ABOUT ME

Hi I’m Rachael. I’m a singing teacher and opera singer. I love what I do and it makes me so happy to be able to share my passion with others. I've been singing since I was a child and started as a professional singing teacher in 2000. I’ve been privileged to see so many students discover their natural skills and abilities and reach results they never dreamed were possible. The best thing is watching people's self confidence grow. Our voice is so tied in with our identity and self-worth. When it is functioning well we are standing well, breathing well and expressing ourselves with ease and confidence.

I began formal training as a singer when I was 13 and studied the piano for 11 years. I have Bachelor degrees in Performance Voice (Canterbury University NZ) and a Diploma of Opera (Sydney Conservatorium). I did many exams with Trinity College London and achieved my LTCL and Performance Certificate in Singing and ATCL in Pianoforte and Theory. I continue to expand my knowledge as a singer and teacher attending Voice conferences and courses such as those offered by the Australian Voice Association,  Estill Vocal training Levels 1 and 2,  Level I / II / III of Somatic Voicework™ and ANATS workshops and trainings.

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My teaching methods have been shaped by my own study in many disciplines. I’ve sung in the chorus for Opera Australia since 1998 in over 100 different productions in Sydney and Melbourne. I also have a detailed knowledge of anatomy, breathing and vocal physiology as I ran a Vocal Massage business for 10 year specialising in Laryngeal Massage, Postural Alignment, Craniosacral Therapy and Myofascial Release. Whilst I am no longer massaging, I use this knowledge in my singing studio every day. I also teach my students self massage techniques for the jaw and neck and postural releases to help release the breath.

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I continue to perform myself- most recently in Sweeney Todd at the Opera House in Sydney.  Some of my favourite experiences have been performing Adele in Die Fledermaus (Opera Queensland), Josephine in HMS Pinafore (love G&S), as an ensemble member in the touring production through New Zealand of Chess, operas and operettas galore with Opera Australia for the last 20 years in Melbourne and Sydney, Madama Butterfly, La Boheme and Aida for Handa Opera on the Harbour and a tour of Madama Butterfly through China for Opera Australia in 2019. I've also sung as a recitalist for Music Viva and have a special love of German Operetta and Lieder.

I love helping people rediscover their love of singing and find freedom in their voice again. Singing can also be a powerful healing tool. Some of my students are retirees who have always wanted to sing but were silenced at some stage (often by a teacher or parent).  This can be a powerful experience that affects them throughout their life. Watching the transforming of someone who reclaims their voice and their joy of singing is profound and humbling. This is an area I would like to explore more in the future.

Whilst my training has been in the classical world we sing whatever lights you up – enjoyment in the process and the music is the most important part.

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If you feel like my experiences and training 'resonate' with you please book a trial lesson. There will be no pressure to continue- you can just come and meet me, have a sing and decide for yourself after that. Why not book a discovery lesson today and come and have a sing?

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