Gemma Denman
- Professional Vocal Coach based in Surrey / Hampshire
One To One Lesson Testimonials
Jane Robertson
"I've heard
it said that people come into our lives for a reason..." Wicked
I never thought, on the day I found Gemma on the internet, that it would change my life so much. Thanks to Gemma I have had the confidence (I'm still working on the ability) to audition and appear in local theatre productions and to go solo for the first time at the Student Showcase! all in less than 18 months. She has been kind and patient throughout, encouraging me at every step. She dispelled my doubts at the first lesson and has shown me that you can in fact teach an old dog new tricks!
Victoria Dalton
"I was absolutely terrified of singing in front of anyone and Gemma put me at ease straight away. She's very encouraging in lessons and always explains what your voice is doing. I learnt a lot during my lessons and enjoyed the entire experience. It gave me confidence and knowledge and I would highly recommend Gemma as a teacher."
Chris and Claire
"Dear Gemma,
Claire is so full of admiration for your teaching
talent Gemma but also she has delighted so much in your company. She said "I
feel as if I have been laughing for hours". Anyhow, I am so grateful for what
you have done for Claire this week . Certainly a birthday to remember .
Irene Loughrey
"I enjoyed singing when I was
younger but thought my voice wasn't that great.
As a mature student (63) I decided my voice might improve if I took some
singing lessons but wasn't too hopeful.
I was nervous about taking lessons but I needn't have worried - Gemma
was so professional, she encouraged and motivated me and I thoroughly enjoy my
lessons with her. She has taught me so
much and I am surprised at the progress I have made so far. I look forward to lots more lessons with
Gemma and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone who wants to improve
their singing voice."
"My daughter Sian has been having singing lessons with Gemma for about 4 months now. Gemma has been a excellent teacher, very patient and taking lots of time to explain how Sians vocals should sound. Gemma has also been very supportive helping my daughter to promote her songs. We couldn't have done this without her, she is great!"
Jenny Ricketts
"I contacted Gemma about vocal lessons in the knowledge that my main aim of having them was to pursue a career in the music industry. I am not naturally the most confident person in the world but singing and performing had always been a passion of mine and therefore was determined to persevere. I had had singing lessons at school but Gemma was so encouraging and supportive that soon enough I felt myself growing in confidence more and more every lesson. Gemma was extremely patient and helpful; working on vocal technique as well as some interesting audition songs. Eventually the hard work paid off and I was successful in gaining a place in a girl band. Gemma has continued to support me and give me helpful tips whilst pursuing my dreams.
Thank you Gemma! "
Sarah Noble
"Do you remember the joy of singing your little heart out as a child? Forget psychoanalysis - just sing!!! Its the best cure for the blues, or as an outlet when you are happy.
I sang at school, enjoyed harvest festivals and Christmas carols, but sadly left it all behind when I became a 'grown up'. So often our parenting and business responsibilities limit our time, and in being great parents for our kids, we eclipse our own 'inner child', and we forget the simple joy of singing. I had heard good things about Gemma's lessons and singing group, so with a simple desire to enjoy singing again - but without any 'X-factor' aspirations, I decided to be brave and join her small group of merry singers. No interview, no need to sight read, or be an amazing musician, just a want to sing was the qualification needed. Amongst fellow aspirants, we bravely let loose our vocal inhibitions, and together we became more then the sum of the parts of our group. The sound was amazing!! We sang light popular music - no heavy burdens of homework, musical scores, solos etc, just California Dreamin', and other well-known and loved melodies and fun songs. With Gemma's encouragement, I have re-discovered my passion for music, lost many years ago under the strict hand of my piano teacher. Its been a revelation - to sing simple tunes from the heart is life-affirming, and inspires me to sing when I'm happy (still in private :-) , and when I tell friends of the joy it is bringing, I see an envy in them, a want to find their inner voice too. I have no talent; I'm just an ordinary girl with an ordinary voice, but Gemma has helped me to rediscover the joy of singing once more. I'm developing my voice alongside easy-going singing buddies, and together we are making incredible music! You too, could rediscover your inner voice - just come along and be with us. It's that simple."
