James Hall: Singing & Theatre Arts Teacher | Musical Director | Piano Accompanist | Composer

James Hall is a diligent and creative music professional who is immersed in Musical Theatre. He specialises in musical direction and the teaching of singing and performance techniques. As a musical director he aspires to provide an excellent musical product and experience for all. His thorough approach means that he creates a relaxed yet professional atmosphere for musicians, casts and creative teams. As a teacher he challenges students to explore a range of strategies and tools to get the best out of their voice and performance. He ensures students maintain their individuality, creative musicality and performance integrity.

As a singing teacher James specialises in musical theatre, incorporating the Estill model in his teaching. As well as leading workshops and group singing classes James teaches privately offering lessons for adults and children; both professional and amateur. As well as fundamental singing technique James also focuses on interpretation and acting through song to enhance the performance of songs for all styles. Some pupils take singing and music theatre exams maintaining a 100% pass rate. James offers assistance with audition preparation and applications for vocational colleges and professional courses. Previous pupils have gone onto study at Arts Educational School, Mountview, Guildford School of Acting, London Studio Centre, ALRA, The Urdang Academy, Italia Conti, The Oxford School of Drama, The Brit School, University of Chichester and others have gone on to perform professionally around the country and in West End shows.  

James’ skills as a singing teacher coincide with his work as a freelance musical director. He works with professional theatre companies, drama schools and youth theatre groups specialising in musical theatre and plays with music. James’ skills and experience as a MD include accompanying rehearsals, sight reading (especially for auditions), leading vocal warm ups and workshops, playing keys in orchestra pits, conducting ensembles, Keyboard and Mainstage programming, creating arrangements and composing award winning music.

Are you a parent or guardian with a child or children who love or are looking to study Musical Theatre or Performing Arts? Take singing or musical theatre exams or just build some confidence?

Are you a student looking for some extra support or tuition?

Are you an amateur singer or performer looking to broaden your skills and confidence?

Are you a professional looking for industry level guidance and someone to help with your rep or audition or just simply keep your voice in shape?

Or are you someone who wants to sing for the joy of it with live piano accompaniment.

I offer the following:

· Private lessons for technical singing covering all styles within musical theatre including Rock, Pop, Jazz and Folk.

· Specialist coaching and assistance with clients wanting to audition for drama schools, conservatoires and school performing arts scholarships. (I not only teach at drama schools but I also often play for these entrance auditions). I regularly help students get into The Brit School and Independent School Scholarship Programmes. 

· Coaching and audition preparation for castings.

· Tuition for graded singing and musical theatre exams with Trinity College London (with 100% pass rate).

· Singing Exam Prep for Rockschool.

· Music Theory & Music Theory for Performers.

· Acting Through Song.

· Musical Theatre Rep Coaching.

· Vocal Coaching for artists including studio visits and consultations.

· Performance Piano Backing Tracks and Demo Tracks.

· Piano Accompaniment for local music exams.

Private sessions start at just £30 and can be in person at my studio in Kingston/Surbiton or online via zoom. No termly commitment, all lessons are on a pay as you go basis and you can book, reschedule and cancel anytime (T&Cs apply). Lessons can be ad hoc, weekly, fortnightly or once a month.

I specialise in musical theatre repertoire, helping boys navigate the voice break and acting through song techniques. I work with all age groups and abilities including children, students, adults and professional performers. I have particular success with helping professional actors and getting young people places in drama schools.

I also provide lessons for clients who purely just love singing, there's no judgment or pressure to do anything just turn up and have fun singing with live piano accompaniment; any style, completely flexible and up to the individual. I also offer gift certificates if you want to send someone lessons as a gift.

Previous students have gained places at Arts Educational School, Mountview, Guildford School of Acting, London Studio Centre, ALRA, The Urdang Academy, Italia Conti, The Oxford School of Drama, The Brit School and the University of Chichester.

Many clients of mine are regularly performing in the west end and around the world.

Teaching and Education credits include ArtsEd, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Laine Theatre Arts, Guildford School of Acting, Italia Conti, APT, London Theatre Runway, Associated Studios, Sharpe Academy, READ College, The British Theatre Academy, City Academy, PQA Studios, Karen Blackburn Dance Academy, The Ultimate Voice, Stagecoach, Youth Action Theatre, and Richmond Theatre Creative Learning Dept.