Term 3 Masterclasses at Free Your Voice Studios
Movement & Dance for Singers Who “Can’t Dance”
Opera Workshop & Recital with Ayse Goknur Shanal
Movement & Dance for Singers Who “Can’t Dance”
Saturdays 10am | Begins 30th August
5-week course
If you’ve ever stepped on stage and felt stiff or unsure of how to move, you’re not alone. Many singers haven’t had formal dance training—and that’s completely okay! This course is here to bridge that gap with warmth and expertise.
Led by Sophie Whelan, a triple threat musical theatre performer and Encore-nominated singer, this class focuses on building body awareness, stage presence, and confidence in movement. Sophie will cover common choreography patterns used in musical theatre and audition settings, making sure students feel prepared and empowered. More info...
Highlights:
- Learn the movement vocabulary typically required in auditions for musicals and tertiary institutions
- Grow your body confidence and learn how to move naturally on stage
- Train in a supportive, encouraging environment with a coach who "gets it"
- Perfect for students who often say "I can’t dance" but would love to feel more free on stage
Details:
- Who: High School Students
- Cost: $25 for Free Your Voice students | $35 for non-members
- Bonus: Invite a friend—even if they’re not enrolled at FYVS!
- Note: Primary school students interested in dance? Join our Musical Theatre class at 11am
- Where: St Kieran's Parish Centre, 2 King Street, Manly Vale
HSC Masterclass & Recital with Natasha Cupitt
Opera Workshop & Recital with Ayse Goknur Shanal
Movement & Dance for Singers Who “Can’t Dance”
Sunday 31st August | 11am–3pm
Recital at 2pm
Natasha Cupitt’s HSC masterclasses have become legendary at FYVS. Every year, Natasha’s students consistently achieve top Band 6 results—and multiple have been nominated for Encore at the Sydney Opera House, a prestigious honor for outstanding performers.
This masterclass is designed to elevate student performance through intensive coaching, peer learning, and real-time feedback. Students will gain experience performing under pressure and receive tailored advice to sharpen technique, interpretation, and confidence. More info...
Why attend?
- Watch other students being coached and apply those lessons to your own work
- Practice performing your HSC repertoire in front of supportive peers
- Receive expert guidance from one of the state’s top vocal educators
- End the session with a concert for family and friends to celebrate your hard work
Details:
- Who: All HSC music performance students
- Cost: $45 for FYVS students | $55 for non-members
- Recital Tickets: Donation-based, with funds supporting scholarships for HSC students who need financial assistance for lessons
- Where: St Kieran's Parish Centre, 2 King Street, Manly Vale
Opera Workshop & Recital with Ayse Goknur Shanal
Opera Workshop & Recital with Ayse Goknur Shanal
Beginner Songwriting Workshop & Mini Concert with Summer Moger
Sunday 14th September | Workshop 11am–3pm | Recital at 2pm (arrive at 12pm)
Train with one of Australia’s most acclaimed Sopranos, Ayse Goknur Shanal. With performances at the Sydney Opera House and accolades from top competitions around the world, Ayse brings world-class insight to this inspiring classical workshop.
Designed for absolute beginners through to intermediate vocalists, this experience demystifies opera and gives students hands-on training in vocal technique, musicality, and performance skills—all culminating in a recital with live accompaniment. More info...
Learning Outcomes:
- Produce a free, expressive classical tone
- Master breath support and vocal coordination
- Interpret arias with emotional authenticity
- Learn Italian pronunciation and how to navigate fast passages (‘runs’ and ‘trills’)
- Work confidently with a live accompanist
Schedule:
- 11am–12pm: Group training in classical technique + aria prep
- 12pm–1:45pm: Masterclass—students perform and receive coaching
- 2pm: Mini recital for all participants with a live accompanist
Details:
- Who: Teens and Adults, beginner to intermediate level
- Cost: $65 FYVS students | $75 non-members
- Where: St Kieran's Parish Centre, 2 King Street, Manly Vale
Beginner Songwriting Workshop & Mini Concert with Summer Moger
Beginner Songwriting Workshop & Mini Concert with Summer Moger
Sunday 7th September | 2pm–6pm
Mini Concert at 5:30pm
(Yes, it’s Father’s Day—there’s still time for brunch and dinner!)
