If you have any further questions, or want to book a session -please click here to get in touch

David Tillinghast has been a choral director and singing teacher for over 30 years across the UK, USA and New Zealand.

Where?

Lessons take place at my teaching/ recording studio on Franklin Road, Freemans Bay. There’s free parking on the road and side streets

When?

Mon – Thurs  –  First lesson 11.30am, last lesson 5.30pm..

How Much?

$75 per session (1 hour). Please note that a 50% fee is charged for lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.

Students can choose an available regular weekly/fortnightly time slot, or book their next session at the end of each lesson on a flexible, ad hoc basis.

What I teach:

Diaphragmatic breathing, effective use of resonators, support and control, posture correction and tension release, appropriate face & jaw movement, articulation, range improvement, phrasing, pitch accuracy and correction, the ‘mask voice’, vibrato, managing the pasaggio, music reading skills, microphone technique, expressive interpretation, performance strategies, stylistic approaches, effective projection, repertoire extension.

If any or all of the above concepts mean absolutely nothing to you, or sound a bit technical and intimidating, don’t worry – after a few lessons they’ll all make sense!

Who I Teach:

Everyone and anyone (14+ yrs), from dedicated professionals to absolute beginners; all styles, ranges and voice types, music readers & non-readers, whether they’re doing it for fame or just for fun. Most students are medium- to long-term, but others come for a ‘quick fix’, or for help with upcoming auditions or performances.

Lessons are usually individual 1:1 sessions, although I’m happy to negotiate if you want to share with a friend or singing partner.

I enjoy teaching a wide range of voices and abilities, so there’s no ‘minimum standard’ when it comes to taking on students.

Basically, if you’re keen to learn, then I’m keen to help you grow!

How Often?

Some students come weekly, some fortnightly. I’m flexible around each student’s schedule and needs.

How I Teach:

Each session is split roughly into three parts: 1) vocal warm-ups, 2) developing technique, and 3) song work.

The backing tracks for the exercises and songs which you’re working on are transferred onto CD or Memory Stick so that you can practise at home, in the car, or with your MP3 player.

Because individual students have their own individual programme of learning, they progress at a pace which suits them, and I accommodate the programme accordingly. Some people like to be worked hard, others prefer a gentler path. It’s up to you.

I think it’s important to demystify the physical processes which make up the singing mechanism. Basically, the body is the instrument, and, as such, singers need to acquire a down-to-earth, practical understanding of how this instrument works in order to get the most out of it.