SINGING LESSONS

My name is Sara Wallander-Ross and I am a professional soprano, offering classical singing lessons and vocal coaching in Oxford city centre (UK). I am easily accessible from the train station and Gloucester Green bus station (5 mins from both on foot).
I specialise in German, Czech, British, Russian and contemporary opera but am also very experienced in oratorio and French, English, Russian, Scandinavian song and Lieder. I am also able to help with the learning of choral parts.
You can find out more about me and my background HERE.
If you can't find answers to your questions below or if there is anything you wonder about, please do not hesitate to get in touch,
either by clicking the button above, or filling in the contact form at the bottom of this page.

Thank you for browsing.

---

Whom do I teach?

I teach students of all levels, from beginners to professionals. My students are normally late teens and above, with most of them being adults. I will always have a trial lesson with any potential students to ensure mutual compatability.
I teach members of most of the good choirs in Oxford, including the Oxford Bach Choir, The Harmonic Society, Summertown Choral Society and the Oxford Operatic Society as well as professional and semi-professional singers. Many of my students have have achived merit and distinction in Grades and Diploma exams. However, if you quite simply love singing and want to improve at your own pace without aiming for Grades or the like, I can help with that too.

How to set up a first lesson.

Email me using the contact form on this page, letting me know any useful information such as experience level etc. This is however not necessary -
if you have never sung before, you are just as welcome getting in touch.
I shall get back to you, attaching my cancellation and illness rules. I will need you to read them carefully and agree to them in writing. I keep to these rules very strictly and make no exceptions.
After that we will set up a time to meet. If you have any music you would like to sing, please bring two copies so I can play for you. If you don't have anything prepared, that is fine as well.

How much? Where?

I charge £45/hour, including for the first consultation lesson.
The fee is payable by cash or cheque on the day.
I teach in my studio in central Oxford, 5 minutes walk from the train station and Gloucester Green bus station.

What can I offer?

I offer lessons in classical singing technique and vocal coaching. Lessons are tailored to the individual student's needs, but will always encompass scales, exercises and in depth anatomical knowledge of vocal and support mechanisms.
Suitable repertoire will be covered, which can include English, Russian, French and German song but also opera/operetta. I coach English, French, German, Italian, Swedish, Hungarian and Czech pronunciation. I will occasionally teach music theatre if needed for auditions or special occasions but this is not my speciality.
Vocal hygiene and how to deal with nerves and stage fright are other areas covered if needed.
I offer advice on oratorio, audition preparation and song recitals and can help devise recital programmes, both for concerts, competitions and Finals. I have extensive stage experience, both as a singer and director, and can advise on matters concerning stagecraft.
I accompany all lessons myself. If you are preparing a concert with another pianist, I would be very happy for the pianist to attend lessons by prior arrangement.
I am happy for you to record the lessons for private use. Any publications of such recorded material is not allowed, eg YouTube etc.
Lessons will always be tailored to suit the level of the student and the main focus will be to improve in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.

I look forward to hearing from you.