Singing and Vocal Technique - high level industry experience for over 35 years

Methodology

I offer comprehensive singing lessons in my studio to students aged 18 and upward. Our work together tends to be medium to longer term, and focuses on four core areas:

VOCAL TECHNIQUE

... understanding vocal anatomy, muscles and function; vocal acoustics; alignment; breathing; larynx management; resonance; singing high notes & low notes safely, artistically and effectively; mastering forte, piano, crescendo, and diminuendo; fast singing (rapid pitch change and/or rapid syllables); adjusting larynx and resonators for different genres and sounds (e.g. opera, early music, jazz, music theatre, belt, folk, rock etc); voice care, vocal stamina, and vocal recovery; pronunciation (especially English, French, German, Italian & Hebrew).

LEARNING & PSYCHOLOGY

... mastering the ‘inner game’ of successful learning & performing – all physical skills training is also mental training; understanding the basic neuroscience of how we learn (we aren’t born with skill, we grow it); finding the learning methods that work best for a specific student; using clear, accurate conceptual models, and handy, memorable checklists; systematic exercises; explanatory handouts; tailored warmups & practice routines; methods designed to help the singer become confidently independent - capable of self-monitoring, self-analysis, and vocal problem-solving for themselves.

INTERPRETATION

... deepening knowledge of the relationship between words & music; understanding the emotional & narrative journey; expanding choices for musical phrasing; understanding the context of character, situation and story; delivering the message, and nuances of a song/aria, including individual word colour (singing as storytelling); recitative coaching; art song in several languages; learning the musical adjustments necessary to sing authentically in different styles (e.g. music theatre, jazz, opera, folk); performance conventions (e.g. the origins of the piece, the style and standards expected in the industry).

PERFORMANCE

... making the transition from the studio into public performance; communicating with an audience; handling performance nerves; balancing control and spontaneity / creativity in performance; handling the unexpected; memorising and preparation skills; mental rehearsal techniques; stage presence & self-presentation; planning a recital programme or set list; audition preparation & technique; how to make the most of competitions and exams; performance psychology & the cycle of improvement; dealing with negative experiences; role preparation; microphone technique; working in a recording studio; moving into professional singing, or developing an existing singing career.

Given that these are the four areas that we focus on, I ask all singers who work with me to have at least a basic level of musical proficiency before they start, and be ready to engage with the systematic and holistic approach. (Read more) I work with keen, musically capable amateurs, music students, aspiring professionals, semi-pro singers, singing teachers, professional singers, cantors, recording artists, and singers recovering from vocal damage, vocal strain, or a career crisis.

Experience

For over 35 years, I have worked in the singing business – as a professional singer, teacher, and writer on voice, teaching, learning, psychology and personal development. And I’m happy to say, I still love doing all of those things!

Rates

Rate for a 1-hour lesson. : £60/h

Lessons offered by Alexander

Individual

The lessons will be held

at his home

Taught subjects

Singing
Vocal Coaching

Levels

All Levels

Alexander's CV

Alexander Massey BA PGCE MA MSc

My teaching has taken me into the classical and opera world, the music industry and recording studio, universities, schools (also heading school music and drama departments), colleges of further education, choirs and opera choruses, professional theatre, and synagogues. I have helped well-established professional singers, singing teachers, cantors, speech and language therapists, music students, undergrads and postgrads (e.g. currently from Oxford Uni, Oxford Brookes, and Manchester Uni), and recording artists and been a main presenter for the British Voice Association and keynote speaker for the International Association of Voice Movement Therapists.

“one of the best-known singing teachers based in Oxford. Anyone who uses their voice would benefit from a session with Alexander” Hugh Vickers, music critic for the Independent, Oxford Times feature article.

“I’ve always felt that with you, I’m in a safe pair of hands. You have a really detailed physical knowledge of the voice, understand the psychology involved in developing as a singer.” Undergraduate, Manchester University

My songs have been published, and are used by other singers and choirs, and in the last few years I have increasingly coached songwriters on lyric writing and all the music composition elements in songwriting.

Over the years, at different times, I have been an active member of …

• British Voice Association (BVA)
• Association of Teachers of Singing (AOTOS)
• Natural Voice Practitioners Network (NVPN)

… and I contribute articles to the AOTOS, NVPN discussion group, and the Singing Teachers / Coaches network on LinkedIn.

I also have worked for many years coaching individuals and groups on communication, relationships and personal development (e.g. Guild of Pastoral Psychology, Oxford Psychotherapy Society, London Underground, HBOS, GlaxoSmithKline, Oxford University, Unilever, Age Concern). You can find out more about this side of my work at (concealed information)

Performing

As a professional singer (and multi-instrumentalist), I have worked across the musical spectrum – in the classical world (e.g. solo oratorio work, Opéra de Lyon chorus work, opera roles such as Don Ottavio, Peter Quint & Pinkerton, recitals with David Roth from the Allegri Quartet, international professional choirs), jazz (Philip Clouts), folk (e.g Guernsey International Festival of Folk and Blues) and world music (e.g. At-Ma).

“Alexander Massey was excellent” The Independent
“consistently thoughtful and light of touch” Oxford Times
“Eloquent … Alexander Massey projected a honeyed tenor line” Gloucestershire Echo

Member of: British Equity (Performers’ Union)