Services
Private Tuition
Individual tuition is tailored to the needs of the student. After a free diagnostic singing lesson the student can decide whether they wish to pursue the training.
The training includes:
Vocal technique
Repertoire
Performance Skills/Acting through song
Audition Techniques
Sessions cost £30 per hour
Different session lengths available on request
kgavaghan@hotmail.co.uk
Group Classes
I am introducing group sessions in Manchester from September 2007. I will tailor the sessions according to the dynamics and needs of the group.
The courses available are:
Singing for Actors - A two hour practical workshop specifically tailored to the needs of actors and musical theatre performers including the opportunity to work with a professional repetiteur in preparation for auditions for jobs or drama schools.
Included in these workshops:
Vocal technique
Repertoire
Performance Skills/Acting through song
Audition Techniques
Group Singing and Harmony
Sight singing skills (upon request)
Towards the end of each session there will be Presentation time where each week different members of the group get the opportunity to perform their piece to the rest of the group and receive guidance and feedback from the tutor and the rest of the group. This is particularly useful when preparing for auditions.
Technique for Teachers - A two hour practical workshop focussing on the teaching of vocal technique specifically designed to help teachers of singing find an easy-to-use vocabulary and a more in depth understanding of their own voices.
Included in these workshops;
Vocal technique
Tips on Repertoire and Acting through song
Diagnosis and correction of vocal problems
How to teach sight singing and music theory
The course can be tailored to suit the needs of the students and will be collaborative. Each teacher will bring their own experience and knowledge with them providing a forum for sharing good practice.
Vocal Technique
For the past five years I have been studying a technique called the Estill Voice Training System. This is a system based on understanding how the voice works from a physiological and anatomical point of view. I use this system in my teaching because it enables students to discover the potential of their own voices and find the most natural way to sing. The emphasis of this training is to free the voice from any tension that inhibits the vocal folds from vibrating freely.
Repertoire
Every performer needs to understand the importance of having a varied and appropriate list of songs to choose from for auditions.
Performance Skills/Acting through song
It is not enough to merely sing a song beautifully, a performer must be connected emotionally to the lyrics of the song and the intention behind them.
Audition Techniques
By taking an holistic approach to training voices part of the process is learning how to deal with nerves in audition situations. The pressure created by the "one chance" syndrome common to all auditions can create enormous amounts of tension. In order to combat this the training includes elements of yoga and breathing exercises designed to help calm nerves and prepare mentally.
Group Singing and Harmony
In all Musical theatre and many contemporary drama productions the ability to sing in harmony has become increasingly important.
Sight Singing and Music Theory
The singing voice is a musical instrument just like any other so I feel it is important for all singers to be able to read at least the vocal line of music. For Musical Theatre performers the ability to sight sing is a real asset.
Diagnosis and of Vocal faults
This is useful to both singing teachers and singers alike. Being able to listen to a voice and pinpoint a vocal problem and having the language to explain how to correct it is essential. |
