Background and Experience
Educated at the Conservatorium of Music, Auckland University (1971-73) and Columbia University, New York (MA Music 1983; MEd Music Education 1984) Louise Gibbs brings a wealth of experience to teaching voice, jazz performance and improvisation, and professional development. She has taught and given workshops in these subjects at all levels and at every major conservatoire and university music department offering performance in the UK.
Louise was, until her recent return to freelance life, Associate Professor and Course Leader for the Postgraduate Programme and, subsequently, the Jazz Programme at Leeds College of Music. Before coming to Leeds she led the Professional and Continuing Education Department and taught in the Music Department at Goldsmiths, University of London (1988-2004) and Visiting Professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (1988-2000). She is currently External Examiner for the Licentiate (LRAM) professional qualification at the Royal Academy.
For enquiries and further information on private workshops, a consultation or private lessons (continue to the Teaching page) contact: mail@louisegibbs.co.uk
Private Teaching
Louise’s private teaching is based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. She offers tuition in jazz voice, improvisation and musicianship/theory in the following formats:
1) A one-off consultation lesson (one hour)– suitable if:
- you’re curious about singing but don’t know if you want to take lessons;
- you want an analysis and practical advice on a vocal or musical issue that appears to impede your development (unconfident about improvising; dissatisfied with the sound you want to achieve; inconsistent breath management; inability to reach the highest or lowest parts of the vocal range; problem with moving between high and low vocal registers; unable to sight read; insecure knowledge of music theory and harmony; in need of more jazz or popular repertoire; in need of consistent practising and studying methods);
- you suffer from musical performance anxiety and need practical strategies to enable you to cope effectively;
- you want advice on making an important decision about becoming a professional musician or developing your professional career.
2) A package of 4-6 lessons – suitable if:
- you have indentified an issue that needs particular attention and guidance over the short term;
- a particular set of mutually agreed learning objectives that may feasibly be achieved over 6-12 weeks (lessons weekly or fortnightly).
Workshops
Private vocal and improvisation workshops are offered twice a year in Leeds (May and November) and in London (March and September). These are open to vocalists and instrumentalists, at three levels (depending on demand) beginners or restarters; intermediate, and advanced. All workshops are supported with repertoire and learning materials, and are usually accompanied by a live jazz trio. See below for workshop programmes run in the past.
Louise is available to run a workshop for you and your group (minimum of 8 participants), with or without a band, anywhere in the UK. For enquiries and further information on workshops contact: mail@louisegibbs.co.uk
Institutional Workshops, Presentations and Teaching
Louise has recently given vocal/performance/ improvisation/jazz ensemble workshops and presentations at the following institutions and conferences: University of York; University of Hull; Kingston University, London; Association of Teachers of Singing; New Zealand School of Music; Leeds College of Music, British Voice Association Conference. See her professional Curriculum Vitae LG-CV (June 2014)
Feedback from Workshop Participants
“Just a note to say ‘thank you’ for yesterday – I enjoyed it thoroughly, even though I was feeling a bit ‘grotty’ with fluey-cold. Pampered myself with a lie-in this morning, and feel much better!! I think your style of teaching is ‘spot on’ – very supportive with just the right amount of critique and/or constructive feedback – and your time management, i.e. making sure everyone has a chance for their 10 minutes of fame – is admirable! I think the guys in the band are great too – very tolerant – and how on earth they manage to make sense of our nervous jibbering instructions is beyond me! Do pass on my thanks to them again please if you see them.”….Margaret
“I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for a lovely day on Saturday. I thoroughly enjoyed it … we got the chance to see other people work and covered an awful lot of ground in a situation where I think everyone felt relaxed and supported and what a treat for us to have the lovely Paul Smith there :-)”….Jacqui
“Just a line to say a really big thank you for today. I absolutley loved it and if there is any way I can get to sing with those three musicians again, I would jump at the opportunity. May I ask that you offer them my grateful thanks – what good people they are and what musicianship. Half of my worry was singing in front of the musos, but they all seemed welcoming and warm so, result as far as I’im concerned. I thought my ‘backing singers’ were ace too!”….Ian
“I just wanted to say again, thank you so much for a fantastic lesson. I’m so glad I recorded it, as although there were bits I remember clearly, the lesson was so info-packed that there was stuff I’d forgotten until I played the recording again. And the new songs you’ve given me, I’m really enjoying learning and using as exercise to try out my new ‘voice’ on. (It does actually sound different, from the inside anyway).”…Hazel
“Just wanted to say thanks again not only for your warm hospitality, but for the lesson. I said in the morning when we were all sitting round the table that I wanted to be inspired, and that is exactly what I feel. Your encouragement has such a positive effect on me that I can believe in myself again. I worry so much about what people think of me that I completely doubt myself. And my fellow students were lovely. It sounds so clichéd, but it was great to be amongst like-minded people, and then to be able to sing with the most talented musicians…wow!” …Helen