Ever wanted to write your own song? This beginner-friendly workshop invites young creatives into the world of songwriting with the extraordinary Summer Moger, an award-winning singer-songwriter currently recording her debut EP.
You’ll explore lyric writing, song structure, melody, and how to collaborate with others. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining existing ideas, Summer will guide you in shaping a song that’s uniquely yours—and you’ll get to perform it for loved ones in a mini concert at the end! More info...
Learning Outcomes:
- Writing lyrics with emotional depth and structure
- Building melodies and harmonies
- Collaborating with others to spark creativity
- Strengthening performance and delivery
Details:
- Who: Students aged 10–15
- Cost: $45 for FYVS students | $55 for non-members
- Concert: A heartfelt way to end the day, performing for family and friends
- Where: St Kieran's Parish Centre, 2 King Street, Manly Vale
Confidence & Skill Building Voice Masterclass with Natasha Cupitt
Confidence & Skill Building Voice Masterclass with Natasha Cupitt
Sunday 21st September
A chance to sing, grow, and shine. Natasha Cupitt brings her extensive teaching experience to this voice masterclass, offering constructive vocal diagnostics and a warm, inspiring space for singers to perform, reflect, and improve. More info...
What to Expect:
- Personalized vocal feedback to target areas for growth
- Live coaching that models powerful technique and emotional expression
- Peer support and feedback from a community that’s got your back
- Practice performing under pressure in a low-stakes, fun environment
Details:
- Who and When:
- Primary School Students: 10am–11:30am
- High School & Adults: 12pm–3pm
- Cost: $28 FYVS students | $35 non-members
- Where: St Kieran's Parish Centre, 2 King Street, Manly Vale
More info on the Masterclasses
MOVEMENT & DANCE FOR SINGERS WHO 'CAN'T DANCE
10am Saturdays from Saturday 30th August (5 WEEK COURSE)
Being able to move confidently on stage is a huge part of performing well, and sadly for those of us who never learned to dance, we just feel more stiff and more anxious when it comes to moving around the stage. Our incredible musical theatre coach and triple threat actor, dancer and encore nominated singer, Sophie Whelan, is here to help! She will be running a 5 week course to help develop body confidence and movement on stage for singers who have never really learned to dance or move on stage. Often singers have to do dance auditions when they audition for musicals and tertiary institutions. Sophie knows all of the moves that are expected in these auditions and will teach them so that students feel prepared if they ever have to go do this. This class is for all of the students who feel really stiff and nervous physically on stage and who often say 'I can't dance'. This will be a very caring and confidence building class for those students. Feel free to bring a friend who is not at the studios!
COST: $25 for Current Free Your Voice Students ($35 for non members)
WHO'S IT FOR? FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY -Want to join but you're in primary school? Join the musical theatre class at 11am :)
HSC MASTERCLASS & RECITAL
11AM - 3PM SUNDAY 31ST AUGUST (RECITAL AT 2PM)
Natasha Cupitt is renowned for having high achieving HSC students. Every year most or all of her students receive a high band six (the highest HSC mark) and she always has at least one student nominated for Encore at the Opera House - this is the highest honour that you can receive for HSC performances. The last time that Natasha ran an HSC masterclass,
we had 3 Encore nominations - so let's do it again!
What are the benefits of a masterclass? You watch other students being critiqued and improving in real time so that you learn lots of new skills and ideas for yourself just by sitting and watching others being coached.
You feel support from other students. You have the opportunity to perform your songs under pressure which makes exam day feel much easier.
