Teaching

Approach

Although specialising in Classical and Opera Singing, below are just some of  the areas covered in lessons that can benefit all styles of singing and the demands of such endeavours.

A brief outline of areas covered in Singing/Voice Lessons may include (according to the individual):

• The coordinated Vocal Onset (sometimes referred to as the vocal attack)
• Breathing
• Unifying/Blending the Registers
• How to prevent vocal strain, vocal fatigue and loss of voice.
• Concepts that affect voice quality
• How to release tension from and avoid singing from the throat
• Vocal placement, focus, the resonant voice, the singer's sensations and the listener's impressions
• The 'well-balanced vowel' and Articulation
• Vowel Modification in Singing
• Messa di voce and Dynamic Control
• Vocal Timbre and Colour
• Coordinating Technique and Communication
• Pronunciation in Song: English, French, German and Italian
• Phrasing, expression and dynamics
• Artistry and Performance
• Voice production, development and presentation for the Actor and or Public Speaker
• All aspects of audition and or exam preparation, role preparation and stage craft/presentation for both amateur and professional singers and or actors

About

Throughout a successful international solo performing career in Opera, Concert, TV, Radio and Recital, Thora is passionate about teaching students of all abilities from the complete beginner and those that wish to sing for their own enjoyment and or personal challenge, to the consummate professional. She believes in an honest, encouraging, down to earth, 'no gimmicks' approach to teaching.

With over 40 years of experience in both performing and teaching, of high standards, a passion for music and education in general, and extensive knowledge of her craft she has developed an empathic and effective way of teaching. Her approach is both technical and holistic. Thora's lessons focus on 'How to Sing', encouraging students to explore and become aware of their individual vocal range, abilities, capabilities and to fulfil their potential while protecting their voice from the strains and demands of all styles of singing.

Thora draws on the experience of having studied, throughout her singing career, the Italian bel canto style and of being a highly qualified  Teacher and Performer. She is also able to pass on to her students the invaluable wealth of knowledge she has gained over the years from working with some of the world's finest conductors and producers.

At the age of 18, she gained a coveted place at the highly prestigious Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Scottish Conservatoire) graduating with honours in both Teaching and Performing. Whilst a student she continued her vocal studies in the pursuit of being an Opera Singer and sang professionally in Concert and Oratorio as well as completing two highly successful concert tours of Canada and America. After graduating from the Academy she went on to gain a Post Graduate Senior School Music Teaching qualification from St. Andrew's College, Glasgow. Alongside her early Performing Career, she continued to teach, direct and conduct in Schools, and Academies of Music and Drama in Scotland and was a Singing Teacher and Vocal Coach at the well known Mountview Theatre School, London. 

Whilst teaching she continued to pursue her Professional Singing career and after being offered a contract with Scottish Opera she won a coveted place to study at the world-renowned National Opera Studio, London after which her Singing Career 'took off' (see her Biography page for more details of her performing career). 

Thora is a registered teacher and member of the International Society of Musicians and holds a current DBS certificate and SafeGuard Training