Singing, Speaking and Performance

As with all the best teachers, Mary-Jane de Havas has the ability to pinpoint what is of most value in improving a performance, whilst ensuring that this is explained simply and in such a way as to protect her student’s confidence. Unsure how best to support our 12-year old son's interest in opera and keen to reinforce his overall self-esteem, we are delighted to have found Mary-Jane. After only a handful of lessons, our son's enthusiasm has been fostered and as parents, we are entirely reassured that enjoyment and vocal well-being are of paramount importance during lessons. What is particularly different about Mary-Jane’s teaching style is her creativity and ability to bring music to life, so that each song is just a starting point for the imagination to take hold. He leaves each lesson positively ‘buzzing’ at what Mary-Jane helps him achieve vocally and also walking taller generally thanks to the confidence she instils.

Recently I saw Mary Jane as Maddalena in Rigoletto in an excellent production. Mary Jane brought fire and fury to the stage. Her voice reminds you to search fearlessly for whatever it is that is missing from life. Her movement and acting inspire me to go out and beyond of my comfort zone. There is something Wuthering Heights about her – but always contained by her very beautiful voice. As a teacher, Mary Jane brings awareness to her work. She notices aspects of your voice you’d never notice yourself; she’ll watch you throw your head up to try and reach those high notes, and she’ll watch you sink to the floor to hit that low note, and then she’ll teach you soundly and creatively that your voice isn’t up there or down there after all. In my experience, Mary Jane will teach you where your voice is. She is a woman of integrity and she is generous. I always feel rewarded having spent time with her, and I’ve never left her wishing I hadn’t gone in the first place.Moreexpand_more

Image1 (2) (1)I learnt so much in such a small space time I was blown away by Mary’s energy and enthusiasm. A brilliant teacher and incredibly intuitive in her approach. Worth every penny and more. Ian Francis https://www. Youtube. Com/watch? V=O7Z_qNO0hG0&list=PLa8qjMkjwhFdQ1epnVRAZizqQVk8D6Ic8&index=3 www. Facebook. Com/thelivingrogues.

MJ has really helped me build my confidence with singing and helped me learn a lot about my voice and how to use it. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in how to use your voice and is very good at teaching and passing on that information in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident. She always helps me to relax more and really gets me to feel and express the words and emotions that come from what ever it is that I'm singing, which I really felt helped me even more. Thanks very much for all your help MJ!