Meet Jorgelina Pérez
Owner of Auckland Singing School
What’s the name of your teaching studio?
Auckland Singing School. I also have a website for the online singing programs: Holistic Voice Academy.
What inspired you to start Auckland Singing School?
When I was a child I was the shyest person you could imagine. I was determined to become a singer though, so I studied and practiced intensively. After many years I mastered the techniques and the science behind singing.
I had many teachers and the ones that really helped me were the ones that accepted me as I was. The ones that focused on the good things I had on my voice, and supported me on that while helping me get stronger in the areas in which I was weaker.
Nowadays we know scientifically that anyone that has a voice can learn to sing with the right guidance We also know the important role that the environment we learn in plays in making that happen. Feeling safe and secure is crucial when someone is learning singing techniques.
My inspiration is showing people that anyone can learn to sing in the right environment, and guiding them towards their singing dreams! Helping people of all ages develop their voices and their self expression while experiencing the joy of making music is my passion.
Self expression is our right and my mission is helping people get that back.
What instruments do you teach?
Vocals.
What ages do you teach?
We teach kids 9+, teens and adults. We are planning on opening group classes for younger kids as well. Training is available for all levels, from complete beginners to professionals.
Who’s a favourite musician/band that’s inspired you?
Depeche Mode. I am obsessed with Dave’s raw vocals and deep emotional expression.
How is Auckland singing School different to how you learned as a beginner?
I make sure that first and foremost, my students feel safe and wanted in the space. I make sure they understand that this is a non judgemental space where they can create and open up their voice at their own pace. We start from their own starting point and we go from there. Only that way can they begin to open their voices!
Also, the uniqueness of each student is part of building their own special and unique instrument. Students are encouraged and supported to discover their own voice and style at their own pace, and free it up confidently.
I wish my teachers took care of that when I started studying! I would have progressed much faster than I did, and I would have had a much better time learning.
At Auckland Singing School the focus is not only on the musicality aspect of the voice, but also on the holistic aspect of it. We sing with the whole body and learning to feel our instrument in depth is a big part of the process of finding your own voice.
What’s something about your music school you’re really proud of?
I am really proud of the huge support my adult students show towards each other in all our events, making it a much more enjoyable and rich experience for everyone involved! They understand my mission and help me make it happen by getting involved in our singing community and providing a safe and friendly environment for their fellow students to be able to express themselves safely.
What advice do you give to parents looking for a great teacher for their child?
Make sure the teacher understands that every kid is different and that they are supportive towards your child or other children. Find a teacher that accompanies your child’s progress with respect and encouragement.
Having knowledge about children's voices is important as well in order to make sure your child learns safe techniques that will strengthen and not harm their voices. Understanding how the voice works at different ages is crucial to ensure kids are building up a solid foundation for their singing.
What’s something you see successful students doing that new students need to know?
All my students succeed when they take their lessons with regularity and they add home practice. Consistency in the practice helps a lot.
What opportunities does Auckland Singing School offer students beyond lessons?
Adult private students are offered a huge discount on our group classes for adults, which they can use as an extra practice session and also to learn from others. Plus the benefit of learning as a community! Both private tuition and group learning experiences are important in my studio at all levels.
We also organize jam sessions for adults, open to all the adult private students for free.
Kids and teens have the chance to prepare Rockschool vocal exams grades 1-8 at the school.
What’s the big vision for Auckland Singing School? Where are you headed in the next few years?
We are going to definitely have more group classes for all group ages in addition to private lessons. The joy of making music together is undeniable, as well as the benefits of learning in a group environment!
We want to increase performance opportunities through the year for all ages as well.
And we will be incorporating complementary classes for singers: instruments, interpretation, band classes etc.
