Jacqui started her career as a professional performer in cabaret and musical theatre. She started teaching voice over 20 years ago when her two daughters were born. Her choice was to be a committed parent, and so, teaching became the logical step from full time performing. Jacqui’s early start in the entertainment industry has given her an insight and understanding to performing from the student’s perspective. She totally understands first hand the young voice going through voice change, adolescence and maturity as a professional entertainer. The external pressures, the internal expectations and the self awareness, have all been roads Jacqui has travelled for herself, and as a teacher, has helped many young singers along the same journey. Jacqui still performs occasionally, both for the love of it and also to stay current with the demands on performers.
Jacqui holds a high standard for herself as a teacher. She keeps up to date with the latest studies and developments in understanding the human voice. In 2005 she refreshed her voice studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She studied voice pedagogy through Somatic Voiceworks tm with Jeanette LoVetri at Shenandoah University, USA, passing all subjects with A Levels. She has also worked with a number of private tutors, including her mentor, the late Bob Tasman-Smith. She has been the vocal tutor for over 15 years at local Sutherland Primary & High Schools. Jacqui is a member of a number of professional organisations and, as such, maintains her professional development hours by attending the many conferences and seminars they offer annually, in particular those concerning the health & function of the voice.
AVA (Australian Voice Association) – Member
BVA (British Voice Association) – Member
ASPAH (Australian Society for Performing Arts Healthcare) – Member
ALVA (Australian Ladies Variety Association) – Life Member / Secretary
Australian Entertainment MO Awards – Member
Somatic Voicework(tm) Teachers Association – Member
(issued by NSW Commission for Children & Young People)
Certified Level III Teacher
Sydney Conservatorium of Music, 2005 – Music Fundamentals, Sight Reading & Ear Training
Conservatorium of Music, Sydney 1983 – Jazz Extension Studies
Claire Poole (Claire Poole Singers)
John Forrest, Paddington – Private Lessons
Robert Montana, Bellevue Hill – Private Lessons
Barry Ryan & Sean Jessop – The Oxford SAMS
Pineapple Dance Studios, London
Bodenwiesser Dance Centre
Coralie Hinkley (Student of Martha Graham)
Australian Academy of Ballet
Jenny Kaye School of Ballet
Sylvia Simpson School of Dance
Edson Keen’s Showbiz School
Paul Flanagan – Ensemble Studios