Ian Dale - 18 month review
"I guess I am one of Gemma's "longer serving clients" as I approach some 18 months of weekly singing sessions. I can honestly say I have enjoyed every 1+1/2 hour session along the way. Learning to sing really well certainly takes time, determination and commitment, but the results make it all worthwhile. Like many others, I too was wary at the beginning, but Gemma treats all her clients as individuals. Gemma understands that singing is in fact a complex process, which demands skilled control of many attributes, for instance breath control, pitch, emotion, diction, interpretation, and timing just to mention a few! Clearly it takes time to master these attributes, but when you do, you will find singing easier, more fulfilling and great fun. Gemma understands only too well the fears people have about really "letting go" in her studio, perhaps singing in front of another human being for the first time. Let me assure you, Gemma has the skill, experience and patience to bring the very best out of you."
Jane White
"At the age of 57 I finally decided to take the plunge and do what I had always wanted to do .. learn to sing. It was sheer luck and providence that led me to Gemma.. via this website. Although I was nervous and self conscious Gemma made me feel that it was a �safe space� and my efforts were nothing she hadn�t heard before� learning the foundations of breathing, control, keeping tune etc. over the weeks my confidence began to grow� one memorable moment came whilst starting to practice a song.. it was pretty rocky.. but Gemma praised the fact� that I sang one note perfectly� well what conclusion could I come to?? Other than .. if I could sing one note perfectly then next week.. I would sing two or more notes perfectly� that one note success proved to me that it was possible to learn something new! A few weeks later, I was in the doldrums and was pretty sure that it was beyond me. I was full of the �Blahhs� when I showed up feeling very discouraged. I talked it over with Gemma and she said that it was very common to have periods where you felt discouraged, but to bear with it and to trust the process.. I am so glad I listened to Gemma�s wisdom and experience, every day I get so much pleasure when I hit a note that 4 months ago would not have been possible.. I continue to improve as the weeks go by. If you have ever wanted to sing, go for it� Gemma will show you how, she is flexible and resourceful with lots of different techniques to suit every style of learning.. "
Richard Brown
Deborah Gower
"I started with Gemma as a beginner and ever since I started my first lesson, there was no going back! I have gained a lot of tuition from the lessons which have really helped me perform better and better. It has not just helped my confidence in singing
but has provided me with the confidence to actually want to learn and sing more. I love singing and Gemma has supported me throughout every aspect of it and I am looking forward to progressing as far as I can thanks to Gemma!"
Debbie Claydon
Hannah Carpenter
Paul Vinter
"As a complete newcomer to singing Gemma is able to give me support and confidence to make up for any lack of experience. Her ability to put me at ease immeasurably assists my efforts and together we are having real results."
Ian Dale
"In a word GREAT!!! Gemma is a very accomplished singer herself, but equally important is her ability to impart her knowledge and skills to students. My initial fears were soon overcome, and my confidence is growing. This is hard work, but above all FUN."
Malcolm Wilson
"This is to let you know how pleased we were to receive your valuable input and direction concerning the singers in our worship group. Since your vocal coaching sessions our singers have shown a greater confidence in their new found abilities and are rendering our songs with greater clarity and professionalism. In short they sound great. Thank you for a great job!"
Kirsty Nichol
"Gemma is a truly talented singer and vocal coach. She has taught me many new singing techniques over the past year, she offers understanding lessons which cover all aspects of singing. It takes talent, patience and a unique personality to be a good vocal coach, and Gemma holds all of these qualities."
Workshop/Course Testimonials
Zoe Ansell
Live Performance Workshop - October 2006
"The workshop was great fun and everyone was so nice! I thought the workshop was really well put together and was enjoyed by all involved as well as everyone watching! It was great to have a variety of all ages! Thanks Gemma!"
Testimonials for The Student Showcase 2007
(2 workshop sessions, ending in a performance night) 9th-23rd June 2007
Zoe Ansell
"This was my second year of taking part in the showcase and I felt that the improvement was amazing! I really enjoyed it this year and Gemma worked very hard on getting everything just right; and it paid off! The showcase was a success and Gemma has helped to boost my confidence 100%! Thank you so much Gemma."
