Sharon Yearsley

BMus(Hons); MMusTher (Hons)

Sharon is has been teaching singing in high schools as an itinerant singing specialist and as a private practitioner for 15 years. She has a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Voice Performance and a Master of Music Therapy (Honours). She has performed extensively as a soloist and ensemble member in many operas and concerts, and has professionally sung with the NZ Opera Chorus for many years. Her teaching experience includes teaching mainly singing; but also piano, barbershop groups, choirs, and vocal coaching and musical direction for musicals. Her realm of experience also includes two years of practice as a Registered Music Therapist, which informs her teaching work. Sharon regularly engages in ongoing professional development and is a member of the NEWZATS (NZ Association of Teachers of Singing) council. Sharon is currently teaching part time while raising her 2 year old son Edward.

In my teaching…

• I aim to provide a heart-centred teaching service which is inclusive of all ages, abilities and musical styles. The basics of efficient and healthy voice use are universal.
• I am passionate about the biology and function of voice; and I endeavour to find the right method of delivering information relevant to vocal function and physiology to each learner.
• It is my job to help students be better musicians as well as better singers. I aim to choose repertoire with which the singer will engage, but which will also further their vocal and musical development. I accompany students on the piano in lessons and (where appropriate) in performance.
• Good singing is wholly connected with body, mind and spirit. Acknowledging this connection (within carefully defined ethical boundaries) is an important part of my practice.