"Deborah can give anyone the inspiration to begin singing"

I am classically trained. All my teaching is based on sustained portamento and the legato line produced through a solid breathing technique. This applies to all genres of singing but especially jazz and classical music. In my opinion portamento is a fundamental tool for musical expression.

Singing Lessons
I give lessons to all sorts of different people at all levels of musicianship and who learn for all sorts of reasons. Many of my students are singer/songwriters. I teach most styles. Although I have a classical training, I have sung all styles of music and coach many music theatre, pop and jazz professionals. I teach one-to-one, run singing courses,occasional exam preparation, a variety of workshops and ensembles. I teach confidential remedial singing techniques for professionals with vocal problems including post-op therapies. I also like to teach mothers with their babies as I believe it is important to start young! There is a huge therapeutic value in singing to your children and if you'd like to know more please do contact me.

The primary teaching aims for all students are to be able to make a free and connected sound, to learn how to sustain it and then to work (and play) with it. For some this is enough and for others it is the basis of more advanced training when we explore a range of musical styles and techniques applicable at professional and more creative levels.

My teaching practice is based mostly in Central London. (see "Practical" above.) I have also taught at The Wren Complementary Therapy Clinic in the City and run in-house corporate workshops for organisations including the Walt Disney Company and Kids Company.

One-to-One Private Course
The private course is aimed at those who want to learn the basics of how to make a great sound or who want to develop their singing - for example from a backing singing career into lead. The one-to-one format means each course is taylormade to suit the student.

Remedial therapies are developed according to the problem: vocal wobble, metalic sound, roughness caused by overuse or strain, intonation problems or more physical problems brought about either by general disability or post-operation.

I also offer exam preparation and specific singing training for people auditioning for shows and for drama schools.

For prices and where to come please click on "Practical" above.

General Methods
I always work along-side beginners, guiding them through the exercises until they are confident enough to sing or speak out alone. Progress is usually rapid.

I employ a mixture of techniques learned from a number of distinguished teachers,opera singers, music coaches, drama coaches, dance coaches and accompanists as well as academic sources that I myself have tried and found to work.
In addition, I have studied belcanto and verismo styles and have listened extensively to early recordings of opera, song and early blues and jazz.

I continue to study, to perform and to train.

Some comments from students:

"You saved my career"  "I have not felt so happy for years"  "I feel a real sense of connection"  "I never thought I could sing like this" "I just don't feel so nervous any more"
"Being able to sing this way has transformed my life" "My singing has improved so fast and so well." "You have done for me everything you said you'd do." "You have given me my voice back".

NB My book "Sing Your Heart Out" is available in the shops now.