Testimonials for The Student Showcase 2006
(2 workshop sessions, ending in a performance night) 4th-19th March 2006
Diane Meyers
"I've never been so scared or so excited in my whole life! And all in one evening!
Yes, it was performance night
For the last two weekends Nick, Andrew, Nikki, Cheryl, Kirrie, Jasmine, Zoe, Danielle and myself with the help of our fantastic and incredibly brave voice coach Gemma had been rehearsing a group and solo performance showcase.
The first session we were bombarded with lyrics, licks, breaths and harmonies as well as the thought of doing it all live in front of about 60 people. I'd never even sung into a mic let alone in front of an audience. Oh my God! Was I taking the dream a bit too far?
I remember my first lesson with Gemma, I was incredibly nervous and embarrassed, I wasn't even sure I could sing. Gemma made me feel very relaxed and comfortable immediately. With each lesson I've become more confident and when I don't have to think too much, I don't sound half bad! But a live performance, I could feel myself drawn very quickly to either a bottle of valium or an extremely large vodka.
After the first hour of the workshop everyone began to chill and I think we were all amazed how well we'd attempted the first group song Happy Days. The first session ended way too soon. Off we went, our heads swirling with lyrics, harmonies, timing, licks and the excitement of the day, I don't think any one of us had given a thought to our individual performance.
The second session was very productive, we'd learnt the lyrics, fine tuned the timing and even managed to have a good laugh together. Gemma ended the session with some relaxation techniques, which were very beneficial. Well that was it; the next time we would meet would be for the showcase performance.
Sunday arrived far too quickly, and sound checks were in progress. As time moved on we all began to feel the nerves. I just kept telling myself to enjoy it, no matter what!
Ian kicked the show off with an old Sinatra hit
I'd like to thank everyone who took part; you were all fantastic, I think each and every one of us had to step outside of our comfort zone and accomplish something we'd only ever dreamed of, I know I did!
But most of all I'd like to thank Gemma who without, all this would not have been possible. You have been such an inspiration and given even an old hag like me the encouragement and chance to fulfil something I love to do, only normally into a hair brush! Although with a few more workshops I could get used to a mic and audience!
Thanks, Diane"
Jasmine Ali
"I had not met Gemma prior to the showcase and I had never had any singing lessons. Gemma gave me some great tips and has really helped with my breathing which in turn has helped me to reduce my stress levels when singing. She also helped with my fear of reaching high notes and I have learned some warm up exercises which have proved very useful to me before other performances at open mic nights. Gemma has a very friendly and approachable manner to vocal training, and I am pleased to have had the chance to work with her."
Nick Williams
"The workshop was really challenging but also really good fun!
I'd had a pretty stressful week, so it was good to unwind with some singing and also good to meet everyone there."
Zoe Ansell
"The workshop was great, i really enjoyed the group songs and i met some new people. After my solo performance i felt much more confident and now feel i could do it much better next time. Thanks for everything!"
Andrew Colwell
I met many of Gemma's other students for the first time and it proved useful to exchange views and ideas. The sound check periods enabled all the performers to absorb the feel and ambience of the stage, the bright lights, the acoustics and the all important "buzz". The performance itself was amazing. For a few minutes I had the opportunity to demonstrate the skills I had mastered, by singing before a live audience. You cannot find this experience between the pages of any book. Yes you have to work, yes it takes a little nerve, yes you have to stay very focused but the outcome is unique. A lot like swimming or riding a bicycle for the first time, you know somehow that life is never going to be the same again. It's that good !!! Ian Dale."
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Management/Record Company/A & R Comments
An A & R Company said...
"Very impressed with the look and use of your website. It's easy to navigate around, and covers all the aspects that a website aimed at the individual should cover. I heard your demo, good voice and phrasing."
An Independent Record Company said...
"I was very impressed with your web site! You look and more importantly sound amazing! I am very optimistic about your future! I see your potential and I am very impressed with your hard work and dogged determination!"
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Gemma always appreciates feedback from her lessons, so please click below to submit any comments or reviews you have on Gemma's vocal lessons/workshops. Gemma also appreciates general comments regarding her own singing, so if you have anything you would like to say then please email your thoughts.
Thank you.
Email a review to gemmadenman@yahoo.co.uk
