Lindy Tennent-Brown works with opera and music theatre singers, preparing repertoire for auditions, roles, and concerts (oratorio and song). She has extensive experience coaching the operas of Handel, Mozart, Strauss, Puccini, Britten, Poulenc, and the bel canto/verismo composers (Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi), and has specialist knowledge of contemporary opera, music theatre, and recital programming.
What is a vocal coach?
A vocal coach is usually (but not always) a pianist who works with singers on improving interpretation and stylistic awareness, sound quality, musical phrasing, languages, diction, and endurance. We bridge the gap between a singing teacher and a conductor: filling the gap between a voice studio, where you learn the techniques of singing, and the rehearsal room or concert platform, where you do the job of singing. Vocal coaches deal with style and interpretation of repertoire, and audition, role, and concert preparation. We help you sound better and perform at your best.
What do coaches do? What don’t coaches do?
An experienced vocal coach provides support in whatever area/s you need it most, from learning notes for new, difficult, or unfamiliar repertoire, through to polishing up arias and songs ready for auditions or concerts. Every singer has different strengths and weaknesses. It is the job of the coach to rapidly identify those qualities, then reinforce the strengths and boost the singer’s knowledge and toolkit around any weaknesses.
An experienced vocal coach will have spent many years working in the studio alongside a wide range of voice teachers, conductors, and directors. They will be able to offer assistance in trouble-shooting some common technical issues – tongue position, vowel formation, projection, breathing, and resonance, for example.
You might be unsure of your voice-type and looking for a place to experiment with new repertoire or technique – a vocal coaching studio is a safe place, free from judgement or exposure, where you can explore the limits of your voice and expression with attentive, careful feedback.
Vocal coaches have excellent ears. They hear things that you can’t hear when you’re singing. Professional singers rely on their coach to be an external pair of ears offering constructive feedback and perspective.
When should I see a vocal coach?
Vocal coaching can be a one-off session in preparation for a concert or audition. Or it can be a series of sessions over several weeks leading up to a performance or recording, or learning notes for a new opera or song cycle. It can also be regular work to build strong foundations in a singer’s musical and interpretative approach to specific (or varied) repertoire.
Where do you work?
Lindy offers vocal coaching at her home studio in Highland Park, east Auckland. She also travels to coach within the greater Auckland and Waikato regions.
Please use the contact page to enquire about bookings and rates.
Lindy Tennent-Brown 