You cannot overlook quality and experience in a vocal teacher. Michelle Francis Cook has been known for her quick analysis of vocal health and is very accurate in establishing a personalised method for your personal vocal needs for the greatest result in vocal flaws, particularly placement and passaggio issues. She is not only a technician but a caring and considerate mentor for young singers, building up confidence not only on the stage but as an artist with unique attributes.
Michelle only offers lessons for serious, career singers in both contemporary, music theatre and classical/operatic genres.
I guarantee you will see tangible results with improvement in your voice within the first 3 months with your dedicated work with my techniques.
MICHELLE FRANCIS COOK
Michelle is an international opera singer and performer with over 15 years experience in both Classical and Contemporary Vocal Training. She was trained in Australia, Italy and Spain (Grad. Dip in Opera (Voice) in the VCA, Melbournel; ANAM; Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Formazione, Florence, Italy; and Camerata International Voice Academy, Barcelona, Spain. Training with the highest quality vocal teachers, Michelle offers an extensive skill base to teach singing students to reach their career goals. Michelle had the opportunity to sing on National Spanish Television and Radio.
Recently appointed the Acclaim Ambassadorial Awards, Australian Vocal Coach for coaching in Italian opera language and vocal technique for Acclaim Awardees, 2022.
Michelle as a Performer
Her 15 year career includes major soloist performance in many A-Grade opera houses in Italy, Spain, France and Germany. She also performed in Santiago, Chile and Prague in the Czech Republic. Michelle had the privilege of singing solo alongside the great Placido Domingo and several other opera greats in the opera of Barcelona, Gran Teatro del Liceu. She sung many title Roles such as Tosca (Puccini), Carmen (Bizet), Aida (Verdi) et al.
Michelle learned many skills within these circles, including the Caballe Breathing Technique (The very technique of the late Catalan Diva, Montserrat Caballe). This technique, beneficial for classical and contemporary singing students, was handed down through Ms Caballe via Masterclass and Private Tuition.
Michelle as a Teacher and Mentor
Michelle was a sort after teacher for both Contemporary and Classical students during her career. Apart from her private tuition, Michelle was the Head of the Vocal Department of Carro de Baco Teatro, a successful Theatre Academy in Barcelona. Over the course of 9 years, Michelle trained and mentored over 100 young students in Vocal Technique and Performance, many of which have entered the music scenes as professional in their own right. Another skill Michelle has acquired is coaching for recording within studios. Michelle has assisted in the coaching process many time for Classical and Contemporary singers, liaising with the Sound Technician and Music Production. Singers who have used my coaching have had enhanced vocal quality for recording, support and positive recording experience.
The following are skills you will attain if you train with Michelle:
– Professional standard vocal technique including vocal production, support and projection.
– Repertoire for all genres and voice types, repertory traditions for classical singers.
— Vocal and performance confidence and experience. Michelle is dedicated in mentoring and building the artist’s confidence providing concert opportunities.
– Identifying your personal niche, your strengths and focussing on these to create a clearer pathway towards your career goal.
– Though Michelle is a highly qualified, professional teacher, she is known by her peers and students to be welcoming and nurturing in her approach. She believes in the holistic health and growth of the singer – not only the voice but the person in entirety.
Michelle recently returned to live in Melbourne in 2019. She has now established her Teaching Studio and providing European standard tuition based in Watsonia North, VIC.
STUDENT SUCCESSES 2023
A number of students in 2023 have had successful auditions for Music Theatre Productions and Opera institutions. Some listed below (names excluded for privacy)
9 years old (the Caterpillar – Alice in Wonderland) Vic (online student)
18 years old (Jack – Into the Woods) Syd (online student)
19 years old (Ensemble, The Wizard of Oz) St Kilda Theatre, Vic
25 years old (Richard Divall Emerging artist program – Opera) Vic
27 years old (Young artist program, Saluzzo, Italy) Vic
29 years old (Guild Hall vocal program, UK) Vic
59 years old (Appointment as Choir master, St George’s Church Barcelona) Spain
PRICES (both in-studio and zoom online)
CLASSICAL SINGING
$100/ hour
CONTEMPORARY and MUSIC THEATRE
$90/ hour
1.5 hours – $140 (includes Caballe technique for breath and vocal support – class includes vocal technique as well as breathing exercises with weights)
CABALLE BREATHING TECHNIQUE ONLY
30 min – $50
COACHING IN RECORDING STUDIO – both Classical and Contemporary
$80/ hour + travel
* Fixed Classes – Fees to be paid monthly with room for rescheduling.
For any questions please contact Michelle with the details below.
Thank you.
– Invoices are monthly, with rescheduling available for missed classes*
– Pricing is fixed for 2024 until further notice.
*MFC Vocal – Terms and Conditions apply