At the end of the masterclass we then invite parents and friends to come along and hear these incredible singers perform one last time before they go off to do their performance exams. This will be an incredible concert to witness as the skill level and work ethic of these students is just extraordinary.
WHO'S IT FOR? Any HSC performance students
COST: $45 per Free Your Voice student ($55 for non members of the studio)
RECITAL TICKETS: Donation - this money will go towards our scholarship program which helps to pay for lessons for HSC students who can't afford to have singing lessons.
SONGWRITING WORKSHOP & MINI CONCERT FOR BEGINNERS
2PM - 6PM SUNDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER (mini concert at 5.30pm ) - we know this is Father's Day. Don't worry, there is still time for brunch and dinner with Dad, and what better for him than to listen to a song written by his child! :)
Learning Outcomes
- Write song lyrics
- Develop song structure and form
- Construct a melody which compliment harmony
- Collaboration skills
- Creativity and Inspiration techniques
- Performance and Delivery
Summer Moger is a brilliant and prolific singer and songwriter. She is currently recording her EP and has collaborated with internationally renowned songwriters and producers including Bec Caruana and Phil Anquitel. Summer has won many competitions including winning Northern Beaches Composure Unplugged and winning the ‘StageDoor’ competition in 2021 where Summer had the opportunity to work with a New York producer on one of her singles and film a music video in Melbourne with Benjamin Gregory. Summer was accepted into the prestigious Talent Development Project as a Singer/Songwriter where she honed her songwriting and performance skills and worked with industry professionals such as Peter Cousens.
During Summer’s HSC year she placed 8th in the state for the Music 1 course, achieving a score of 99. She was also nominated for Encore as recognition for her exceptional performances in the course. Encore is a showcase of outstanding major works by NSW HSC music students.
With all of this experience and knowledge, Summer is excited to bring all of her songwriting skills to the fore and coach our younger students who are interested in writing their very first song and helping students on improving current songs that they've already written.
WHO'S iT FOR? Students aged 10- 15 years.
COST: $45 for current Free Your Voice students ($55 for non members of the studio)
CONFIDENCE AND SKILL BUILDING VOICE MASTERCLASS WITH NATASHA CUPITT SUNDAY 21st SEPTEMBER
Receive expert feedback, encouragement, and vocal diagnostics from the Director and Founder of Free Your Voice Studios, Natasha Cupitt. Natasha has trained many professional singers, including almost all of the teachers who work at Free Your Voice, and she can't wait to work with you! Natasha's warm and friendly approach will leave you more confident than when you walked in and you'll also know exactly where you need to focus your attention to become the best singer that you can be.
What are the benefits of a masterclass?
- You watch other students being critiqued and improving in real time so that you learn lots of new skills and ideas for yourself just by sitting and watching others being coached. It's like an open singing lesson.
- You feel support and receive positive feedback from other students.
- You have the opportunity to perform your songs under pressure so that you get really good at conquering your nerves.
What do I have to do to participate? Get up and sing a song in front of Natasha and your friends. Natasha will coach you to become even better.
WHO'S IT FOR?
PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE: 10 AM - 11.30am
HIGH SCHOOL & ADULTS 12PM - 3PM
COST: $28 for current members ($35 for non members)
OPERA WORKSHOP & RECITAL
SUNDAY 14TH September 11am - 3pm (arrive at 12pm)
What a treat it will be to learn from one of Australia's finest Sopranos - Ayse Goknur Shanal. Ayse regularly performs at the Sydney Opera House and has toured the world singing operatic and classical repertoire. She has won a vast number of the highest esteemed operatic competitions including the Australian Singing Competition, Metropolitan Opera Award (New York), Queens Trust for Young Australians, Symphony Australia’s Young Performers Award (Vocal Category), Countess of Munster (UK) and the Sonderpreis der Loreley- Festspiele at the Neue Stimmen International Singing Competition (Germany). Through this workshop, singers will have a better appreciation and understanding of the classical technique, language, emoting, and interpreting an aria.
