We bring together an outstanding faculty for each school.
You will work with our Artistic Directors, skilled vocal and performance tutors and accompanists
from theatres, opera companies, and music schools around the world.
We sometimes accept trainee tutors, and always welcome volunteers.
Our Faculty
Heads Of School
It'll be very special to have Christine Douglas return to Singing School NZ in 2023, this time as Artistic Director-Classical.
Christine has had a distinguished career as a principal soprano with Opera Australia and all the state opera companies as well as with state symphony orchestras. She has directed for Opera Australia and Opera Queensland and has performed in musical theatre productions.
Christine studied with Dame Joan Hammond at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), and is a graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University holding a Master of Music Studies (Vocal Pedagogy). She is also a member of ANATS – The Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing.
Christine was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to explore best practices in opera training in the UK and the USA. On her return to Australia, she founded Pacific Opera, the Sydney-based young artist development company which now has alumni singing in opera houses around the world. She has directed numerous operas for Pacific Opera and currently serves on their Board as Executive Vice-Chair.
Christine also gives masterclasses for Opera Scholars Australia, and teaches at her private singing studio in Melbourne, Victoria.
And in June 2022 she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her services to opera! Well deserved we say!
Christine Douglas, OAM
We're thrilled to have Mark Dorrell return to Singing School NZ in 2023 as Artistic Director-Musical Theatre.
Mark is highly regarded in musical theatre. Since relocating to New Zealand from London in 2007, Mark has worked for NZ Opera, NZ Symphony Orchestra, Toi Whakaari, Orpheus Choir of Wellington and was, for many years, on the full-time staff at the NZ School of Music at Victoria University of Wellington.
Mark originally hails from rural Worcestershire, England, and studied at Cambridge University, the Royal College of Music and the National Opera Studio.
After four years on the music staff of Scottish Opera, he moved to London in 1991 where he conducted the original London productions of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods, Assassins, and Passion.
Mark has conducted shows at the National Theatre and has worked with some of the great stars of theatre and music including Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, and Judi Dench.
He had a period directing musical theatre in Bermuda. He then held the position of Head of Music for ARTS-ED in London, one of the UK’s leading musical theatre colleges.
Mark is an excellent tutor, who says he's “passionate about the training of young voices across the vocal spectrum”.
He's been busy this year with opera productions and teaching, so he'll come to the school with exciting things to share!
Mark W. Dorrell
Experienced Tutors and Accompanists
At every school our students work daily with highly experienced tutors and accompanists. This gives you a range of teaching knowledge and styles to gain more for your vocal performance.
Many of our faculty have been involved with the Singing School for many years. Some have specialist skills to extend your knowledge of your voice health and performance.
Our school faculty for 2023 being confirmed include:
Classical
Conal Coad, opera director
Peter Lockwood, accompanist and coach
Te Oti Rakena, vocal tutor
Frances Wilson, vocal tutor
Marina Posa, Italian language tutor
Christine Douglas, singing in English tutor
Musical Theatre
Irene Bartlett, vocal tutor
Jane Keller, vocal tutor
Nick Hollamby, vocal tutor
Julia Booth, vocal tutor
Mark Dorrell
Specialists
Cristina Grønborg, adolescent voice specialist
Ron Morris, breathing specialist
Phillip Rhodes
Accompanists
Tim Evans
Catherine Norton
Susan Melville
Volunteers
If you would like to help out our students and faculty we would love the extra hands! Singing School NZ could not happen without the generous time and support of our enthusiastic local volunteers.
Help with enrolments, sorting music, or directing students to their next class! We can schedule your involvement to best suit us both. Please email the School manager or phone 027 256 8549 to get involved!
Trainees
The Singing School normally offers opportunities for trainee tutors and accompanists to work alongside and learn from our experienced faculty.
Due to the disruption of covid, this opportunity won't be available for 2023 but please email the School manager or phone 027 256 8549 if you would like to discuss this.