Alicia Ballard BA Hons., PG Cert. - Professional Vocal Coach, Singing & Music Teacher, Vocal Health First Aider, Performance Coach

Hi, I’m Alicia, a versatile vocalist, musician, coach and teacher based in Greater Manchester. With over a decade of teaching experience, I have an incredible passion for giving people the tools to love their voice, build their confidence, and achieve their goals. With a history including musical theatre and dramatic performance, a BA Hons in Popular Music, PG Cert in Voice Pedagogy and as an accredited Vocal Health First Aider, I offer a unique blend and understanding of musicianship, theory, acting, vocal science, vocal health, songwriting, storytelling, and an empathetic, psychological-based approach to performance anxiety. Visit my website to find out about my performance background and training.

ALL AGES, ALL ABILITIES, ALL AMBITIONS

Every lesson meets the unique needs of the individual! My clients range from complete beginners to students in top performing arts colleges, to those working professionally in the industry. I cover a range of vocal styles and techniques: Jazz, Rock, Pop, Musical Theatre, Blues, Folk, Soul.

SERVICES

I offer the following both in-person and online:

• Vocal lessons
• Vocal coaching (incl. dramatic technique, audition prep)
• Vocal Health First Aid - assessment and guidance for vocal health
• Coaching for Performance Anxiety
• Coaching for Performance Enhancement and Goal Setting
• Instrumental lessons (Guitar, Alto Saxophone, Piano, Ukulele)
• Music Theory and Songwriting lessons

PRICES

Vocal lessons are 60mins for £40, with monthly plans and discounts available for regular students. Shorter 30min lessons are also available for children aged 10 and under. For a full price list, please click here. For coaching prices, please visit my website here.

WHAT WILL VOCAL LESSONS GIVE ME?

My number one aim is to give you complete vocal and expressive freedom! You'll work towards…

• eliminating strain and making singing a safe and comfortable (and most importantly FUN) activity
• building self-confidence alongside self-awareness
• breath control and management
• using song as a tool of expression
• developing tone and pitch, working towards stronger delivery and expanding vocal range
• introducing you to recording, audition and performance techniques, including dramatic ability
• improving your understanding of music theory and songwriting

WHO DO YOU TEACH?

The simple answer is 'everyone'. All ages (6+) and abilities are welcome, whether you're a complete beginner wanting to gain confidence in your voice or a more experienced vocalist who's looking to refine your technique! I work with both professional and beginner voices and have aided students in preparing for West End roles and commercial work, in auditioning for Am Dram societies and achieving principal roles in local productions, and in attaining A-Level and GCSE Music. I have further helped students prepare and record songs for special occasions and warmly welcome students who simply wish to have fun and gain confidence in their own voice.

I have worked successfully with a vast variety of students, including those with ADHD, Autism, and learning difficulties, alongside high-functioning anxiety and other mental health conditions. I also teach students with physical health conditions, and those seeking to use singing as a way to improve both their mental and physical wellbeing.

LESSONS FOR CHILDREN

Working with young performers is a passion of mine and I have previously had young students land roles in local and West End productions. It is a privilege to begin children on their musical journey - all I ask is that children attend lessons with a love of singing and music! I hold an Enhanced DBS and currently teach ages 6 and upwards.

NO PRESSURE, MUSIC FOR PLEASURE!

Unless requested by the student, there is no pressure to take exams. Instead, the focus is placed on great technique and personal goals.

VOCAL METHODS & PRINCIPLES

I believe every voice is as individual as the person who owns it. I don't define my teaching by just one method, and instead believe a multidisciplinary and open-minded approach to teaching and coaching is best! Always building on my knowledge, I incorporate a variety of methods, utilising a vast toolbox to provide exercises and lesson plans that suit each unique student. My toolbox includes:

• Estill Voice Technique
• CVT
• Somatic Voicework

PERFORMANCE COACHING - HELPING YOU GROW

As an ACT Practitioner (trained and supervised by Dr. Juncos, the world’s leading Performance Coach for MPA), I'm here to help with performance anxiety and enhance artistic presence, so you (and everyone else) love your performances even more! Coaching can also help in forming your musical identity and set up committed goals and actions towards any musical venture.

MUCH MORE THAN SINGING

Whether your goal is to accompany yourself or learn a new instrument, I offer instrumental lessons for all ages on GUITAR, PIANO, ALTO SAXOPHONE, and UKULELE. Students love the ability to combine vocal lessons with guitar or piano. SONGWRITING lessons are also a perfect way to take your creativity to the next level.