FOR BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATE This is for absolute beginners who have never learned to sing in this style all the way through to seasoned classical vocalists.
Learning Outcomes
- How to produce a classical sound that is free to express the aria you are performing, with all of its emotion and storytelling.
- Learn to work with a live classical accompanist.
- How to support your sound coordinating your breath with your body, emotions and psychology.
- Develop in the areas of intonation, classical vocal technique, how to sing a 'trill', how to do fast passages or 'runs'.
- Develop skills in Italian pronunciation
The Schedule:
11am -12pm Everyone will learn classical vocal technique and other classical skills, as well as be taught an aria from scratch. This will be performed in the recital at the end of the workshop.
12pm - 1.45pm Masterclass -students perform for the group and receive expert instruction from Goknur on how to improve their aria. Students are welcome to watch if they don't feel comfortable or ready to get up and sing a classical piece yet. 2pm Everyone participates in a mini recital. This will also include a live accompanist so that students develop skills working with them.
WHO IS THIS FOR? TEENAGERS & ADULTS
COST: In order to cover the cost of the hall, Goknur, and the accompanist, this course is $65 for current students of FYVS and $75 for non members.
Masterclasses in Schools
Students will learn...
STAGECRAFT
- How to connect to and effectively express the emotions in their song.
- How to move and use all of the stage.
- How to express the emotions of a song confidently through the voice, body and face.
- How to gesture effectively.
- How to dress appropriately for a song and for performances and auditions.
- How repertoire dictates how to use the stage.
- Microphone technique
PERFORMING UNDER PRESSURE
- How to manage nerves before and during a performance
- How to prepare for important performances
- Audition technique
- The importance of practice and how to maximize practice time.
VOCAL TECHNIQUE
- Posture
- Diaphragmatic, (low) breathing and support.
- Lifting the soft palate
- Lowering the larynx
- Vowel shapes
- Strong consonants
- Twang
- Tilt, Head Voice, and Belt
- Tongue and jaw tension release
- Retracting the false vocal folds and more...
REPERTOIRE
- How to choose repertoire that will show off the voice
- Singing true to a chosen style and how vocal technique can be modified with each genre
- Working with and choosing accompaniment
Masterclass Plan
1st HOUR
Vocal Technique; Stagecraft; Performing under pressure; Repertoire
2nd HOUR ONWARDS
Masterclass where students perform a song from memory in front of the group. I then give written and verbal feedback for them to take away and work on.
I am happy to adjust this to suit your school’s needs.
Please contact Natasha if you would like more information. Thanks!
Testimonials
"Recently, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting Natasha Cupitt at Davidson High School to help to run a vocal workshop experience. Students learnt about correct vocal technique, effective stagecraft, microphone use and had the opportunity to perform solo works for feedback in front of their peers. Natasha was very professional in her approach and was able to share her wealth of knowledge to a wide range of students of varying ages throughout the day. Her encouraging manner created a safe performing environment for students that was comfortable and built confidence. The information that she presented was relevant, fun and inspirational and her ability to critique student's technique in a positive light and on a level that they could both understand and work with meant that the students loved performing for her and hearing what she had to say."The day was a complete success and we will definitely be looking to repeat the experience in the future. I thoroughly recommend Natasha's services for any schools looking to foster and improve the vocal techniques of their students, especially in the lead up to key performing events such as the HSC or important concerts."
Kelly Morrow - Music Teacher and Vocal Co-ordinator, Davidson High School
"Natasha Cupitt came to our school to work with senior vocalist. We were lucky enough to have her for the whole day. She worked on technique and then presented a masterclass with each student. She was the whole package working on technique, repertoire, delivery and presentation. She inspired the students with her knowledge and excited them with her energy.
The whole day was such a positive experience for these singers and I would thoroughly recommend Natasha for your school. We will definitely invite her back soon."
Jacki Berry, Music Teacher, Killara High School
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