Catherine Backhouse

Singing AND PIANO

Whether you’ve been singing for years or have never had a singing lesson I can help you improve your sound, range, breath control and confidence while enjoying the music you love.

ABOUT ME

I began singing as a chorister in St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and learning piano while a pupil at St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh. I graduated with an honours degree in music from The University of Durham, and was a founder member of the a cappella group Voces8. I then trained on the prestigious postgraduate Opera Studies programme at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and the Scottish Opera Emerging Artist programme. Over 12 years based in London I enjoyed a varied career of solo opera, oratorio and recital work, professional choral and church work, film session singing, opera chorus contracts, singing and piano teaching and workshop leading. I have recently moved back to Scotland and alongside performing I teach singing, piano, public speaking, musicianship and music theory in the Southside of Glasgow.

ABOUT MY LESSONS

As a teacher I am encouraging, empathetic and fun. I have an in-depth knowledge of vocal technique, musicianship and performance psychology and I adapt my teaching style to suit each student. I teach all genres of music including music theatre, pop, rock, jazz and classical. Above all I want my students to feel the joy connecting with music and using our voices can bring. I have experience preparing students for Grade exams including Grade 5 theory and helping people who sing in choirs. I also teach how to read music and sight-sing. LGBTQ+ friendly, neurodivergent friendly, ADHD friendly.