Welcome to
Opera Singing Lessons
I'm Catrin Woodruff, let's dive into the world of opera and unlock your vocal potential from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're a beginner eager to explore the rich traditions of operatic performance or an experienced vocalist aiming to refine your skills, my tailored online lessons cater to students of all levels. Start improving your vocal strength, range and tone today!
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Lessons Tailored To You
Fun and friendly singing tutor based in Norwich. I am delighted to teach students of all ages and abilities, one-to-one or in small groups, and always tailor my lessons to suit the needs and interests of my students. I can help students to discover their voices for the first time, build their confidence, prepare for auditions and performances and progress through exams. I can also teach beginner musicians how to read music. I am a classically trained soprano, and have recently completed my studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Alexander Gibson Opera School.
Prices
£25.00 per 1/2 hour, £40.00 per hour
Singing Teacher
Catrin WoodruffLocation
Online via Skype, Zoom & More
Get in touch to find out more.
Find out more about my singing lessons, as well as book your first singing lesson.
Develop Your Classical Vocal Technique
Opera singing is not merely a talent; it's a culmination of years of practice, learning, and a deep understanding of vocal techniques. To truly excel in opera singing, it's essential to grasp the foundational skills that allow you to project your voice with power and precision.
Through my opera singing lessons, you will explore the specialised techniques that have propelled opera singers from the Royal Opera, Royal Academy, and Royal College to the pinnacle of their careers.
These institutions represent not only the highest standards in classical singing but also a tradition of excellence in nurturing voices to perform at iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Festival Hall.
More Online Singing Teachers
Discover more online singing teachers, who share a passion for teaching. Explore their profiles below to find the perfect fit for you:
Graham Case
I studied at Trinity College of Music and the Royal College of Music Opera School. I have taught singing in London, County Durham and Cambridgeshire (Peterborough Regional College as lecturer in Singing and Music Drama). The teaching encompasses classical technique, song interpretation, foreign language coaching (German, French and Italian) and stage/platform presentation. With styles including Oratorio/Opera, Art Song and Popular. My students have varied from beginners to diploma standard and from children to adults.
Lesson Prices:
£25.00 per 1/2 hour, £40.00 per hour
Laura Chestnutt
As soon as I could walk and talk, I was playing the piano. I was singing, bashing out notes, and experimenting with rhythm, pitch and harmony by the time I was in Reception (Nursery), very much enjoying my time at a local Jo Jingles (music, singing and movement classes for toddlers) class and in the first year of my time at Primary School, I was going to piano lessons. I was soon learning the violin too, then I ‘picked up’ the flute, the guitar, cello, viola, clarinet, and drums throughout the following few years.
Lesson Prices:
£25.00 per 1/2 hour, £50.00 per hour
Margo Arsane
Experienced Classical Singing / Violin Teacher. Margo is a professional classical singer enjoying a rich career on UK and international opera stages, and passionate about transmitting her experience to her students. She teaches Classical Singing (song and opera) from teenagers to adults of all levels, and believes any age is right to start singing! Margo has a wide knowledge and experience of vocal technique, breath work and vocal health which she passes on in her teaching. Her aim as a teacher is to provide and safe space to empower her students to find their own voice.
Lesson Prices:
£25.00 per 1/2 hour, £50.00 per hour
Hugh Strathern
Hello My name is Hugh Strathern. I am a professional singing teacher based in Cardiff. Fortunate enough to have spent ten years working as a member of Only Men Aloud, I have plenty of experience which informs my teaching and helps my students. I offer singing lessons for all ages and abilities, teaching people who want to pass exams, or for those preparing for auditions, or people who just want to sing because they enjoy it - for the love of singing. I cater all my lessons towards the aims of the student.
Lesson Prices:
£21 per 1/2 hour, £36 per hour
Claire Tilby
** During the Summer Holidays Claire will be teaching at Absolute Music every Saturday between 10am-5pm. Claire obviously will be a lot more flexible in regards to booking during this period and will not be using block bookings. You do however need to book in advance and pay before lesson. Book your session now! ** Claire is a singer and a multi-instrumentalist who is passionate about music education and sharing her love of music with others. She is an alumni from the prestigious Brit Performing Arts School in Croydon and also teaches there.
Lesson Prices:
£25.00 per 1/2 hour, £45.00 per hour
Melodi Scarsbrook
I am a vocalist, pianist and songwriter with a BA(Hons) Degree in Professional Musicianship. "𝓜𝓮𝓵𝓸𝓭𝓲 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓴𝓮𝓭 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓲𝓶𝓹𝓻𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝔀𝓮𝓪𝓴𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓲𝓷 𝓪 𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓷𝓸 𝓽𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓪𝓭 𝓫𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮" I have 6+ teaching experience and have worked at BIMM University, Bristol Rock Centre and Bristol Metropolitan Academy. My lessons are tailored toward students' individual goals and musical interests; whether it be playing for fun or working towards exams and auditions. I organise yearly concerts where my students can perform in order to work on their performance skills and confidence (optional).
