Teaching

Alison has always enjoyed and been committed to teaching alongside her performing commitments.  She began teaching in Cambridge in 1981 and has built up a private studio of students singing in opera, recital, oratorio and ensembles such as the BBC Singers, Monteverdi Choir, The Sixteen, I Fagiolini and Tenebrae.

Alison was a member of the vocal studies at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance for 15 years from 2003-2018 and is a now a professor in the vocal studies department at the Royal College of Music.

Alison’s graduates have gone on to further studies at other British Conservatoires as well as the Dutch National Opera Academy, Flanders Opera Studio, Boston Conservatory, Welsh International Academy of Voice, and to Glyndebourne Chorus, Glyndebourne Young Artists, Garsington Young Artists, and many professional ensembles including the BBC Singers, Monteverdi Choir, Tenebrae, the Sixteen.

Alison’s teaching is based on a firm but flexible support system from the breath and support muscles of the core and back allied to a healthy vocalisation without strain in the larynx. She is endlessly fascinated by the power and resonance of the human voice, and how our relationship to, and understanding of text and character can bring out colours and dynamics that enhance our performance of the music.

Recent student successes include:

Kathleen Ferrier Competition 2016: James Newby (baritone) joint winner

Longborough Festival 2016: Erika Mädi Jones debut as Elisabeth (Tannhäuser) to great critical acclaim

Maureen Lehane Awards 2015 : James Newby 3rd prize and audience prize

Wigmore Hall International Song Competition 2015 : James Newby 3rd prize and Schubert prize

Wagner Competition 2015 : Erika Mädi Jones finalist

Maureen Lehane Awards 2018 : James Atkinson winner

London Song Festival 2018 : Erika Mädi Jones winner of British Art Song prize

London Song Festival 2018 : Madeleine Bradbury-Rance winner of Schubert Prize

Emmy Destinn Prize 2019 : Milly Forrest winner

Hurn Court Opera Competition 2019 : Milly Forrest winner

Patricia Routledge English Song Competition 2019 : Milly Forrest winner

Kathleen Ferrier Awards 2020 : Milly Forrest song prize