​Alastair Merry
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Teaching
*Now teaching ONLINE as well as face to face*
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I teach singers from all levels and backgrounds, from complete beginners to advanced, with whom I work as a vocal coach.
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I also teach piano and music theory up to Associated Board Grade 5
Additionally, I am happy to act as a piano accompanist in graded music exams for any instrument.
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Alastair supported my daughter with her GCSE singing piece. The advice, support and encouragement he provided was brilliant. My daughter went on to gain full marks for this part of her exam. Thank you so much. Would definitely recommend. (21st April 2024)
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I have enjoyed and benefited from my singing lessons so much. Alastair is a great teacher, patient and positive with lots of helpful tips and good technique to impart. Not only has my singing improved but my confidence has too, thank you.
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Alastair Merry is a wonderful teacher, in fact the best I have ever had. His quiet and enabling style allows the student to relax and have confidence quickly and produce of their best. He chooses to encourage and not criticise, and quickly picked up some old habits that I had accumulated over the years, replacing them with sound technique. Importantly, his lessons are always fun!
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Alastair has a wealth of musical knowledge in many genres including sacred and church music, oratorio, opera and song. He knows exactly the right piece to give you at the right time to stretch and improve your voice.
Professional to a fault, Alastair gives a lot of himself in every lesson and is a wonderfully intuitive accompanist.
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I feel that students of every age and background would be well placed to have Alastair as their singing teacher.
"I very much enjoyed my first lesson with Alastair. He quickly assessed my needs and adapted his teaching accordingly. He created a relaxed and productive learning environment."
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I very much enjoyed my first lesson with Alastair. He quickly assessed my needs and adapted his teaching accordingly. He created a relaxed and productive learning environment."
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Thank you for being so encouraging, Alastair. You explain things in a way that makes sense to me and inspires me
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My daughter (aged 10) and I have really appreciated the singing lessons we have had with Alastair. He has the right balance between pushing us to work hard and making the lessons enjoyable. He is always ready to answer questions and finds it easy to teach the art of singing through the kind of music the student wants to learn - whether it be psalms, hymns, folk tunes or songs from musicals. He is both punctual and reliable.
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My daughter got 125 marks (mid-merit) for her grade 6 trumpet exam. Both she and I were really happy with the work you did as her accompanist - you were very supportive and confidence inspiring which helped her, and you were 100% reliable and reasonable with your charges which helped me!
We would be very happy to use your services again
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You have helped Maddie come along so much with her singing. We’re so appreciative.