CLASSICAL SINGING LESSONS

If interested in lessons, please read the information below and get in touch using the contact form. 
You will then receive further practical details.
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 My name is Sara Wallander-Ross and I offer classical singing lessons and vocal/language coaching from Oxford, UK.
I specialise in online teaching, and am very experienced in helping students remotely, but offer face to face lessons if required.
If you wish to have lessons but live too far away, in the UK or abroad, or you have no time for travel,
online lessons are an excellent way of gaining knowledge without geographical constraints.
If you are interested in face to face lessons, please specify this in your enquiry. The first lesson will normally take place online, after which face to face lessons can be offered by mutual agreement.
I specialise in German, Czech, British, Russian and contemporary opera but am also very experienced in oratorio, 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.
I can coach pronunciation of Scandinavian languages, Swedish in particular, English, French, German, Italian, Czech, Hungarian as well as Russian standard repertoire. 
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 and I shall look forward to hearing from you.

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Whom do I teach?

I have 20 years' teaching experience, and teach students of all levels, from beginners to professionals. My students are adults, although some are in their late teens. I will always have a trial lesson with any potential students to ensure mutual compatibility. I do not teach young children. I will consider beginners as long as they can read music and have some sort of classical music experience, either by singing in choirs or playing an instrument.
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. Many of my students have achieved merit and distinction in Grades and Diploma exams. However, if you 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.
I shall get back to you, attaching my general Terms as well as 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 make sure you email me a digital copy, either in advance or in the lesson. Please bring two copies for face to face lessons. If you don't have anything prepared, that is fine as well.

* Illness rules are not in force for online teaching. Terms and Cancellation policies remain unchanged.

How much? Where?

I charge £60/hour, including for the first consultation lesson. Online lessons take place on Zoom. Face to face lessons take place in a studio in the centre of Oxford. Details will be provided upon booking. 
The fee is payable in advance by bank transfer. The lesson needs to be paid for before the agreed lesson time. Payment for face to face lessons can be by bank transfer, as above, or by cash in the lesson.

What can I offer?

I offer lessons in classical singing technique, vocal coaching and anatomy, as well as performance preparation. 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, Scandinavian, Russian, French and German art song but also opera/operetta. I coach English, French, German, Italian, Swedish, Hungarian and Czech pronunciation as well as Russian standard repertoire. 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.
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.