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About Kirsten M.
I am an experienced singing teacher and performer with 16 years of performance experience and 6 years of teaching experience. After gaining a music degree from Bath Spa university, I continued to work within the music industry. Alongside singing lessons, I offer theory lessons (ABRSM board) to Grade 5 standard. I have experience teaching both children and adults in individual and group lessons. I offer the opportunity for pupils to take singing grades if they should wish to progress through this route.
I have successfully taken pupils through ABRMS grades from Grade 2 to Grade 6 as well as Grade 5 theory. I offer the opportunity to progress through grades however I do not make it a requirement for every pupil. I understand that this is not always a productive way for a pupil to learn. I recognise that some pupils do not always positively learn with the pressure of exams and would rather work through increasingly challenging pieces in lessons. I suggest it as a good marker of their ability but it is always up to the pupil. I encourage pupils to perform regularly, whether that be at school, an after school activity or just to friends and family. These performances help build confidence and performance skills.
I believe in pupil-led lessons wherever possible. This allows the pupil to chose the focus for the lesson be it repertoire, a technique they've been struggling with or exam practice. I believe this leads pupils to have an active engagement in their learning and a deeper understanding of their own voice and technique. I also find this is a good motivator for practice outside lessons. Although I offer and encourage pupils the opportunity to bring their own rep, I have a good database of pieces that I can offer pupils. Learning new pieces that the pupil has not chosen is a great way to practice sight reading.
When teaching practical voice lessons, I do not make music theory a focus but rather try and weave it in to whatever piece we are working through. I find adding music theory in in context aids a deeper understanding. This then builds on transferable skills which can be applied to future pieces.
Overall, I believe that singing should be a joy and not a chore. I endeavour to make my lessons fun as well as informative and productive. I understand that everyone has days that are not quite as easy and sometimes the pressure of perfecting a piece needs to be removed. This allows for a more positive learning environment, hopefully encouraging pupils to pursue their own practice to improve their skills in between lessons.