What is your greatest passion or joy as a singer, voice teacher, or vocal
professional?
My greatest joy as a voice teacher is being a witness to students discovering their own voice, their own sound, liking what they hear and then realizing the power that it holds. When I am present in that moment, it’s just magic. (And usually involves lots of high fives, hugs, and Kleenex).
Please tell us the latest news about you, your studio, and your work!
I immigrated to the UK a year ago and now cohort lead the BA degree and foundation degree in Musical Theatre at Newcastle University Centre as well run the vocal department in the popular music programme.
I’ve just started my masters degree in voice pedagogy at the Voice Centre in London through the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
I’m currently researching new teaching methodologies for better integration of stylised choreography with M1 and belt musical theatre technique in the training of college level performers. (Which is a fancy way of asking, "how can we teach our students Starlight Express and Cats choreography and belt out a brilliant number in the safest and most kick-ass way possible?")
What is an interesting or funny fact about you?
I started performing in musical theatre in professional productions from the age of 8 years old. I’ve been lucky enough to have had a great career onstage, as a musical director, and a vocal coach. So, I’ve been obsessed with Broadway for 30 years. Needless to say, that my Spotify playlist is, according to my students, “nerdy, ridiculous and embarrassing”.
What led you to the NYVC Voice Teacher Training & Certification Program?
In South Africa, there is nowhere where one can study CCM vocal techniques, so I went googling in search of finding a place where I could still work in my studio and upskill at same time. I wanted a practical approach and a methodology that allowed me to use what skills I already had and build on them in order to become a better teacher.
What was your experience in the NYVC Voice Teacher Training & Certification Program?
I was lucky enough to get to go NYC and meet Justin in person; teach a class for him, as well as watch him teach. It was the most fulfilling experience of my life thus far. Being in an environment where the passion, joy and expertise of singing literally drips off the walls at NYVC building was brilliant. It confirmed for me that I was in the right place and that doing this course was the best gift I could have given myself. It has literally changed my life. My confidence grew, and the support I received was just what I needed at the time.
What advice would you give to future participants of the Program?
Just do it. It’s as simple as that.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an artist, teacher, or vocal professional?
Covid unfortunately forced me to close my studio after growing and running it for 13 years. I suddenly went from 30 students to 7 in the space of 2 weeks. The musical theatre industry is very small in South Africa and as all the theatres shut down, the majority of my artists had to stop attending class. After trying to salvage and adapt my teaching as best as I could, after a year I had to realize that it was best for me to close the studio and look at a new future. But this has led me to moving to the UK, and now working at a brilliant college. But it was a heart breaking experience and still something that I’m coming to terms with.
What was your greatest victory ever as an artist, teacher, or vocal professional?
I think my victory is that I have managed to stay in the musical theatre industry. Whether it’s been on stage or behind the scenes, I have stayed. It’s a tough, ruthless industry and I’ve been incredibly lucky to be able to still be here, 18 years and counting.
What is one piece of advice that you would love all singers to know?
To be honest, I can’t give just one piece of advice. But these are my top 5:
1. It’s a muscle. Not a miracle. Your voice needs training. Go to class!
2. Everybody cracks. The audience really won’t remember. Cracking helps give us information about your voice. So embrace it and learn from it.
3. Singing is 90% in your head. Learning to sing will bring emotions to the forefront. And often unexpectedly. It’s okay.
4. Notes don’t have morals. High notes aren’t bad. Low notes aren’t good. They’re just notes.
5. When practicing, use your hands! Remember you can’t see your instrument, so physical touch can really help you with your technique.
What is something you've learned on your journey that you would love other vocal professionals to know?
I have found that my teaching has become so much more than just teaching notes and songs. We are privy to the vulnerability of people, where we need to create a space that can facilitate, hold and provide comfort. Our biggest responsibility is just to listen and sit with them as the student navigates their voice – the good, the bad and the ugly.
How can we find out more about you and your work?
I have my Instagram page vocalcoachsa is filled with tips, tricks and general advice for singers in CCM and musical theatre.
