TEACHING

“Dave has been an instrumental part of my vocal life for the better part of a decade. His dedication to vocal training is awe-inspiring and his ability to encourage a voice to its best quality is something to be greatly valued.”
— Alice, Mezzo-Soprano

No one else can sound like you

Whether you are a complete beginner who’s always wanted to give singing lessons a try, a keen amateur performer looking to get serious about your vocal technique, an early-career singer seeking support to get to the next stage of your career, or a working performer in need of an MOT or a fresh perspective, this is the principle at the core of my teaching practice.

Good singing should feel easy, but it can often take hard work to get to that place. We spend our lives putting barriers in place around the voices we were born knowing how to use: my job is to help you get out of your own way, and give you the tools you need to trust, support and celebrate your unique instrument.

As you take the next steps on your singing adventure, I’m here to be your companion, your guide and your biggest cheerleader. Ready to get started? Book in for a consultation lesson using the contact form below.

Who I teach

I teach a wide range of ages and stages of singer, from total beginners through to professionals working in classical music, opera and musical theatre. 

What I teach

Having been a professional performer, myself, for nearly fifteen years, holding multiple degrees in vocal studies and performance from top conservatoires, and with a decade of teaching experience, I have an abundance of tools in my kit which allow me to adapt my approach to the individual needs of each student. 

With an approach grounded in the fundamentals of healthy breath and vocal production, I’m equally comfortable teaching across singing styles including classical and opera, musical theatre, folk, pop and rock. 

I offer clear, straightforward techniques which are repeatable, actionable, and empower my students to continue their vocal development outside of lessons. 

Why I teach

My goal is to help my students find the truest expression of their voice. There’s no better feeling than helping someone connect with themselves and their instrument not only technically, but also artistically and emotionally.  

I’m also endlessly curious about vocal technique, and I invite my students to join me in being curious, encouraging an approach of exploration. Rather than dictating a right or wrong way to sing or sound, my aim is to create space for discovery. 

Wherever you’ve come from, and wherever you’d like to go on your singing journey, I’d really like to help. 

  • "A breath of fresh air"

    Working with David is a breath of fresh air. He is a passionate educator, loves singing/singers/voices, is super personable, and has an incredible ear. His method is flexible, he can parry pedagogically when needed but is also able to meet you in a more tactile way as singing is so physical and viscerally personal. As someone who is in the throes of a singing career, I appreciate these rare but incredibly valuable qualities.

    - Franny, Soprano

  • "[His] enthusiasm is truly infectious"

    An amazing and generous teacher whose enthusiasm is truly infectious. He’s helped me access different qualities in my voice that I’d not previously explored, and has encouraged me to trust how I sing, giving me the confidence and freedom to walk into any room knowing I belong.

    - Beth, Mezzo-Soprano

  • "I'm enjoying singing again for the first time in years"

    Dave truly heard me when I said I needed to go back to basics and rebuild my voice in a vocal health and physiology-informed way. His ego never enters the room, it’s never about how high or how impressive a piece he can get me to sing, it’s all about finding the easy and enjoyable way to produce sound — and it’s working, I’m enjoying singing again for the first time in years.

    He works with my brain rather than against it, matches (or even tops) my energy, and openly talks about his own continuous learning. Truly the perfect teacher for me after years of difficulties and nearly giving up!

    - Emi, Soprano

  • "I would highly recommend him"

    I was hugely impressed by Dave's ability to accurately describe the sensations I was experiencing after only a few scales. He was able to change the terminology and approach he was using with ease to find the image or action which worked best for me, without making me feel like I wasn't understanding. I would highly recommend him to voice users at both professional and amateur level.

    - Andrew, Tenor

  • "a truly wonderful teacher"

    David's wealth of current experience as a working professional singer, his depth of technical and physiological knowledge, and his honest, intuitive and efficient nature immediately set my first session with him apart from others. He met me exactly where I was, and was able to quickly identify the most useful way for us to spend our session, without any pressure to immediately book in for the next one (although I most certainly will). 

    After just one session, I had the feeling that my vocal toolbox had been sharpened and polished, and was primed for use going forward into a busy and demanding season. His enthusiasm for listening and learning, his understanding of the demands of the industry, as well as his efficient use of time and downright joyful energy are what make David a truly wonderful teacher, and why I would highly recommend him.

    - Rachel, Soprano

  • "One of the best choices I made"

    Starting singing lessons with Dave was one of the best choices I made last year. My confidence has drastically improved and I no longer feel pain when I sing. He has helped me to explore different vocal styles which I didn’t know were possible! He is such a kind and uplifting individual, and I cannot recommend him enough.

    - Jess, Mezzo-Soprano

  • "the kindest and most positive person"

    Dave is not only super knowledgeable and extremely helpful when it comes to making a singer think about their singing in a whole new way, but he also manages to be the kindest and most positive person to give feedback!

    I would encourage anyone to go and see him as often as they can.

    - Anna, Soprano

  • "I wouldn’t use anyone else"

    I have studied with Dave for 5 years and for all that time he has really shown how patient and understanding he is. I have learned so much and David has motivated me to challenge myself and to take myself out of my comfort zone. He is very passionate, especially when it comes to praising my achievements. I wouldn’t use anyone else.

    - Mollie, Soprano

  • "It's never too late to develop one’s voice"

    David has taken me from being an average, under-confident choral singer to a tenor soloist. My voice is stronger and my range has increased. He helped me to understand how to visualise and connect to my instrument, using physical and mental techniques enabling me to experiment with my sound and how I perform. He’s given me a real sense of achievement and a belief that it is never too late to develop one’s voice. I always leave feeling positive and enthused about what is possible.

    - Mike, Tenor

  • "I can do this!"

    It has been great being taught by David. He really understands the mind of a singer! He is enthusiastic, encouraging and adept at pointing out corrections I need to make without knocking my morale. His lessons are fun and each time I come away thinking “I can do this!”

    - Richard, Bass

  • "He has helped me to make real imrovements"

    I started with David intending to only have a handful of lessons, but his teaching has been so effective and enjoyable that I have continued to have regular sessions. He has helped me to make real improvements in the range and quality of voice, whilst also boosting my confidence!

    - Jill, Alto

Let’s get to work!

If you’d like to find out more, or book a consultation lesson, I’d love to hear from you.

Lessons are available either online
or in person at my studio in York.