james hall: singing & theatre arts teacher | musical director | piano accompanist | composer
Kingston upon Thames
James Hall is a diligent and creative music professional who is immersed in
Musical Theatre. He specialises in musical direction and the teaching of singing
and performance techniques. As a musical director he aspires to provide an
excellent musical product and experience for all. His thorough approach means
that he creates a relaxed yet professional atmosphere for musicians, casts and
creative teams. As a teacher he challenges students to explore a range of
strategies and tools to get the best out of their voice and performance. He
ensures students maintain their individuality, creative musicality and
performance integrity.
As a singing teacher James specialises in musical theatre, incorporating the
Estill model in his teaching. As well as leading workshops and group singing
classes James teaches privately offering lessons for adults and children; both
professional and amateur. As well as fundamental singing technique James also
focuses on interpretation and acting through song to enhance the performance of
songs for all styles. Some pupils take singing and music theatre exams
maintaining a 100% pass rate. James offers assistance with audition preparation
and applications for vocational colleges and professional courses. Previous
pupils have gone onto study at Arts Educational School, Mountview, Guildford
School of Acting, London Studio Centre, ALRA, The Urdang Academy, Italia Conti,
The Oxford School of Drama, The Brit School, University of Chichester and others
have gone on to perform professionally around the country and in West End shows.
James’ skills as a singing teacher coincide with his work as a freelance musical
director. He works with professional theatre companies, drama schools and youth
theatre groups specialising in musical theatre and plays with music. James’
skills and experience as a MD include accompanying rehearsals, sight reading
(especially for auditions), leading vocal warm ups and workshops, playing keys
in orchestra pits, conducting ensembles, Keyboard and Mainstage programming,
creating arrangements and composing award winning music.
Are you a parent or guardian with a child or children who love or are looking to
study Musical Theatre or Performing Arts? Take singing or musical theatre exams
or just build some confidence?
Are you a student looking for some extra support or tuition?
Are you an amateur singer or performer looking to broaden your skills and
confidence?
Are you a professional looking for industry level guidance and someone to help
with your rep or audition or just simply keep your voice in shape?
Or are you someone who wants to sing for the joy of it with live piano
accompaniment.
I offer the following:
· Private lessons for technical singing covering all styles within musical
theatre including Rock, Pop, Jazz and Folk.
· Specialist coaching and assistance with clients wanting to audition for drama
schools, conservatoires and school performing arts scholarships. (I not only
teach at drama schools but I also often play for these entrance auditions). I
regularly help students get into The Brit School and Independent School
Scholarship Programmes.
· Coaching and audition preparation for castings.
· Tuition for graded singing and musical theatre exams with Trinity College
London (with 100% pass rate).
· Singing Exam Prep for Rockschool.
· Music Theory & Music Theory for Performers.
· Acting Through Song.
· Musical Theatre Rep Coaching.
· Vocal Coaching for artists including studio visits and consultations.
· Performance Piano Backing Tracks and Demo Tracks.
· Piano Accompaniment for local music exams.
Private sessions start at just £30 and can be in person at my studio in
Kingston/Surbiton or online via zoom. No termly commitment, all lessons are on a
pay as you go basis and you can book, reschedule and cancel anytime (T&Cs
apply). Lessons can be ad hoc, weekly, fortnightly or once a month.
I specialise in musical theatre repertoire, helping boys navigate the voice
break and acting through song techniques. I work with all age groups and
abilities including children, students, adults and professional performers. I
have particular success with helping professional actors and getting young
people places in drama schools.
I also provide lessons for clients who purely just love singing, there's no
judgment or pressure to do anything just turn up and have fun singing with live
piano accompaniment; any style, completely flexible and up to the individual. I
also offer gift certificates if you want to send someone lessons as a gift.
Previous students have gained places at Arts Educational School, Mountview,
Guildford School of Acting, London Studio Centre, ALRA, The Urdang Academy,
Italia Conti, The Oxford School of Drama, The Brit School and the University of
Chichester.
Many clients of mine are regularly performing in the west end and around the
world.
Teaching and Education credits include ArtsEd, Mountview Academy of Theatre
Arts, Laine Theatre Arts, Guildford School of Acting, Italia Conti, APT, London
Theatre Runway, Associated Studios, Sharpe Academy, READ College, The British
Theatre Academy, City Academy, PQA Studios, Karen Blackburn Dance Academy, The
Ultimate Voice, Stagecoach, Youth Action Theatre, and Richmond Theatre Creative
Learning Dept.
