Teaching
My aim in teaching is to help singers discover, or rediscover, the great joy of singing that comes with a reliable technique and the unlocking of their ability to express themselves musically and dramatically.
I address the needs of each student individually in one to one lessons at my home just outside of Cambridge. We work together to find the core of the voice, supported but unforced, which then brings a true legato and the ability to vary dynamics without strain. Students discover how to achieve clean onset of sound and pronunciation with clear, resonant vowels and consonants that help rather than hinder the vocal line.
Good voice training also includes developing the musical and dramatic understanding of the singer and I address these aspects in every lesson. In addition I offer more advanced students the chance to perform in Vocal Masterclasses.
My teaching approach springs from many years of study in New York, London, Salzburg, Toronto and Edmonton Canada as well as my experience as a performer and singing teacher. In particular I have benefitted from attending David Jones’ vocal pedagogy series and Classical Voice Training SATS courses. Most recently I had the honour of observing Margreet Honig and her excellent team at a week long course in Austria.
“I feel like a new singer, I am able to approach my music with ease and confidence.”
Who I teach
I enjoy teaching many types of adult student in classical and operatic repertoire:
Young adults preparing for conservatoire entrance; my students have gone on to further vocal studies at top music schools and universities;
Consultation lessons for more advanced singers;
Postgraduate singers;
Singers who have experienced a vocal set-back and need help regaining a working technique and vocal confidence;
Singers preparing for recitals, exams or auditions;
Beginners who are prepared to take learning seriously.
Testimonies
“Katharina is a passionate and devoted teacher. She approaches the voice from a singer’s perspective, exchanging with the student so that they feel their voice and think of it in terms of a physical sensation rather than a specific sound they should aim to achieve. She demands nothing but the best whilst also being encouraging and helping you to overcome any insecurities and fears. Every lesson is different and I always look forward to the next one. This year has been such a rewarding journey for me as I have been steadily exploring my voice and have already found a whole new dimension to it; I am very excited about what is left to discover!”
Lyric mezzo-soprano student (27)
“I took classes with Katharina for two and a half years while studying toward a PhD at the University of Cambridge. Katharina immediately detected certain fundamental problems with my technique that we then set out to remedy. My singing is now considerably less strained, and I can easily get through lengthy songs that used to make me feel exhausted toward the end.”
Baritone student (26)
“I’ve been having lessons with Katharina for four years and have seen huge improvements inboth my vocal and performance technique. Katharina is patient and enthusiastic, and as a performer herself has a deep understanding of a singer’s psyche. I would not hesitate to recommend Katharina as a vocal coach.”
Soprano student (50)
“Working with Katharina has been a revelation. Through her teaching my voice has transformed and continues to transform. She is a consummate musician and highly professional in her approach. Katharina’s extensive experience as a performer and choir director enhance her teaching. She brings wisdom and insight to her work. She is able to teach the many principles of good singing with immense care so that they are tailored to the individual. All of this is achieved with her encouraging and light touch, making lessons challenging and fun. Katharina is passionate about what she does and lessons with her heighten the joy of singing.”
Professional soprano student (40)
“After finishing my degrees in Vocal Performance, I was met with a two year shut down from Covid, and left to mostly practice on my own. Through this time I struggled immensely and my technique suffered. Fortunately, I found Katharina and I immediately started making progress and overcoming technical obstacles such as tension, nasality, tuning, etc. After only a year and a half I feel like a new singer, I am able to approach my music with ease and confidence. Katharina has so much knowledge that she can easily individualize our lessons and when something isn’t working she quickly adapts. She has supported me through many auditions and her Masterclasses have given me a chance to practise performance. I appreciate her advice and I always leave lessons inspired to be a better technician and performer. Best of all, she is an honest teacher who is always looking for the authentic version of your voice.”
Postgraduate lyric soprano student (26)