I had the privilege of training with highly acclaimed Vocal Coach Glynn Jones in London for 4 years who coached international stars like Shirley Bassey, Gladys Knight and Annie Lennox

Find out more about Pierre

• When did you develop an interest in music and singing, and in private tutoring?

  I have been singing since I can remember and playing piano since the age of 9 years old.
  
  My love for music has always been there as I come from musical families on both sides.
  
  After my studies in the UK, I started teaching there in the late 90's. I continued my teaching career after returning to South Africa (in 2000) until this day.

• Tell us more about the way you teach singing, the topics and techniques you like to discuss with/demonstrate to students.

  My teaching methods are practical exercises that teach you how to breathe properly, open up your throat and how to discover your unique voice and sound.
  
  I give my students daily breathing exercises to do at home and we practice singing scales and songs during our lessons online together.

• Do you have any role models? Perhaps a singer or musician who inspires you? Tell us who, and why.

  My biggest inspiration has come from singers like: Micheal Bublé, Luther Van Dross and Nat King Cole.
  
  These singers really perfected the art of turning their vocal cords not only into an instrument but also singing every single note with colour, warmth, emotion and perfect pitch!

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good teacher or tutor?

  You always need to be patient with students. A good tutor will always spot problematic areas in a student's voice and correct them. Experience is very important to be able to know what your student can achieve and to be able to push them higher!

• Could you share an anecdote related to your singing journey or even your school days?

  I could never really get the hang of singing as a youngster. I was forever straining and tensing up my voice in order to try and reach high notes. (I'm a bass singer.) After learning how to relax my voice and breathe properly everything changed. I started reaching higher and higher notes and could sing in a relaxed way for the first time.
  
  I apply everything I learned back then to my classes today.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or are still facing during your singing training or your school days?

  My biggest challenge was finding my unique voice and sound. I was always trying to sound like this or that singer until I learned what my natural unique sound was.
  
  Today I can just take a deep breath and sing any note I wish with ease! No more straining my voice or trying to sound like someone else.

• What is your greatest passion? Is it teaching in general, a particular element of music/singing, or something completely different?

  My biggest passion in life is singing. If it's just singing whilst walking down the street, with my piano at home or on stage, I always love it!
  
  I also have a passion for art and I love to create oil paintings and sculptures of African wildlife.

• What makes you a Superprof?

  I am a very patient and dedicated teacher. I am always in tune with my student's needs and potential vocal improvements or problems.
  
  I am sensitive to others’ beliefs, religion and cultures.
  
  I have unique training methods/skills to help you find your own unique voice and give you fast & noticeable results.
  
  I am friendly, punctual and motivated.

• Is there anything else you would like your students to know about you?

  I can teach you how to sing like the stars!