Media Release
For immediate release
Monday 12th September 2011
Singers Invited to Attend Masterclass with Expert Vocal Coach
Next month, singers will have a great opportunity to brush up their singing skills before exams or performances.
Noted pianist and vocal coach Frances Wilson has been invited by the New Zealand Singing School Trust to return to
Hawke’s Bay to lead a two-day masterclass and workshop. Currently Frances is dedicating much of her energy providing
help to as many young aspiring singers as possible through the Auckland Opera Studio. There alongside other coaches and
teachers she gives classes to groups of developing artists in solo and ensemble work.
“We’re incredibly lucky to have a vocal coach of the calibre of Frances come here to Hawke’s Bay and share her knowledge
and experience with singers who are setting out on their careers. That’s exactly what the New Zealand Singing School
Trust exists for – to encourage New Zealanders to sing and to help emerging singers in their career development” says
NZSS Trust Chair, Eileen von Dadelszen.
A masterclass gives participants the opportunity to be coached in a group setting, and to learn through their own
experience and from observing other participants being coached.
The first day of next month’s masterclass is particularly appropriate for singers preparing for their Trinity or Royal
Schools of Music examinations at the advanced level. The second day will be in a workshop format with interactive
teaching, highlighted with examples from senior students. This format will be suited to a broad range of singers who are
not necessarily sitting exams. Amateur singers and singing teachers are also invited to attend both days as observers,
and will benefit greatly from watching advanced singers being coached by Frances.
“This is such a great opportunity for singers and teachers to come and participate or observe, and to see and hear how
they can improve their own singing or teaching” says Mrs von Dadelszen.
The masterclass and workshop will be held in the Shakespeare Room of the Hawke’s Bay Opera House on Saturday 8th Oct
from 9.30 am till 4.30pm and Sunday 9th Oct 2011 from 10am till12pm. Fees are $25 for an observer for a half day (Sat or
Sun), $50 for an observer for the full weekend; and $30 + observer fee for participant (30 min coaching at Grade 5-7
level), and $45 + observer fee for participant (45 min coaching at Grade 7-ATCL/LTCL level). Further details about the
masterclass and registration can be obtained by calling the Administrator on 021 522 988 or emailing
info@singingschool.org.nz.
The New Zealand Singing School Trust has successfully organised and held 25 national singing schools in Hawke’s Bay over
the last 30 years, and the Singing School continues to grow and develop. Frances Wilson has been a part of the well
regarded faculty, which come from as far as England to teach singing students from throughout New Zealand and now
Australia. The next Singing School will be held in January 2013.
ENDS