to perform haka powerfully while protecting your voice

  • Belting

  • Essential survival tips for vocally demanding weekend wānanga

Master Class 5: Vocal Health

  • Comprehensive vocal health and maintenance strategies

  • Revision of key techniques and troubleshooting

Master Class 6: Revision

  • Revision of key techniques and troubleshooting

  • Open session for individual questions and tailored guidance

NOTE: Master class content may vary.

Students will have opportunities to ask questions and troubleshoot vocal issues as part of every Master class.

What people are saying about voice training with Hinekoia….

Te Ringa Kaha had the pleasure of working with Hinekoia during a 3-day wānanga at Mākirikiri Marae in Dannevirke as we prepared for Te Matatini 2025.

She built our confidence, debunked common haka vocal myths, and provided invaluable knowledge about vocal anatomy. Her guidance equipped us with effective warm-up techniques to protect our voices and maximise our collective vocal potential as a kapa.

Hinekoia's teaching style was engaging, interactive, and straightforward. She generously offered both one-on-one and small group sessions for those who preferred personalised instruction or needed additional support.”

- Hannahmae, Kaiako in Te Ringa Kaha

Te Ringa Kaha, performing at Te Matatini 2025 (photo credit: Te Matatini)

I had 2 coaching sessions 4 weeks out from Te Matatini as I moved from singing lead to tenor. Hinekoia, in such a short time worked with my voice and gave me practical tips to use my instrument efficiently.

The results were so impressive that I don't want to share the specific techniques, as they could be the competitive edge to take you from good to great and he whakataetae kei te haere!!

- Michael Moka Te Waka Huia (Te Matatini o te Kāhui Maunga 2025)

Hinekoia brings excitement and enthusiasm to the art of vocal training, development and wellbeing.  Practical techniques to ensure good vocal use, to enhance spoken or singing applications, detailed explanations of physiological functioning of the vocal instrument give really clear insights to use and maintenance of your voice.

Her knowledge and experience in Te ao Māori through kapa haka and use of Te reo were really appreciated by our group,  her ability to connect to that particularly demanding artform made her input incredibly valuable to us for our recent national festival Te Matatini

- Maurits Kelderman Te Tahu Tū