Teaching

I teach beginner to more advanced singing in all styles, as well as beginner piano, clarinet and music theory, at my home in Brackley in South Northamptonshire. I am happy to teach pupils of all ages. Lessons can be 30, 45 or 60 minutes, although young pupils hoping to study singing will begin with shorter lessons as the voice takes time to mature. Lesson prices are currently £20 per hour, paid weekly in cash or termly in cash or by cheque. I can also travel to give lessons at the student's home location or at school, though this will incur an extra cost.

Singing lessons focus on the fundamental techniques which are a basis for all styles of singing: support, breathing and tone production. It is important to be aware of how the voice works and how sound is produced to be able to develop good technique and avoid any vocal problems. I will teach pupils in any style they wish and guide them towards genres which will suit them and that they will enjoy. Every student with have their lesson tailored to their needs and wants as a singer and we will not only cover singing techniques but also performance and interpretation of songs.

Practice is important outside of lessons as the student will only get out of music what is put in, but I can advise and guide the student on how to keep practice sessions enjoyable whilst still being productive.

My aims as a singing teacher are:

  • to inspire young students and help them find passion in their music;
  • to help students find their own voice, rather than imitating others, and develop individualism;
  • to help guide students to find the genre(s) in which their passion lies, if any in particular;
  • to guide students to see if they want to pursue singing as more than a hobby and to help them do this;
  • to guide students through any exam they wish to take, assessing the best syllabus and grade;
  • to record their lessons and performances so they can hear and assess their own progress;
  • to encourage involvement in music groups at school, county and in local areas to develop ensemble skills which are just as important as solo skills;
  • to put together new groups in the area to get young musicians working together;
  • to involve myself and students as much as possible in the local music scene such as music festival, regional music school and County groups.