Lesson Prices:
£30 per 1/2 hour, £55 per hour
Stanislava Svarogina
My love for music originated in childhood when I was a member of the choir of a music school and we often participated in city song competitions, as well as in the Estonian Song Festival traditionally held every four years. I will never forget this special feeling of singing in the choir of several hundred participants. Years later I graduated from Narva Music School and Tallinn Georg Ots Music School in Estonia where I studied classical piano as my 1st instrument, popular piano, and Estonian traditional instrument kannel as my 2nd choice.
Lesson Prices:
£15.00 per 1/2 hour, £25.00 per hour
Tracey Magruder
Hello! My name is Tracey and I am a piano and voice teacher with over twenty years of experience! I hold a BA in Music Performance (Voice) from American University in Washington, DC. I have taught students of all ages both in private lessons and in group settings. My core belief is to find a way to connect with each student so they can get the most out of their lessons. I aim to help students learn not only technique but also to truly love music.
Lesson Prices:
$25 per 1/2 hour, $45 per hour
Elizabeth Shofi
Hello! I'm Elizabeth Shofi and I would love to help you find confidence in your voice and find the joy and expression in singing. I truly believe that anyone can sing, sometimes you just need some guidance. Along with being a singing teacher, I am also an Accent coach- my speciality lying in American Accent coaching, accent softening, and other accents.
Lesson Prices:
£25 per 1/2 hour, £50 per hour
Myles Tyrrell
From Gosport, Hampshire, Myles Tyrrell is a classically trained pianist and organist, who is massively passionate about music and the piano, delivering high quality, professional and friendly 1:1 lessons both in Liverpool, nationally, and internationally. Myles is in high demand as an educator, teaching both across the UK and internationally to students in the US, Italy and France. Pedagogically, Myles specialises in working with neurodivergent students (ADHD & Autism) and students that suffer from performance anxiety.
Lesson Prices:
£22.00 per 1/2 hour, £38.50 per hour
Advice for New Students
Become a Confident Opera Singer
Gain Mastery with Expert Guidance
When you sing opera under my mentorship, you're not just learning techniques; you're being guided through the nuances of operatic style, tone, and emotional expression. These one-to-one lessons are tailored to enhance YOUR vocal range and repertoire, ensuring that every note you perform resonates with the authenticity of classical singing.
Tailored One-to-One Lessons
Each voice is unique, necessitating a personalised approach to teaching. My lessons are tailored to meet your individual needs, whether you're a beginner aiming to explore the art form of operatic singing or an experienced singer looking to refine your technique and expand your repertoire.
With one-to-one lessons, you'll receive expert guidance from an opera singing tutor like myself, who are not only masters of the classical genre but also experienced performers themselves. This personalised attention ensures that your vocal skills and techniques are developed with precision, enabling you to sing opera with confidence and authenticity.
Master Classical Repertoire
Operatic singing is deeply rooted in a rich history of classical music, encompassing works by composers like Vaughan Williams and spanning various styles and periods.
During your lessons, you'll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of opera arias and musical theatre pieces, carefully selected to match your vocal range and interests.
This exploration is not just about learning the notes but understanding the emotion and technique behind each piece, allowing you to develop a truly expressive and compelling performance style.
Perform with Confidence
Part of being a skilled opera singer is the ability to perform with confidence, whether in front of a small audience of fellow students or on the stage of a professional opera company.
My teaching extends beyond vocal technique and repertoire skills; I focus also on performance skills. Students are encouraged to participate in recitals, concerts, and workshops, providing valuable opportunities to develop stage presence and connect with the audience.
These performances are not just about showcasing your talent but about sharing your passion for opera and classical singing with the world.
Join a Community of Music Enthusiasts
By enrolling in my opera singing lessons, you're not just signing up for technical training; you're joining a community of music tutors, fellow students, pianists, and teachers—all united by a love for the operatic art form.
This supportive community offers a space to exchange ideas, receive feedback, and collaborate on performances, enhancing your learning experience and fostering a sense of camaraderie among aspiring opera singers.
Expand Your Repertoire and Technique
To sing opera requires not just a powerful voice but a versatile one. My classical singing lessons focus on broadening your repertoire with a range of operas from different periods and styles.
Whether it's mastering the challenging arias of Verdi or exploring the intricate harmonies of Mozart, as an opera singing tutor I will work with you to develop a technique that’s both powerful and refined. From breath control to vocal agility, you’ll learn to tackle every piece with confidence.
