Amy (Amy Wilkinson) Dawson
Alexandra Hills,QLD
Summary
Accomplished voice teacher, academic and former principal opera singer with Opera Australia with an additional 26 years of professional performance experience, I excel in teaching vocal technique and fostering customer relations. Leveraging skills in vocal health maintenance and performance coaching, I've significantly enhanced student outcomes and satisfaction. My approach combines patience, encouragement, and continuous education, ensuring students achieve their full potential in various musical genres.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Private Voice Teacher
Self Employed Services
Manly, QLD And Alexandra Hills QLD
01.2017 - Current
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Mentored aspiring singers on audition preparation for school performances or local competitions, resulting in successful auditions.
- Organized engaging recitals to showcase students' talents, prepared all students and facilitated a boost in their confidence in performing publicly.
- Incorporated music theory lessons into voice training sessions to provide students with a well-rounded musical education and greater appreciation for the art form as a whole.
- Collaborated with other voice teachers to exchange best practices and improve overall teaching methodologies.
- Utilized a diverse array of teaching methods, including hands-on activities, and immersive exercises to ensure comprehensive understanding of vocal concepts.
- Cultivated a supportive learning atmosphere by creating an open dialogue between teacher and student, encouraging questions and fostering an environment where mistakes were seen as opportunities for growth.
- Established long-term goals with students early on in their lessons to keep them motivated throughout the course.
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering a comfortable learning environment for optimal growth in vocal abilities.
- Demonstrated patience when working with students who struggled with certain concepts or had difficulty grasping new techniques, leading to eventual mastery and increased self-confidence.
- Increased student performance levels by consistently monitoring progress and adjusting lesson plans accordingly.
- Implemented effective warm-up exercises that improved students' vocal range, pitch accuracy, and breath control.
- Advised musicians on proper care of their voice through diet choices, hydration habits, and restful sleep patterns to optimize vocal health over time.
- Enhanced students' vocal technique by providing personalized coaching and constructive feedback.
- Taught students in the musical genres of pop, rock, indie, metal, rap, r&b, jazz, worship, musical theatre and classical.
- Facilitated workshops focused on advanced vocal techniques such as vibrato control or ornamentation execution for more experienced singers looking to expand their skillset further.
- Provided guidance on performance etiquette, stage presence, and audience engagement during recitals or concerts.
- Maintained accurate records of each student''s progress, enabling tailored instruction for individual needs and goals.
- Assisted students in overcoming performance anxiety through relaxation techniques and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Expanded students' musical repertoire by introducing them to various genres, styles, and composers.
- Improved communication skills between parents and the studio regarding scheduling changes or payment discussions to ensure smooth operations.
- Taught fundamentals such as projection, breathing and vocal techniques.
- Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, rhythm, time signature/beats, and chords.
Professional Principal Opera Singer
State Opera of South Australia
Adelaide, SA
07.2012 - 07.2012
- Prepared for and performed four performances of Mimi (main Soprano role) in Puccini's Opera La Bohème.
- Participated in rehearsals and attended corporate events leading up to the performances.
Professional Principal Opera Singer
Opera Australia
Sydney, NSW
11.2007 - 03.2011
- Prepared, performed and covered a total of 16 major and minor operatic roles.
- Participated in rehearsals, vocal coaching and foreign language coaching sessions.
- Worked with world renown Opera conductors and directors during rehearsals and performances.
Education
Masters of Music Studies - Vocal Pedagogy
Queensland Conservatorium
Griffith University, South Brisbane, QLD11-2025
Bachelor of Music (majoring in Classical Voice) - Music
Queensland Conservatorium
South Brisbane, QLD11-2005
Skills
- Customer relations
- Conflict resolution
- Small business operations
- Solo singing/performance coaching
- Teaching vocal technique
- Preparing children and young adults for AMEB exams
- Vocal health maintenance
- Vocal range expansion
- Preparing students for end of year recitals
- Audition preparation
- Relationship building
- Patience and encouragement
- Verbal and written communication
- Continuing education commitment
Accomplishments
- Organized showcase performances for students and parents.
- Taught approximately 70 + students over 8 years.
- Organized Vocal Masterclasses and Workshops
- Organized "Acting for Singer" workshops
- Achieved multiple Academic Awards in the Masters of Music Studies Degree (Vocal Pedagogy).
- Helped and facilitated students successful entry into a Bachelor of Music (Classical Voice) and the Masters of Music at the Queensland Conservatorium.
- Helped students land major and minor roles in various amateur children and High School musical theatre productions across Brisbane.
- Taught successful gig performing singers (pop/rock) across Brisbane.
Languages
Italian
Professional Working
German
Professional Working
French
Professional Working
Timeline
Owner/Private Voice Teacher
Self Employed Services
01.2017 - Current
Professional Principal Opera Singer
State Opera of South Australia
07.2012 - 07.2012
Professional Principal Opera Singer
Opera Australia
11.2007 - 03.2011
Masters of Music Studies - Vocal Pedagogy
Queensland Conservatorium
Bachelor of Music (majoring in Classical Voice) - Music
Queensland Conservatorium