I am an Alexander technique teacher, singer, singing teacher, voice coach and theatre maker based in Cheltenham, UK.
I currently run a private practice in Alexander technique and singing and specialise in helping individuals to find ease in body and voice. I am a member of STAT, https://alexandertechnique.co.uk/, and the Natural Voice Network and I believe that ease of movement and singing is everyone’s birthright.
I have worked as a senior lecturer in performing arts for over 20 years at Chester University and University of Gloucestershire. My responsibilities included singing, voice, devising and physical theatre. I have created and directed performances in a variety of settings including the Wilson Art Gallery in Cheltenham, Gloucester Cathedral’s Crypt and Blackfriars, Gloucester. I now work as a freelance Alexander technique teacher, voice and theatre practitioner, working with the NHS and arts organisations on various community wellbeing projects.
My specific interest is in interdisciplinary breath and body work, and the Alexander technique informs my practice. I would describe my performance work in Morton Feldman’s words as ‘located between categories’.
My singing training was in Milan with Dr Otto Muller, a leading exponent of the Bel Canto technique, and with his successor, Marilyn Turner. I am a trained opera singer and have experienced a competitive world where only virtuosity is valued. I am now interested in helping as many people as possible to discover their natural voice. I trained as an Alexander technique teacher for three years at Bristol Alexander School and at Alexander technique training South West. I use simple voice techniques and Alexander technique principles in order to empower people, giving them the confidence to use their voice, find ease in the body, and sing.
In addition to my private one-to-one singing teaching and Alexander technique sessions, I am also offering online voice and Alexander technique sessions. Please contact me for further details.
Testimonials:
Gillian has a great energy, very positive and reassuring. No matter what mood I was in when I started our session, I always left feeling calmer, more optimistic and motivated. During the classes I felt comfortable and confident and the time went flying by. Despite the fact that Gillian already has many years worth of valuable knowledge and experience, it seems that she is always looking to learn and try new things as well (such as online classes) which I find to be a great plus in any teacher. Merilin, Estonia
Gillian is warm and encouraging which is important because you can feel quite vulnerable when you are singing in front of another person. Gillian uses Alexander technique during my singing lessons and this has greatly helped with reducing my neck and shoulder tension. Alexander technique gives me a feeling of physical freedom which also improves the quality of my voice. I used to be frustrated because I could only sing as high as C above middle C. In a few weeks I was able to comfortably sing 2 notes higher and I can now sing 4 notes higher than before. This has made singing in the choir even more enjoyable. Gillian is an excellent teacher and I highly recommend her! Karen, UK
.I was in my late 50s when I started learning to sing with Gillian and could manage only a few, low notes. Over the past three years, with her help and encouragement, I’ve gradually extended my range and now sing in a community choir. One-to-one lessons with Gillian have been really important in giving me the confidence to sing in public. Her lessons have been stretching but fun and rewarding too. Eileen, UK
I spent a very worthwhile session on zoom with Gillian in a small group discovering space within my body whilst using my voice. Gillian has so much knowledge to impart and I felt we all went away with new nuggets of understanding which will impact on our singing. Judy, UK
I feel that I am a singer with an ageing voice and Gillian has helped me to deal with habits accumulated over the years and given me tools to maintain my vocal skills. She has given me the confidence to continue working as a community choir leader in a useful and enjoyable way. Chris, UK
For me there is lots to meditate on and techniques to practice, so thank you. I have also noticed an improvement in my general health from day one so you achieved more than just a voice for me. F, UK
Gillian Yates 