TEACHING & TESTIMONIALS

Teaching & Testimonials

I am an experienced and passionate singer and teacher. I help adults and children who wish to embrace the joy of singing as well as the discipline of learning the principles of a classical bel canto singing technique.

This includes those students who wish to attain formal qualifications, including ABRSM exams or equivalent examination boards. I also welcome enthusiastic singers who are not keen on exams but wish to improve their abilities, explore their potential and most importantly enjoy their singing!

Children and adults will be supported to develop their voices in a natural way, to be encouraged to sing with their own unique voice. I select repertoire in varied musical styles that is within the capabilities of my students, never over stretching them to the detriment of their vocal health.

I place special emphasis on performance skills, encouraging students to move away from the notes on the page, to explore imagination and interpretive elements of singing, allowing students to become fully immersed in the joy that is the art of singing

Singing is good for us!

People love to sing, whether or not they feel they can carry a tune.

“ The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best”

Henry Van Dyke

We instinctively seem to understand that there’s something positive and healthy in the act of raising one’s voice in song. In fact even the medics swear by it. There’s solid scientific evidence to prove that singing is good for your body and your mind, it can help with grief and relieve stress, improve speaking abilities and as a mood enhancer it can boost mental well-being.

Singing involves deep breathing and controlled use of muscles in the respiratory system, the diaphragm, the rib cage muscles and the abdominal muscles. Singing has also been proven to be beneficial for some lung conditions. I work with students who are in recovery from COVID-19 and have COPD or ASTHMA.

Teaching Posts

Archbishop Tenison’s Church of England School London 1987 -1989

Peripatetic singing teacher for boys age 11-18.

Putney High School GPDST 1987 - 2000

Head of peripatetic singing, individual lessons, preparation for ABRSM examinations including aural tests and sight singing requirements, choir coaching sessions, music competitions and school concerts.

Centre for Young Musicains (CYM), Morley College, London 2000 -2006

Peripatetic singing teacher for mixed students age 8-18.

Qualifications

Diploma of the Royal College of Music for Teachers

Diploma of the Royal College of Music for Performers ( ARCM )

Postgraduate Certificate for Singers Royal College of Music

Tuition Fees - Singing & Piano

Initial consultation:

Adults £35 for a 45 minute session

Children £20 for a 30/40 minute session

Individual Lessons:

Adults £40 per hour / minimum block booking of 3 lessons.

Concessionary rate of £35 for block bookings of 6 or more lessons.

Children £20 for 30 mins /£25 for 45 minutes – fees paid half termly (10 lessons max per term) fees payable in advance.

If Govt Covid -19 restrictions are in place, lessons will move to online platforms.

Facetime/Zoom/WhatsApp.

Mark (now 60!)

Joyce age 75 years

After several failed attempts to find a piano teacher who offers dedication, enthusiasm and structure to a pretty wilful guy in his late 50s, Shelley really does tick all the boxes. Her depth & understanding of musical theory is both a joy and an inspiration. Cannot thank or recommend her enough

Joyce age 75 years

Shelley’s singing lessons are extremely helpful and joyful and full of ways to help me to sing better. Being older I need to make adjustments to the way I sing to enable me to keep singing in The Cheltenham Bach choir and for my own enjoyment. I have learnt some beautiful music along

the way.

Georgie age 43

Joyce age 75 years

Georgie age 43

I have always loved singing and have been a member of St Peter’s choir for a number of years but never had singing lessons so didn’t really know how to sing ‘properly’. With Shelley’s expert help, in 1:1 lessons as well as in the choir, my voice is now stronger and my confidence has increased hugely. Shelley is extremely encouraging and teaches with a sense of fun!

Rosemary age 75

Georgie age 43

5 Years ago, following a long operation requiring a breathing tube it was discovered my vocal chords had been damaged, and I failed a 3 yearly audition to remain in the Cheltenham Bach Choir. My first ever failure and I was disappointed beyond all measure as I had been a member of CBC for more than 20 years. I was extremely fortunate to meet Shelley who encouraged and supported me over the next 2 years as she coaxed my singing voice back to an even better standard than before, and yes, I passed the re-audition and am back and I can’t thank her enough for all the help she gave to me, and thoroughly recommend her as a patient, kind and firm singing teacher and commend her many attributes as a soloist.

Robert Age 22

Rosemary age 75

Robert Age 22

Shelley is a very gifted singer, teacher and director of music. With her support I've been able to refine my singing technique and improve my confidence in regards to singing on my own. Lessons are hard work but also upbeat and fun!

Evie age 13

Rosemary age 75

Robert Age 22

I have been in the choir for a number of years, but ever since Shelley has taken over my confidence has improved massively. I have also taken part in singing lessons which have not only been good fun but have helped my voice improve too. I have always had a quiet voice but Shelley has helped me to grow it. Now, when singing in the choir I have a new found confidence thanks to Shelley and it has been a great help to me.

Do you want to sing?