Singing teaching

Singing is about communicating, feeling good about what you are doing and wanting to share that with yourself or with other people. When you become better at your craft through acquiring a solid technique the confidence in what you are doing grows and your enjoyment of it increases. It is as much about clearing or processing your own doubts and fears to see how your singing and self can be esteemed. I am ready to commence that journey with you in a non-judgemental and supportive way. We will use a variety of musical and speech techniques and fantastic breathing work to open all the right channels. We may also cross disciplines to see how sport, movement, yoga may aid our processes.

My students gain a greater level of enjoyment of their singing, which should definitely be the primary aim. With this enjoyment has come much merited success, including A level recitals of 48/50, distinctions in grade 8 exams, singing scholarships to Universities, professional roles in West End productions, and audition slots on ITV television's "The Voice." But other achievements are just as powerful, such a recent Mum of three grown up daughter's taking her 4th grade Trinity exam, another lady auditioning for and gaining a place in her favourite choir, a young boy gaining the confidence to sing to his Mum for her birthday. Let's work diligently together but make sure we have fun in the process.

I have worked throughout the world as a soloist at the Sydney Opera House, Monte Carlo Festival, Ravenna Festival, Singapore Festival, Opera North, Scottish Opera, and Opera Queensland. Ben is a member of the vocal group London Theatre Voices. He has also worked with many leading directors and conductors including Martin Duncan, Martin Andre, Craig Revel Horwood (Strictly Come Dancing) and Phyllida Lloyd (Mamma Mia, The Iron Lady).

Through my work as a professional operatic tenor I have had the benefit of studying many voices in different environments, from the rehearsal studio to the stage and beyond. More recently I have been studying singing in a more personal medium through weddings, funerals and celebrations. The gift of the voice to another person is often forgotten or glossed over. The most cathartic or powerful experience you can give someone is to share your emotion and communicate with them. This should be highly prized and never underestimated.

My commitment to your learning:

• I will work on your power and stamina through a better breath support
• I will emphasise technique but make sure we have fun doing it
• We can sing a wide range of music and not be stuck in any one genre, this will allow you to explore more variety in your vocal tone and delivery
• I will open up your potential, discover your core singing voice and let it ring out proudly
• I can expertly advise you on current trends in vocal employment and the skills needed to pursue a career in the vocal arts
• I will ask how you are feeling at the start of each lesson to best tailor the music and teaching on any given day, as life can sometimes be a bit overwhelming
• I will respect you and the process you are undertaking, whether you are a beginner or an experienced singer

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Your lesson is consent based, if you don't want to do an activity or exercise you don't have to.

I have been teaching singing for many years and bring a fresh approach honed from working with the world's leading vocal teacher's, including Richard Miller.

Ben has recently worked with the British Lung Foundation, helping NHS patients with their breathing.

I also teach piano, trumpet, music theory and accompany for musical examinations

Please text 07760 486624 or email: info@benkerslake.com to get started.

Skype & Zoom lessons in singing, music theory and aural training

Video call lessons

Copies, recordings & backing tracks (any key, any speed) included

Full insurance, Musicians Union (MU) member, up-to-date child protection training

6-8 minutes walk from Bishop's Stortford train station

30 minutes £25

60 minutes £45