BA, PGCert.
Dip.Ed(Hons) HNDip(Perf.Arts), A.Dip(Voice), CTABRSM, FGMS
Full CRB Clearance
BVA, VCN, AOTOS, MRCSLT, ISM, GTCE
References are available upon request

Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I am happy to teach all areas of Singing (including Classical, Opera, Musical Theatre and Contemporary styles) to Advanced Levels, and have a successful history of working with clients from across the country, of all ages, some of whom work professionally in Theatres and the West End (and of course those who just want to sing for fun!) I work in all areas of the Voice, also teaching Speech & Elocution, Public Speaking, Presentation Skills and working with Vocal rehabilitation and Speech and Language Difficulties (with a specialism in Stammering and Lisping). I am also an experienced musician, and well trained pianist. I spent many years training in both Kodaly and Dalcroze approaches to music education and these inform my teaching, ensuring that my students make the most effective progress. As part of my teaching I also offer tuition in Musicianship and Music Theory and Piano Studies.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I am a well qualified teacher currently holding: Bachelor of Arts Degree (Voice & Music), Higher National Diploma (Perf.Arts/ Musical Theatre), Certificate of Teaching ABRSM (Graduate of the AB Royal Schools of Music), Diploma in Education (Hons) Post Graduate Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): Teaching, Associates Diploma (Contemporary Vocal Teaching), Professional Diploma (Alexander Technique), Diploma in Speech (Voice Master Studio), Cert.BSE (Speech), MComm.Cert. (Communication), Cert.SLCN (Teaching Specialist for Speech, Language & Communication) and both the CSAK (Kodaly Teaching) and LKME (Kindermusik) Teaching qualifications.

What kind of experience do you have?
I am a Vocologist working with both the Singing and Speaking Voice. I currently teach all aspects of voice, including singing, speech & elocution and vocal coaching for public speaking and presentation skills. I have worked for many years in these areas, with people from a range of backgrounds and all ages. My experience is vast and although I do not consider myself to be a Master, I have gained certified status as both an Advanced Skills Teacher and Master Teacher for Vocal Teaching. In addition to my regular studio and academic work, I also work clinically with damaged voices or voices which require rehabiliation work. Whatever your goal might be, we can work together to achieve it in a friendly, challenging but relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. I am Methodologist, which means I have trained widely to become a specialist in a number of approaches to teaching Voice and Speech, and work with difficulties in these areas. These include Advanced knowledge of Kodaly, Dalcroze Eurythmics, Alexander Technique and Bel Canto approaches; Speech Level Singing, the Morganix Method, The Feuchtinger System, TVS and Estill Voice Techniques. I have trained in Speech and Language Therapy, Accent Method Therapy and Resonant Voice Therapy; and also have a sound working knowledge of contemporary techniques when with Functional Speech Difficulties. Voice work also includes the approaches of Manen, Miller, Marchesi, Vaccai and McKinney. I have taught extensively in all areas of Voice and Education, including Early Years and Primary Music, Secondary and Further and Higher Education. I peviously taught for many years as a Singing Teacher for a number of well-reputed Stage and Theatre Schools, and as a tutor in Professional Voice and Drama Academies. I currently work as a Leader in Education and Consult for various Performing Arts institutions and Speech Therapy groups. I maintain a successful private practice, with a specialist focus on Singing, Vocal Pedagogy, Speech and Voice Rehabilitation. My students work widely and have gone on to study in Music & Drama Colleges and Conservatoires and work professionally in Theatre and Television, the CBSO Chorus' and other organisations. I am an experienced singing teacher, able to find the approach that is right for you. My background is the ideal mix between science and music, allowing me to coach and develop your vocal skills in a safe way, because I know physiologically what is happening within you. I have also successfully worked with numerous clients who wish to develop their speaking voices, medialise/ reduce their accents, communicate more effectively and those who have specific speech difficulties. My Music and Methodology background allow me to bring a great deal to my piano teaching. I am a well-qualified and experienced pedagogue, and have devised a methodology which ensures success.

How much do you charge?
I currently charge £26 per hour for all teaching, coaching and consultation.

Where do you teach?
I teach at my studio in Balsall Common, Birmingham. My studio is in easy access of Birmingham City, Solihull, Knowle and Coventry.

I also offer tuition online via SKYPE and have had great success working with people all over the world.

When are you available?
I am available during weekday evenings for speech and singing tuition.

I run a small piano school on Saturday mornings.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I teach singing to students from age 11 years (possibly to younger students, dependent upon experience) to adults of any age. I offer Speech, Voice Coaching and Rehabilitation from age 3 years to adults of any age. Piano students are accepted from the age of 4 years upwards.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
I offer all major exminations in all Examination Boards at all grades including diploma preparation for singing (all styles). I am a LAMDA Associate Teacher and am happy to prepare for Speech and Communication exams.

I offer coaching for auditions and college/ conservatoire entry or professional work. I am an examiner and assessor with the ABRSM and Arts Mark.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
I hold a current, clear CRB Certificate and am a fully qualified teacher registered with the General Teaching Council for England.

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
I currently offer online tuition via Skype for both Singing, Piano, Musicianship and Speech tuition.

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
I am currently a professional member of: The British Voice Association The Association of Teachers of Singing The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists The Incoporated Society of Musicians (ISM) The Genreal Teaching Council for England The British Kodaly Academy The Dalcroze Society

Where and with whom did you train?
I gained both Undergraduate and Post Graduate Degrees in Voice and Education, with additional Specialisms in Vocal Pedagogy, Diagnostics and Clinical Voice work. I also hold formal qualifications in Speech and Communication. As a teacher I have worked extensively to develop skills and knowledge in the best approaches to teaching Voice. My training as a Singer is vast and includes expert tuition from the Birmingham School of Acting (Musical Theatre) and the International Opera School. I have also been fortunate to take opportunities to work with many renowned teachers including Gillyanne Kayes (Vocal Process), Mike Brewer and Diego Colli; Cyrilla Rowsell and David Vinden (Kodaly Academy). As a Pianist I trained with Christie Skousen.

Do you have a personal message for students?
Our lessons will always be challenging. You don't pay me not to learn and develop your skills! However, I can promise they will always be enjoyable, well structured around your own needs and helpful in allowing you to achieve your goal. My studio is a safe place where you can develop your vocal skills, which is often a very vulnerable area, in an understanding environment ready to support and help you. You are always welcome.

Articles

Can't Speak Can't Teach: Look After Your Voice
Subject: Vocal Coaching
Tags: health, rehabilitation, speech, vocal, voice
Created: 01/05/2011