Opera singer to hold vocal workshop

Pearl Beach opera singer Michaele Archer will hold a vocal workshop at the Central Coast Conservatorium in Gosford on Saturday, September 7, from 3pm.

Ms Archer travelled to New York earlier this year to study with one of the world's leading voice teachers Mr David Jones.

Ms Archer will now present a one-off session at the Conservatorium demonstrating techniques she learned from those studies in New York

Ms Archer is a regular performer in the Central Coast's Opera in the Arboretum and is also currently working with vocalists in Central Coast Opera's production of Gian Carlo Menotti's children's opera Help, Help, The Globolinks! which will open at Laycock St Theatre in November.

"There is so much interest in singing, especially with the popularity of shows like The Voice and X Factor," said Ms Archer.

"I think an area of major importance is vocal health. Even a singer like Adele, who has such an amazing voice has experienced problems and recently had to take time off from singing to recover.

"The basis of voice training has to be in learning how to protect and strengthen the vocal mechanism," said Ms Archer.

While in New York, Ms Archer attended a teacher mentor program at New York City College University and also studied privately with David Jones.

"I learnt some really amazing tools for vocal training in New York based on principles from the Old Italian Masters like Garcia and Lamperti," said Ms Archer.

"These guys worked out so much about correct vocal function.

"The methods are part of a classical approach, but they are also important for contemporary singers.

"It's a bit like studying classical ballet; most dancers will train in classical ballet to establish a good foundation and then branch out into jazz or contemporary styles.

"It is exactly the same with vocal training," said Ms Archer.

The workshop will feature students from Central Coast Conservatorium demonstrating exercises and singing and Ms Archer will explain the different approaches.

The session will be of interest to both voice teachers and singers.

It is open to the public but registrations are essential.

Phone the Conservatorium to register and pre-pay on 4324 7477.

Media release, 29 Aug 2013

Lisa Kelly, Central Coast Conservatorium