Share Your Passion Onstage and Beyond
Opera singing is as much about performance as it is about vocal skill. Through recitals, concerts with orchestras, and theatre productions, our students get ample opportunities to stand in the spotlight and connect with an audience.
It's not just about performing at a professional level; it’s about sharing the profound beauty of opera with the world. Whether you’re singing with a local community or aiming for the grand stages of professional opera companies, our lessons prepare you to captivate any audience.
Why Choose Me?
Choosing me for your opera singing lessons means choosing a path that leads to excellence. Like many dedicated tutors I have a personalised approach to teaching, offer performance opportunities, and look to create vibrant community. Whether your goal is to perform with international opera companies or to simply enhance your vocal skills for personal satisfaction, I offer the resources, guidance, and support you need to succeed. Start your journey with us and unlock your full potential as an opera singer.
Unlock Opera Singers Secrets
Mastering Your Breath Control
Breathing isn't just about taking air in and letting it out. For opera singers, it's the foundation of every note they sing. I focus on developing diaphragmatic breathing techniques, enabling you to sustain long, powerful phrases with ease. By mastering your breath, you unlock the door to greater control and expression in your performances.
Achieving mastery over your breath is a process that transforms both your singing technique and the quality of your music. As a tutor, I emphasise the importance of consistent practice, guiding my students towards understanding their own respiratory system and how it influences their voice.
Techniques such as controlled inhalations and supported exhalations are core to our training, enabling singers to produce music that resonates with clarity and power. It's not just about the notes you sing; it's about how you breathe life into them.
Both tutors and teachers can attest to the remarkable difference in vocal performance when students learn to harness the full potential of their breath. This skill is pivotal, not only for opera but across all forms of music, making it a fundamental aspect of any vocalist's education.
Expanding Your Vocal Range
A wide vocal range is a hallmark of a great opera singer. I take a tailored approach to help you safely extend your range, using specific vocal exercises that target your current limits. Whether you're looking to reach higher soprano heights or deepen your bass notes, my technique ensures progress without straining your voice.
Customised Strategies for Male and Female Voices
Understanding the unique challenges and strengths of male and female voices is crucial. I offer specialised strategies for both, addressing the physiological differences and how they impact vocal performance. From nurturing the rich timbre of male voices to enhancing the clarity and agility of female voices, my guidance is bespoke.
Prioritising Vocal Health
Your voice is your instrument, and keeping it in prime condition is non-negotiable. I incorporate vocal health practices into our lessons, covering everything from proper hydration to avoiding strain. Learn how to recognize signs of vocal fatigue and discover remedies to keep your voice resonating beautifully for years to come.
Building Vocal Strength
A strong voice isn't just about volume—it's about endurance, clarity, and the ability to perform complex vocal passages with precision. My exercises focus on building the muscular strength of your vocal cords and supporting structures, ensuring that every note you hit is powerful and impactful.
Enhancing Your Posture
Posture plays a pivotal role in your singing technique. I teach you how to align your body for optimal vocal production, from the positioning of your head to the stance of your feet. Good posture when singing not only improves your breathing and vocal tone but also adds to your stage presence, allowing you to perform with confidence and poise.
By focusing on these aspects of opera singing technique, you're not just learning to sing; you're transforming into a performer capable of captivating audiences with your voice and presence. Whether it's breathing life into classic arias or navigating the emotional depth of modern operas, these secrets are your keys to unlocking the full potential of your operatic talent.
My classical singing lessons offer a comprehensive approach to learning this revered art form. With expert guidance, tailored one-to-one lessons, opportunities to master classical repertoire, and a supportive community, you're well on your way to developing the vocal skills and confidence needed to excel in the world of opera. Whether you're aiming for a professional career in opera or simply wish to pursue your passion for this beautiful art form, my lessons provide the foundation you need to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it's possible to learn basic techniques independently, formal training with a skilled opera instructor is highly recommended for mastering the complexities of opera singing.
The cost of opera and classical singing lessons can vary depending on factors like the instructor's experience, location, and lesson duration. On average, expect to invest anywhere from $50 / £50 to $150 / £150 per hour for professional opera vocal coaching.
Yes, with consistent practice and proper guidance, you can develop the vocal techniques required for opera singing. Working with a qualified instructor helps refine your voice and build the necessary skills.
While self-study can provide a foundation, becoming a proficient opera singer typically requires formal training from a knowledgeable instructor. Guidance in vocal technique, interpretation, and performance is essential for achieving excellence in opera singing.
The key elements of opera singing technique include breath control, vocal resonance, pitch accuracy, diction, interpretation, and stage presence. Mastering these components under the guidance of a skilled instructor is crucial for aspiring opera singers.
Find out more about my singing lessons and how to book your first session.
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