Alison Chamberlain

Vocal Tutor

BA (Hons)
PgCert (Psychology for Musicians)
LRAM (Singing)
LRAM (Pianoforte)

email Alison Chamberlain
Tel: c/o 0121 331 5901

Alison studied singing at the Royal Academy of Music, taking piano as an additional first study, being Gold Medallist for ABRSM Grade VIII. In her final year of study she was holder of the prestigious Westmorland Scholarship for singing, and also appointed as sub-professor for piano. She later gained First Class Honours in a degree with the Open University, and undertook further study in Psychology of Music Performance with Sheffield University.

After leaving RAM Alison studied with Paul Hamburger in London and also spent some time studying with Maestro Gino Campesi at the San Carlo Opera House in Naples. Alison has performed opera (including works by Purcell, Mozart, Delius and Hindermith), oratorio, and recitals (including Redcliffe Concerts of British Music, The Delius Society, RSAMD and Glasgow University) and first performances of new works (for SPNM, the Society for Promotion of New Music). Alison has sung regularly with various chamber combinations of instruments (including solo violin, string trio, violin, cello and harpsichord) and has also given performances of Villa-Lobos’s, Bachianas Brasileiras No 5 with eight cellos, (broadcast on BBC television), and Gerald Finzi’s Dies Natalis with chamber orchestra. Recital programmes have included repertoire from early music through to Britten, Berg and Blacher. When living in Australia, she gave recitals for the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), the Festival of Perth and the University of Western Australia and sang the title role in Handel’s opera Semele.

Alison now devotes her time to teaching and has recently moved to Birmingham where she has gained a reputation for getting excellent results. Having previously taught for Leeds University where her students were awarded Firsts, as well as 'The Elgar Prize' for exceptional performance, Alison now teaches those Birmingham University BMus students who take their lessons at the Conservatoire. In 2007, her students gained High Firsts and one was awarded a prize for the highest mark of the year. Her pupils have recently performed as soloists in Birmingham Town Hall, Symphony Hall, and The Barber Institute. Pupils’ performances have been described as ‘wonderfully secure’ (Birmingham Post), and as showing ‘excellent support and breathing, and excellent technique with a thrilling top range and copious stamina’. Alison also teaches singing in the Junior Conservatoire, where she is Vocal Co-ordinator.


Teaching Specialisms
  • Informed understanding of vocal technique including posture, breathing and focus
  • Communication in performance
  • As a pianist: preparing students with an in-depth study of repertoire, including relevant analysis of structure, context and meaning
Currently performing / working with
  • Birmingham University Singers (BUS) - coaching in technique and performance
Awards & Prizes
  • ABRSM Gold Medallist
  • Maggie Teyte Competition Award
  • At RAM: Westmorland Scholarship, Oratorio Prize, Rutson Memorial Prize
Publications
  • A Clear Guide to Music Theory Grade 1-5
  • A Clear Guide to Aural Tests Grades 6-8
Professional & Other Membership