David Barnard

UPDATE September 2023: Whilst I am on a long- term contract in Austria, my UK-based studios are currently closed. Please only contact me if you wish to make a booking for online work or for referrals to other professionals. Many thanks for your interest.

Can I help you?

Are you looking to work with me on your professional development? Do you need help with role preparation or an audition package? Are you an instrumental teacher who needs to re-think your approach to learning or someone who simply wishes to improve and re-inspire your teaching skills, through being taught yourself?

Do you work in business and regularly have to give crucial presentations to clients and/or colleagues? Do you occasionally have to deliver a sales pitch? Are you conscious that your vocal presence or ‘performance‘ will let you down? Do you regularly feel ‘talked over’ in meetings and that your voice isn’t ‘present’ enough or working properly?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions above, then please contact me below as I may be able to help you. I am delighted to offer a FREE 30 min online video chat to see if I can address your needs or help you achieve your goals. I don’t believe in ‘sticky-plaster’ quick-fix solutions, so it’s really important that we have this initial chat, to see if my teaching approach and the follow-up, is suitable for you.

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What do I teach?

Musicians: I offer vocal coaching, peak performance and piano lessons for advanced-level musicians only – I don’t offer lessons at the beginner level, unfortunately. If you are an opera répétiteur or vocal accompanist, I would be delighted to help you prepare for auditions or recitals. If you are a vocalist specialising in opera or art song (lieder etc) then please get in touch. Perhaps you are a conductor wanting to play-through a concerto or opera score prior to your first orchestral reading. All of these lessons are offered on an ad-hoc basis.

I have many successful students around the world (current and past), working in opera houses and in full-time employment as performers or as music staff.

Business: For business clients, I offer a short course (three x 45 min sessions) to help you prepare for your public speaking and to help you gain more confidence. These three sessions can be spread over any timescale, to work around your schedule. Most clients feel that they gain new skills in these sessions and can implement them in their workplace successfully. Further sessions are available, if you would like to develop your presentation/performance skills, your speaking voice and to generally gain further confidence in public speaking on the whole.

Bagpiping: As a piper of 33 years experience, I can offer piping tuition to RSPBA grades 4B-2A and I can start you on your piobaireached journey. Generally, I don’t teach absolute beginner pipers, unless they have previous musical training in another instrument.

Current and recent teaching experience includes:

Teatro Maggio Musicale (Florence, Italy)
Royal Northern College of Music (Manchester, UK)
University of Huddersfield (UK)
Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (Melbourne, Australia)
New Zealand School of Music (Wellington, NZ)

Plus… the many freelance vocalists and pianists in: Australia, UK, NZ, Italy, Germany, Spain, Austria, France and the USA.

And… business clients in sales, operations management, change-management, leadership-lead change, I.T., media, real estate and town-planning.

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What is Vocal Coaching?

Vocal coaching is a process where a trained professional, known as a vocal coach, helps individuals improve their singing or speaking voice. This can include techniques for breath control, pitch accuracy, vocal range expansion, and overall vocal performance. Vocal coaches provide guidance, exercises, and feedback to help individuals develop and refine their vocal skills, whether for singing, public speaking, or any other form of vocal expression.

Whether you’re an aspiring vocalist, a public speaker, or just looking to improve your communication skills, vocal coaching provides valuable guidance and techniques to help you unlock your full vocal potential. Experienced vocal coaches work closely with their students to address issues such as pitch control, breath support, tone quality, and expression. They tailor their lessons to the unique needs and goals of each student, offering personalized exercises and feedback to develop stronger, more confident voices. Vocal coaching not only refines technical skills but also fosters self-assurance, enabling individuals to command their audience and deliver powerful, engaging performances.

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What Is Peak Performance Teaching?

Music peak performance teaching is a dynamic and enriching process that goes beyond imparting technical skills; it is an art of nurturing creativity and expression. Instructors guide students in mastering instruments, refining vocal techniques, and interpreting musical compositions. The teaching approach often involves a blend of traditional methods and contemporary pedagogies, adapting to each student’s learning style. Beyond the notes on a page, educators emphasize the importance of stage presence, communication, and emotional connection with the audience. Music performance teaching is not merely about producing skilled musicians but fostering a lifelong appreciation for the transformative power of music.

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Where do I teach?

Teaching, for all of my students (including business clients) is currently offered in the following locations (subject to availability). I can also visit your place of work (providing there is a suitable teaching space, free of interruptions).

How much do I charge?

Initial Connection	30-minute consultation	FREE
Vocal	Student	£40 per hour
Vocal	Professional	£60 per hour
Piano	Student	£40 per hour
Piano	Professional	£60 per hour
Bagpipe	All levels	£50 per hour
Chamber Music Duo+	All levels.	£100 for 90 mins
Business Coaching	3 x 45-minute sessions.	£150.00

Ready to book?

If you would like to book any of the above studio services, please use the form below to make a booking enquiry and I will be in touch with you.