Information About Victoria - Lewisham teacher

Personal Description:

Dear prospective students - I offer a free fifteen minute consultation, where we can address your wants as a student, and give you an introduction to my teaching methods. I do this so that you can decide whether lessons with me are something you’d like to pursue going forward. I hope to hear from you soon!

A bit about me:

I'm a London-based professional soprano, with 27 years of experience performing, and 11 years experience teaching. I sing primarily with my choral quartet Sonare, with whom I'm currently touring the UK for our 2024/25 season. I also sing weekly with the professional quintet at the Church of the Annunciation in Marble Arch, and I'm the soprano scholar for Hampstead Chamber Choir. I held scholarships with St James' Piccadilly in 2023-24, and St John at Hackney in 2019-21. Projects this year include two opera premieres, and soloist engagements with Sittingbourne Orpheus Choral Society and the London Philanthropic Orchestra.

I studied with Alison Wells, Vocal Studies professor at the Royal College of Music. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Popular Music Performance, a distinction in Grade 8 singing with ABRSM and a distinction in Grade 6 Music Theory.

Tutoring Experience:

My previous tutoring experience includes a private practice whilst living in Australia, alongside the position of head singing teacher with Bright Sparks Singing and Drama School. Both of these positions covered one to one lessons, after school classes and holiday workshops.

I also regularly give music and choral workshops for choirs and choral societies.

Tutoring Approach:

I aim to ensure that my singing lessons are enjoyable and informative. I like to cover a number of things, and the depth to which we explore each section will depend on the student’s experience and goals. The first lesson, which will be a free twenty minute consultation, will address your wants as a student, and give you an introduction to my teaching methods. I do this so that you can decide whether lessons with me are something you’d like to pursue going forward.

A typical lesson format will begin with body stretches and vocal warm-ups, with focus on how to set the body up correctly for performing. We will then move on to studying the pieces you would like to work on; I will be happy to offer advice on repertoire if you are unsure of where you’d like to start. This part of the lesson will cover lots of different aspects, such as word study/ historical context, musical approach and phrasing, and delivery and performance. Throughout the course of our lessons, the aim is to smooth out the range so that movement between the vocal registers is seamless, comfortable and supported.

I also want you to feel confident in your approach to learning music, and ultimately your performance abilities, whether as a soloist or with fellow musicians. I am familiar with both the ABRSM and Trinity exam boards, having taken numerous exams with the former, and would be happy to work with you if you would like towards one of their grades.