Vocal Coaching and Piano Teaching
"Where words fail, music speaks" (Hans Christian Anderson)
Vocal Coaching
My key concern as a teacher is the development of a healthy and flexible technique that can be applied to a range of singing styles. I specilaise in preparing singers for the demands of live opera performance as well as the subtleties of recital work and the wide-ranging demands of contemporary compositions, including microphone technique.
I work with students of all levels and ages who wish to develop their singing voice for professional or personal ambitions, and enjoy encouraging the development of new talent. I also offer multi-lingual repertoire coaching.
I began my own studies in Milan where I learnt the essence of "appoggio" (support) and much about Italian vocal style. I further developed my technique with Robert Dean, developing the balance between breath, resonance and necessary tension. I trained at the GSMD and the London Opera Studio, and have worked as a professional singer for more than 20 years. I have also directed operas for smaller companies and coached emerging singers at the thresholds of their careers, participating in outreach projects with the Royal Opera, Glyndebourne and English Touring Opera.
Click the button below for further details of my operatic experience.
Two teachers for the price of one!
I regularly teach in collaboration with my partner and fellow opera singer, Alexander. This way each student gets two sets of complementary ideas and approaches for the price of one! Entirely at your discretion, of course, but well worth a try at no extra cost!
Click Opera Galleria for our joint music-making website.
Lessons conducted in English, French or Italian
Piano Teaching
The piano lessons I offer fall into two main categories:
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beginners and intermediate learners of all ages who are keen to discover the instrument, to learn to read piano music, to play for fun, and to develop a reliable technique via studies and excercises ;
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those who wish to play by ear and develop an understanding of chord progressions and theory.
Often these two categories combine and overlap.
Lessons focus on good posture and hand technique via the study of short exercises or suitable pieces of music that you are interested in learning. Scales and arpeggios are important as they form the basis of most piano music, and applying consistent fingering is key to accurate and enjoyable piano-playing.
I also believe in the importance of learning to accompany other musicians, be it singers or instrumentalists, so the playing of duets and song accompaniments is strongly encouraged.
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I teach at home on a wonderful Yamaha digital piano with weighted touch, or can travel locally.
My early musical training
My parents arranged music lessons for me from the age of 6 to 18, and I shall always be grateful to them for their encouragment. I worked my way through the Associated Board of Music exams on the piano (Grade 8 with merit) and violin (Grade 6), including the Grade 5 theory exams, some organ lessons, and a short time studying GCSE music. I also played violin in orchestras and sang in choirs as a schoolboy.
My piano-playing highlight at this time was a performance of Saint-Saëns' Le Carnival des Animaux for two pianos and orchestra.
Residential Singing/Piano Vacations!
Why not go 'intensive', book a stay at our gîte, and treat yourself to a musical holiday! Details of packages are available on the Prices and Packages page, which you can tailor depending on how many singing/piano lessons you think you might like during your stay.
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Click the button below for more information on the accommodation available, or get in touch!
