Teaching:

I have taught privately all aspects of singing & acting over the last ten years either through my own private studio at home, through colleagues, the institutions I studied at or at music/dance/theatre schools. I have also been a vocal coach or voice captain on many productions I have directed or been involved in.

I usually charge $60/hour but that can vary depending on age and location. This price follows the guidelines of the Music Teachers Association.

My approach to voice teaching is from a holistic perspective. I access each student individually to find what approach and technique will work for them, not just try and push on what works for me. I have trained in many techniques of vocal production and realise not everything will work for each individual because every voice/instrument is unique and a living one. I make sure what I’m teaching is age appropriate in every sense. I impart musicianship skills so students have a greater understanding of what they are learning and at the same time teach a method of “colour hearing,” which is an easy way for students of any kind or age to quickly grasp pitch recognition. At the same time it will be a fun experience had by all. As singing is a very personal thing and should be used as one’s self-expression and always be fun!

My approach to acting teaching is very similar to voice but more focus on Meisner Technique and the physicality of character development.

I have a Bachelor of Music Performance from the Australian National University School of Music, studied Honours at the Penn State University School of Music and Theatre (USA), an AmusA (Diploma in Music – Singing) from the Australian Music Education Board (AMEB) and completed Young Actor’s Studio at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA).

Creative:

I have a great interest in directing, choreographing and writing cabaret or theatrical works. My experience and repertoire is expanding dramatically year.

Recently wrote, directed, choreographed, musical arranged and stared in a concept musical called “20 Mins!” which premiered last year in the Cleveland Street Theatre’s Imagine Festival. In the last few years I have been quite heavily involved with Short and Sweet Theatre Sydney. I have acted in & directed over 15 plays and directed, choreographed, vocal coached & starred in a musical for its sister festival Short, Sweet and Song – this was a sold out season. All productions had great reviews and large praise from the audiences.

I have recently joined forces with Ali Aitken http://www.aliaitken.com to create Aldam Productions. We will be producing several works late this year. We are the driving forces behind Tip Top Productions, have both worked extensively in all areas of the arts and entertainment industry on stage and behind the scenes.

DIRECTING & BEHIND THE SCENES CREDITS

  • What Julie Taught Me – Writer/Director – Sydney Cabaret Showcase
  • 20 Mins! – Writer/Director/Choreographer/Musical Arranger
  • On Christmas Eve – Director/Choreographer/Vocal Coach – Short, Sweet & Song
  • In My Shoes – Director – Short & Sweet Theatre
  • Contikiki Tour through the Musicals – Writer
  • This Woman – Director – Short & Sweet Theatre
  • If Life Were A Song – Writer/Director/Musical Arranger – Bar Me
  • Gran’s Tangled Tales – Director – Rhythmic Moves
  • EDTA NSW Drama Festival Finalists – Director – Rhythmic Moves
  • Stone Soup – Dance Captain/Production Manager – Penn State University
  • What I Learned From The Musicals – Voice Captain/Choreographer – Australian National University
  • Godspell – Voice Captain & Co Choreographer – Illawarra Grammar School
  • Group Devised Projects – Assistant Director – Young Actors Studio NIDA
  • Senior Projects – Assistant Director – Pam Dunn School of Theatre