Individual In-Studio Lessons
Each voice student receives a comprehensive one-on-one private lesson once a week on a fixed day and time. In-person lessons are held at MacEwan University's Conservatory of Music at the Alberta College Campus in downtown Edmonton. All students register lessons directly through The Sharkey Voice Studio.
As The Sharkey Voice Studio is situated within MacEwan University's Conservatory of Music, students must register with the Conservatory Office as a member of the conservatory. A mandatory one-time membership fee for the academic year ($40 individual, $20 each additional family member) is to be paid directly to the Conservatory Office. Alternatively, the instructor can collect the membership fee on the students’ behalf and submit it to the conservatory. The Conservatory Office will issue a “Conservatory Student Card" to the registered student.
Registered Students will enjoy all the Conservatory privileges:
Each voice student receives a comprehensive one-on-one private lesson once a week on a fixed day and time. In-person lessons are held at MacEwan University's Conservatory of Music at the Alberta College Campus in downtown Edmonton. All students register lessons directly through The Sharkey Voice Studio.
As The Sharkey Voice Studio is situated within MacEwan University's Conservatory of Music, students must register with the Conservatory Office as a member of the conservatory. A mandatory one-time membership fee for the academic year ($40 individual, $20 each additional family member) is to be paid directly to the Conservatory Office. Alternatively, the instructor can collect the membership fee on the students’ behalf and submit it to the conservatory. The Conservatory Office will issue a “Conservatory Student Card" to the registered student.
Registered Students will enjoy all the Conservatory privileges:
- Studying with highly qualified, recognized and experienced instructors at the Conservatory
- Access practice rooms at the MacEwan University’s Alberta College Campus
- A discounted parking rate at the Alberta College Campus surface parking lot
- Access to scholarships and bursaries through the MacEwan University’s Conservatory of Music
- Performance opportunities through The Sharkey Voice Studio, the Conservatory of Music and its partners
Remote Lessons
The Sharkey Voice Studio also offers interactive online voice lessons via Zoom and FaceTime for remote learning - whether you're a long-distance student, touring, traveling for work, or you're home due to temporary illness or injury - online lessons is another invaluable option.
Online lesson are available during regular studio hours and additionally at various times in the early AM or late PM (MST), depending on your time zone and preference. Online lesson times are arranged on a case-by-case basis. Like in-studio lessons, all online students are registered as a member of MacEwan University's Conservatory of Music.
What you'll need for an online lesson:
Tips to prepare:
The Sharkey Voice Studio also offers interactive online voice lessons via Zoom and FaceTime for remote learning - whether you're a long-distance student, touring, traveling for work, or you're home due to temporary illness or injury - online lessons is another invaluable option.
Online lesson are available during regular studio hours and additionally at various times in the early AM or late PM (MST), depending on your time zone and preference. Online lesson times are arranged on a case-by-case basis. Like in-studio lessons, all online students are registered as a member of MacEwan University's Conservatory of Music.
What you'll need for an online lesson:
- An IOS device, iPhone, Android, iPad, laptop or computer with internal or external camera and clear microphone; preferably an external, lightening connecting microphone if you’re using an iPhone, IOS or android device
- High-speed internet connection
- Online video platform such as Zoom and FaceTime to meet online
- One device to playback your accompaniment tracks on your end (check out Appcompanist, Your Accompanist, Virtually Vocal, PianoTrax, or YouTube sites like PocketPianist.)
- A second device to record your lesson on audio or video.
Tips to prepare:
- Your camera should be level with a clear shot from the waist up (not shot from a low vantage point looking up your nose), and you should be in a room free of noise and distractions.
- Have a good your light source in the room to illuminate yourself on camera.
- Send me a PDF of your music via email or text at least 24 hours before your online lesson.
- Have all your music organized and ready where you can see it easily.
- Have your pencil and water ready.
- Your playback device should NOT be near the mic of your video conference device. The further away, the better.
- Close other apps, windows, devices that may be using your WiFi.
- Check your internet speed to know what you’re working with and make sure other smart devices in your home aren’t hogging the bandwidth connection.
- Under "Settings", switch on the “Do Not Disturb” button on your device.
- Practice your online setup by recording yourself on video so you can see how it looks and make the appropriate adjustments to the sound balance, lighting, camera positioning, etc.
- Log in early.
- If connection is bad, don’t be afraid to hang up and call back in.
- Only one person should be speaking / singing at a time.
- Be patient - online voice lessons are an adjustment at first for both sides!
