ABOUT

I grew up in Nottingham and studied with Jeremy Morris and Lynne Wayman. After extensive involvement in local music-making throughout my teens, including at Clarendon College and St Mary's Church (Lace Market), I trained in London at the internationally-renowned Guildhall School of Music & Drama, principally under Laura Sarti. I graduated with a music degree and a postgraduate certificate in the study and performance of early music.

After college I embarked on a career in arts management, and subsequently worked in marketing and design in public communications. In recent years I gained an MA in Design and Brand Strategy (Brunel), in which my area of special interest was the use of strategic commercial alliances in the arts and museum sectors.

In 2011 I returned to Nottingham and began work as a voice teacher both at home and as a visiting teacher in several local schools. I am Vocal Tutor to the excellent choir of St Peter's Church in the centre of Nottingham.

I continue to study and perform as a singer, and undertake regular CPD in teaching and voice pedagogy. I am a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, the Association of Teachers of Singing. In 2004, I was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

I am Past-President of the British Voice Association (2022-23) and editor of its members' newsletter 'Communicating Voice'. The BVA is a multidisciplinary professional association dedicated to the understanding and promotion of vocal health. Voice health and the development of healthy singing habits for life, are central to my teaching philosophy.

LESSONS

Basics

Lessons are 1 hour (30/40 minutes for under-16s). Most students attend on a weekly or fortnightly basis, but any frequency can be agreed according to your need and availability. Lessons can take place at a regular time or on a variable schedule.

Fees

Fee information is available on request. Fees may be paid at every lesson or en bloc.

Consultation lesson

Your first lesson is an opportunity to talk about yourself: your singing objectives, experience, and any other details about you that may be relevant. I will spend some of the lesson listening to both your singing and speaking voices, getting an initial idea of your range, voice type, where you are technically, and what our priorities might be.

Consultation lessons are charged at the normal rate; however, it's a two-way audition in which you and I have an opportunity to see if we want to work together, and you are not committed to continuing thereafter.

Cancellations etc.

Please give at least least 24 hours' notice if you need to rearrange a lesson. Cancellations within 24 hours will be charged.

There is no minimum period of commitment, but please give at least two weeks' notice of intention to stop lessons.

Safeguarding

I have an enhanced DBS certificate in relation to working one-to-one with children. I have also taken a voluntary scheme for music teachers operated by the NSPCC and safeguarding training for work in educational settings.

Sharing lessons

Lessons can be taken individually or shared with another student. Fees are adjusted for joint lessons.

FAQS AND OTHER INFO

How old should I/my child be?

In theory you can start singing lessons at any age; your age and musical experience will, however, influence what you can achieve vocally.

Children who sing in choral or musical theatre settings can greatly benefit from learning some technique. Boys can continue to train through their voice change.

There is no upper age limit.

What styles of music can you teach?

I work mainly with classical and musical theatre repertoire, and teach other genres such as jazz, traditional and pop as required.

Do I need to be able to read music?

It's possible to take music lessons, including singing, without being able to read. However, being able to will enable you to be a more versatile and independent musician, capable of exploring as many styles of music as you choose and take examinations if required. Musical options for non-readers are more limited, so you are encouraged to learn. Reading music and music theory can be taught as a structured part of your lesson if you wish.

Why do I need lessons?

Well, of course, you can already sing! But, as with many things (and there are far too many analogies to mention), technique will help you make the best of the instrument you have. You can optimise your vocal fitness, strength, stamina, range, flexibility, tonal potential etc. You'll learn about repertoire, style, how to be a more interesting and expressive singer, and be less prone to injury.

Will I need to practise between lessons?

Absolutely! Singing is no different from any other physical, musical or intellectual discipline, and requires regular practice if you want to make any progress. I may also give you research, reading or listening 'homework' to support and enhance the work you do in lessons.

Can I/Do I have to take exams?

Yes you can, and no you don't! Assessment and performance opportunities are agreed according to each student's interests and objectives.

CONTACT

Contact Info

Phone: 0115 981 2510

Mobile: 07971 124539

Email: lessons@gmcelearney.com

Address

20 Elm Avenue,

Nottingham,

NG3 4GF

(Entrance via St Ann's Hill Road)