Vivienne

I have been teaching music since 1985, and have a wealth of experience as a singer, keyboards player and viola player. As well as working professionally as a solo singer across several genres, I have sung with the Glasgow Opera Group and the Glasgow Grand Opera Society. My band, The Calloways had a single produced by Jo Callis of the Human League and was played on John Peel's show on Radio 1, leading to a slot at BBC 1's John Peel Roadshow in Chambers St Student Union in Edinburgh. I won the Agnus C Young Memorial Prize for Singing at the Glasgow Music Festival 1989. In 2014 I went back to college and gained an HNC in Singer Songwriting and and HND in Rock and Pop. I also do voice workshops which incorporate breathing, vocal techniques, relaxation, yoga and meditation.

I have composed music and have helped previous school students with their compositions for Higher Music.

Tutoring Experience

I teach beginners to advanced, from age five onwards with no upper age limit. I teach all styles and genres including operatic training. I teach clean metal vocals only. Whether you are a school pupil, a student preparing for music exams, or looking to improve your technique or confidence and are in a band, I am here to help.

Exam-wise, I teach the Associated Board syllabus together with Rockschool, and enter pupils each year for the Glasgow Music Festival. Six of my singing students have gone on to win their respective classes at this Festival, and a piano student of mine (Hazel van der Walle) won " Uddingston's Got Talent" in 2011.

I have an Enhanced Disclosure.

Testimonials:

"Vivienne has a unique way of teaching and I feel that she is someone who has finally managed to get through to me in singing lessons! She opened my eyes to an amazing new technique which I have now adopted that has really helped my breathing and that has opened my eyes to the possibilities of my voice. Not only is she a great teacher, she's one of the most passionate, enthusiastic people I've met in a long time and she has done nothing but motivate me to strive forward!" - Marina Rolink (signed to Toytown Records) - 2014

"I highly recommend Vivienne to other parents or those interested in music lessons themselves. Our children thoroughly enjoyed both her piano and singing lessons. She has developed and encouraged their love of music, with great results too."
Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Creative - Lesley van der Walle, 2012

"I would whole heartedly recommend Vivienne to anyone wishing to take up any aspect music available from Priory Bridge Music. My daughter attended piano lessons, and with the help and commitment of Vivienne, has attained an A pass on her Intermediate 2 Music. Vivienne fully supported her in all aspects of studies, encouraging additional study and well as giving hints, tips and advice on all aspect of the exam.
A further aspect of Vivienne’s work includes providing performance opportunities, which are invaluable to building confidence and promoting success in learning.
Vivienne provides regular reports on the work they are doing, which allows me to keep track of my daughter’s progress. She will continue her studies to higher level, and I’m sure with Vivienne’s commitment and support results will be evident" Highly recommended! - Anne Colligan, 2012

"Vivienne has been an excellent teacher for our children learning to play the piano. She encourages the children to learn and incorporates fun elements and variety into the lessons including singing which she also teaches professionally. I'd have no hesitation in recommending Vivienne as a teacher for anyone who wanted their children to learn the piano or sing."
Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Good Value - Shona Bulloch - owner at Bee Dazzled, 2012

"Vivienne's encouragement and emphasis on breathing proved an excellent refresher for my singing voice.”

Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value - Alison Clark - coach, facilitator and writer, 2012

“Excellent singing teacher - friendly, helpful, informative and encouraging!”
Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Creative - Sarah O'Rielly, 2010

“Vivienne is an extremely gifted musician and approaches all projects with a great deal of verve and creativity. She has a wonderful voice and is very passionate in her expression. I have no hesitation in endorsing her work.” Catherine Bowie, Trainer, CBTS, 2009

EXAM PASSES:

Hazel van der Walle - Rockschool Piano Grade 1 with Merit - 2012
Rachel Colligan - Intermediate II Piano (A Pass) - 2012
Lauren Bulloch - Rockschool Grade 1 with Merit - 2012
Rachel Colligan - Higher Music - (with Distinction) - 2013
Rachel Colligan - Advanced Higher Music (with Distintion) - 2014
Joe McKie - Grade 1 Rockschool Piano (with Distinction) - 2013
Joe McKie - Grade 2 Rockschool Piano (with Distinction ) - 2014

Tutoring Approach

I am a warm, friendly teacher and I have a real understanding of pupils who might feel nervous about taking lessons or performing. I try to tailor my lessons to suit each person according to their needs. I have taught pupils with Asperger's Syndrome, in fact this pupil won a Piano Solo class at the Glasgow Music Festival. I understand stage fright, and also the frustration people sometimes experience in trying to perfect an instrument or their voice when they have limited time. Although my approach is sensitive and understanding I do also emphasise the importance of regular practice to make the lessons worthwhile.

I always discuss pupils' progress with parents and keep them up to date as to how they are getting on, however I do emphasise at the start that there has to be a spark of interest beforehand - I do try to make the lessons as fun as possible but agree with pupils and parents that both a commitment to practise and a space in their timetable needs to be made.

I am open to discussion regarding lessons and what I can provide. I have a very high success rate and pupils always come back unless they did not have a real interest in the first place. Pupils tend to come long term as, with practice, they see results very quickly and have something real to work with.

Update: I am currently studying to teach yoga and will be incorporating this into my Vocayoga! classes and workshops. Please ask me about this if interested.