Susie
Cloete
Singer & Singing Teacher
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Mindful, student-centered voice lessons, guided by curiosity and exploration
We take our time here.
We identify what we want, we work out how to explore that, and we let our highly intelligent bodies do the rest.
We gradually and gently aim to let go of micro-managing, policing and trying to 'fix' our voices. Because none of that is needed to connect with your singing self.
If you:
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Are interested in a more intuitive, embodied approach to voice exploration
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Enjoy learning in a collaborative, explorative way
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Are seeking a teacher who is interested in how you want to sound and how to help your unique system to get there, more so than following a set approach to technique
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Would like your teacher to be informed by voice science without lessons becoming cerebral
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Want to stay present in your singing, rather than policing your tongue, your diaphragm or your pelvic floor
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Enjoy the learning process and seeing your progress over time
... then you and I could be a great fit.
My ultimate goal is to help you develop your ability to make choices about how you sound, and for you to build trust in your body.
From lesson to lesson, this looks like helping you identify how you want to sound, and exploring and learning that in an embodied way.
So, who am I, and why learn with me?
I (Susie) studied Music (Popular Voice Performance) at Monash University in Melbourne.
After finishing my studies and emerging from the longest covid lockdown in the world (thanks Melbourne) I taught at various music schools while gigging at events, weddings, pubs and bars as a singer and guitarist.
One of the coolest places our covers duo ever played in was a private function room at the MCG (for a wedding. The groom loved footy).
I now live in Brisbane (yay for sunshine) and in my spare time, I sing in a choir called Resonance of Birralee. Excitingly, we’ve performed with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra three times in the last year or so, and one of our performances was aired on national radio in August.
Even better, I can now boast that I have gotten lost in both the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and in QPAC.
Most excitingly, I have just completed a 10-month professional development course for singing teachers. I have learnt so much. I don’t exaggerate when I say that this course has been somewhat life-changing, with the insights gained from it flowing into other areas of my life.
If you’re curious, you can check it out here: The Voice Pedagogy Undegree
Me + uni friends at an event where we got to play our original music
Performing in the duo
The QPAC pass for one of our choir's performances
Here we are on Zoom, learning all of the things
So, why choose me?
It's true that a lot of singing teachers have extensive performing and teaching backgrounds. Many have also completed professional development as singing teachers.
What makes me fairly unique, however, is that I'm less interested in telling you what to do, and more interested in helping you discover what to do.
Why? Because learning through discovery is deeper, more effective and more lasting than simply being told what to do (and this is backed up by research).
Plus, it builds your agency and trust in yourself as a singer.
The truth is, I'm not the final authority on how you should sing. No-one is. Only you know what it feels like to be in your body and to sing with your voice.
This means that it will usually be more valuable for me to help you discover how singing works for you, rather than telling you what I think you should do.
That's why we work together as guide and explorer, rather than as master and student.
Curious? Book your 15-minute intro call with me using the button below, or keep scrolling for more information.
How do lessons work?
After teaching for other businesses, I'm so excited to be stepping out on my own as independent singing teacher in a focused, intentional way.
To start with, I am opening four spots only on Friday mornings, which I will be offering at a special introductory rate for learners who are keen to start a journey with me.
We begin Friday 6 November in Seven Hills, Brisbane. Details below.
(Can't start then? No problem - the next round begins on 27 November.)
Here's how it works
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10 x 60-minute voice lessons over 10 weeks, commencing Friday 6 November, which a 2-week break over Christmas and New Year. Final session on Friday 22 January. Available times are between 7:30am-12pm.
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‘Flex Week’ on Friday 29 January. If one of the 10 lessons was missed, a replacement lesson can take place on this date (these lessons will take place online on Microsoft Teams).
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Audio recordings of every lesson included so that learners can revisit what worked.
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All sheet music included. This way, a) we reduce back and forth emails about what needs to be purchased for lessons, b) you don't spend more than you expect to, and c) I can freely give you whatever books or sheet music will be helpful on your journey (which helps me to help you).
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Down payment waived. Learners only pay in the week of 5 October when lessons commence.
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A special rate for your first 10 weeks. Over 20% off while I test-run several things, like the space I’m renting for teaching, payment methods, booking systems, etc…
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A student-centered and embodied approach to singing to give you ownership over your sound
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A teacher who is actively continuing her professional development through study and mentoring
What is your investment?
Time: A commitment to 10 voice lessons over a period of 10 weeks.
Financial: A total investment of $1000. This can be paid in two installments of $500, or outright, if preferred.
Curiosity: A willingness to explore your voice and what it can do, in ways that may be new to you.
Learning: If you are open to two to three of our lessons being video recorded, I'd be so grateful, as I will review these with my teaching mentor for feedback on my teaching.
Recordings will only be viewed by myself, my teaching mentor and one teaching colleague and will not to critique your singing in any way. Feel free to ask me more about this.
Two simple steps to get started
1. Book a free 15 minute introductory call with me.
This call allows us to meet and just have a chat. I’ll ask you about your singing and musical background (it’s okay if there is none!), what your hopes are for your voice, and what you’re looking for from singing lessons.
Please know that there is no obligation to sign up once you’ve spoken to me.
2. Sign up and let's go!
If it seems like we'd be a good fit, all we need to do is lock in a regular time on Fridays between 7:30am and 12pm, and then we're good to go. I will then send you all the details about our lesson location, lesson dates, payment schedule, etcetera.
Not quite ready to book a call?
That's okay! Keep scrolling for the FAQ section below, and come back when you’re ready.
Keep in mind there are only four spots available, so if you want your name on one of them, make sure you get in touch!
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do lessons take place?
At the Clearview Centre in Seven Hills (free onsite parking is available).
How long are lessons?
Lessons go for 60 minutes.
What happens if I'm sick or can't make it to my lesson?
Get better soon and I'll see you in Flex Week!
Wait, what's Flex Week?
At the end of each 10-week block of lessons, I save an extra week called Flex Week. If a lesson was missed during the term, a replacement lesson can be done on the Friday that week. (Please note, the maximum replacement lessons we can do in Flex Week is one lesson.)
Do you teach adults?
Absolutely! My teaching style works well with adults and I really enjoy working with them.
Do you teach kids?
I work with singers over the age of 16. If your child is under this age, there are some excellent voice teachers for younger students to be found on the Queensland Music Teachers' Association website.
Which styles or genres do you teach?
My own background is mostly in popular music, with some Western classical and jazz thrown in there too. I love to sing R'n'B, soul, blues and jazz, and am rediscovering my love of classical choral music through the choir I'm in.
If you want to learn something different to these styles, that's okay! I'm happy to work with you on what you're interested in singing.