PRIVATE TUITION
I teach conducting, piano and singing from home (face to face and online) and always welcome approaches from those interested in developing these disciplines. I am able to tailor my teaching to the unique needs of each student and take a holistic approach to coaching, making sure they feel supported, understood and motivated to progress.
Conducting
I studied orchestral conducting with John Longstaff at Huddersfield University, and choral conducting with Peter Broadbent, Therees Tcak-Hibbard and Jo McNally (ABCD). I gained my Doctoral Degree in Choral Conducting under the guidance of Dr. John Dickson at Texas Tech University, USA. I am the Director of Training for the Association of British Choral Directors, lead The Art of Choral Direction at the annual Sherborne Summer School, Dorset, and am regularly invited to present at Choral Festivals and Events in the UK and Europe. Teachers, students and emerging professional conductors often seek me out to bridge any gaps in their training, and to learn new ways of thinking about, and developing, their choral leadership skills.
“I had the privilege of being a student of Dr. Amy Bebbington during a key part of my choral conducting education. I sought her out because her positive reputation preceded her and I was not disappointed. Amy is an outstanding teacher of choral conducting: her friendly, welcoming and genuine demeanour is key to her success. She has an engaging, energetic and enthusiastic manner, communicates clearly in her teaching, models exceptionally well, and makes you feel calm and at ease. She is able to help you develop effective and efficient gestural technique and improve your communication as a conductor. Amy helped me achieve an FRSM in Choral Conducting, and under her tutelage I was able to gain a scholarship at a highly prestigious university in the United States to study choral conducting with one of US’s most sought-after teachers. Dr Bebbington has literally changed the course of my career through her teaching and unwavering support. I wholeheartedly recommend her.”
“My conducting and singing lessons with Amy are honestly the highlight of my week. Amy’s enthusiasm and expertise is second to none & I have learnt so much in such a short space of time. Even after a few lessons, I have heard a difference in my voice, which I am thrilled about! Amy has given me some excellent tips and ideas to use with my own choirs & has really helped me improve my conducting technique. I can’t recommend Amy enough; she is an outstanding teacher and a really lovely person!”
“Amy is the best kind of teacher, tailoring each lesson to what I need to focus on most. She has such a wealth of knowledge and experience; each session I am inspired anew to improve and grow as a choral conductor. ”
Piano
I studied piano with John Gough and Paul Feehan, and gained Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Piano Performance from The University of Huddersfield. During this time, I participated in Masterclasses with Christopher Elton and Roger Vignoles, and performed with orchestras (piano and celeste) as both a soloist and orchestral player. Following graduation, I was the repetiteur for Opera Femina, performed as a soloist in several Festivals, and was an accompanist for numerous projects, choirs and Music Festivals (in the UK and USA). I have held peripatetic piano teaching posts at Wellington College and Cranleigh School.
“Amy teaches piano with a positive, infectious enthusiasm that brings out the best in my distractible eight year old boy... Amy is great at drawing together all the musical elements through her teaching, creating a well-rounded musician who is enthused to continue to progress. I would strongly recommend Amy.”
“Amy is a wonderful piano instructor. She has helped me to rekindle my love of playing the piano. She gives me ideas of different ways to practice so it seems fun and engaging. She also helps me to add musicality to each piece which lifts the notes off the page. As a music teacher myself, I can say that Amy uses valuable teaching pedagogy during her lessons.”
Voice
I studied voice with Nigel Cliffe at the University of Huddersfield, subsequently with Patricia Hamilton, and have had coaching with David Lowe and Veronica Veysey Campbell. My choral work allows me to observe and learn from a variety of experts in the industry who advocate healthy singing technique and current vocal pedagogy.
“I began singing lessons with Amy when working towards Grade 8 Singing. Amy was excellent in online lessons, and did not let up in challenging me to do better. She widened my range and strengthened my tone (and) guided me to achieving a Distinction in my exam. Most importantly she improved my technique. Her lessons are personalised to the student, and she makes every single one worthwhile. ”
“Amy’s lessons are the high point of my week. Her energy and positivity make me feel I can achieve a much higher standard than I ever thought I would. I heard and felt the difference in my voice within just a few sessions. Amy brings the perfect balance of vocal technique and musicianship to each lesson.”
“We are very lucky that Amy has been teaching our son. He enjoys his singing lessons and has made great progress thanks to the high standards she sets, and helping him find joy in music. Thomas says Amy is a terrific teacher who knows how to motivate and inspire him. He appreciates that she understands his changing voice. She helps him to understand his limits and adapt what he sings accordingly.”
“Amy has skilfully and sensitively identified the strengths and weaknesses of my singing and has helped me to make significant improvements. She is clearly highly experienced but also keeps up to date with developments in teaching vocal technique. I am particularly impressed by her holistic approach, (and) think it would be difficult to find a teacher as personable, skilful and effective.”