Recommended Interview/Audition Requirements
- Ages 10 to adult
- Experience in formal voice training, choir, music workshops, performing or playing an instrument is an asset, but not required
- Prepare one song of your choice, to be sung a cappella or with piano accompaniment
- An ear training assessment may be part of the audition
During the lessons, we will:
- Be addressing your voice and body to improve your knowledge of vocal science, physiology, vocal production and your ability to use it at a technical and practical level
- Practice breath control/support, projection, acoustics, resonance, range, and a variety of vocal exercises to help achieve your vocal goals
- Explore and coach a wide range of Classical/Art Songs/Musical Theatre/Contemporary Commercial Music suitable to your instrument, ability and personality
- Study song, speech & text interpretation, and aspects of voice & speech and acting training
- Coach foreign languages such as Italian, French, German, etc.
- Basic ear and aural skills training
- Practice audition preparation
- Exercise memorization, performance and stage deportment skills
- Build your confidence
Required lesson materials
- a recording device (i.e. iPod, iPhone, Android, digital recorder, etc.) to record their lesson.
- a binder (for handouts)
- music books (by recommendation)
- a practice journal
- bottled water
- a pencil for the purpose of marking notes on their music
Lesson Rates
$46.50/ 45-Minute Lesson
$61.50/ Hour Lesson
Tuition can be paid by PayPal, credit card, e-transfer, or cheque.
Please sign up for authorized payments for your convenience. Lessons will only begin when the payment has been received. There will be a $50.00 NSF charge on all returned cheques or automatic debit bounce backs.
$46.50/ 45-Minute Lesson
$61.50/ Hour Lesson
Tuition can be paid by PayPal, credit card, e-transfer, or cheque.
Please sign up for authorized payments for your convenience. Lessons will only begin when the payment has been received. There will be a $50.00 NSF charge on all returned cheques or automatic debit bounce backs.
Conservatory of Music Membership Fee
$40 individual
$20 each additional family member
A mandatory one-time membership fee for the academic year is to be paid directly to the Conservatory of Music. Alternatively, the instructor can collect the membership fee on the students’ behalf and submit it to the Conservatory Office.
Please contact the MacEwan University's Conservatory of Music office at: (780) 633-3725
Email: Conservatory@macewan.ca
Regular Office hours: Mon - Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Extended office hours may be available during busy times.
$40 individual
$20 each additional family member
A mandatory one-time membership fee for the academic year is to be paid directly to the Conservatory of Music. Alternatively, the instructor can collect the membership fee on the students’ behalf and submit it to the Conservatory Office.
Please contact the MacEwan University's Conservatory of Music office at: (780) 633-3725
Email: Conservatory@macewan.ca
Regular Office hours: Mon - Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Extended office hours may be available during busy times.
Payment Plan Options
Option 1: Monthly Installments
Tuition fees can be submitted in monthly installments throughout the academic year by e-transfer, ten post-dated cheques (September-June), or online by credit card via PayPal. Payment is due the beginning of the month. If lessons begin part way through a scheduled month, fees will be pro-rated appropriately.
Option 2: Two-Term Installments
Tuition fees can be submitted in two-term installments throughout the academic year: Winter Term (September to January) and Spring Term (February to June). Tuition can be paid by e-transfer, cheque, or online by credit card via PayPal. If lessons begin part way through a scheduled term, fees will be pro-rated appropriately.
Option 3: Lump-Sum Payment for the Academic Year
A lump sum payment can be made for the entire academic year. Tuition can be paid by e-transfer, cheque, or online by credit card via PayPal.
Option 1: Monthly Installments
Tuition fees can be submitted in monthly installments throughout the academic year by e-transfer, ten post-dated cheques (September-June), or online by credit card via PayPal. Payment is due the beginning of the month. If lessons begin part way through a scheduled month, fees will be pro-rated appropriately.
Option 2: Two-Term Installments
Tuition fees can be submitted in two-term installments throughout the academic year: Winter Term (September to January) and Spring Term (February to June). Tuition can be paid by e-transfer, cheque, or online by credit card via PayPal. If lessons begin part way through a scheduled term, fees will be pro-rated appropriately.
Option 3: Lump-Sum Payment for the Academic Year
A lump sum payment can be made for the entire academic year. Tuition can be paid by e-transfer, cheque, or online by credit card via PayPal.
Lesson Fees Include:
- Weekly private lessons (45 minutes) on a fixed day and time
- *Two seasonal recitals (December and June)
- *Five masterclasses throughout the academic year
- A monthly digital newsletter