Information About Stephen - Pontyclun teacher

Personal Description:

Stephen comes originally from Dublin. He was a chorister, choral scholar and Lay Vicar in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. He also graduated from Trinity College, Dublin with a BA(Hons) before joining Worcester Cathedral Choir in 1990 as a Lay Clerk. During his 30 years tenure there he rose to become Senior Lay Clerk. He sang solo for many choral societies and was a member of specialist vocal ensembles Musica Contexta and Armonico Consort with whom he made recordings and sang concerts at venues such as the Wigmore Hall in London. He also sang solo on numerous recordings with Worcester Cathedral Choir. He formed Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir in 1998 which sings services at the Cathedral and gives an annual set of concerts. The choir has also made 8 recordings to date. In 2022 Stephen left the Cathedral Choir to persue a Masters degree at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in choral conducting, graduating with distinction in 2024. Stephens singing mentors have included Dame Emma Kirkby, Charles Brett and Martyn Hill. He has lived in Pendoylan in South Wales since 2021 with his wife Jayne.

Tutoring Experience:

I started my teaching life at St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir School in 1987 and when I moved to the UK I became a peripatetic teacher in Worcestershire schools. I also joined the staff at the Elgar School of Music in Worcester where I teach all levels of vocal tuition, I have also been the vocal tutor to the boy and girl choristers at Worcester Cathedral. I have maintained an ongoing private teaching practise for over thirty years.

Tutoring Approach:

Every pupil I teach is an individual and my approach is to begin at that starting point. I enjoy teaching all levels of music. To perform classical or pop music to a satisfactory level you need a decent technique and I enjoy building on the confidence that comes from that. I enjoy working with pupils of all ages to help them to achieve their desired goals. Singing is all about communication and having fun.