Available for individual one to one singing lessons (Galway) and group vocal workshops (willing to travel, can discuss fees with groups).
Contact me at helenhancocksoprano@gmail.com
While my main focus is on performance, I hugely enjoy my students. Signing up to regular lessons is not necessary: sometimes students come for a lesson before an audition or just for a consultation. Most beginners come into their first lesson slightly terrified and this is normal! I approach my teaching as a two way learning environment for both student and teacher. There can be many reasons to come for singing lessons: I have taught several choral singers whose voices have changed with age. Many have sung their whole lives without correct breath support and while I can’t turn back the clock, the introduction of good technique can be learnt at any age and can help hugely. I really enjoy watching people grow the confidence to express themselves, as singing lessons (in teenagers, but most especially in adults) can really develop a person’s self confidence.
As a choral conductor with years of experience directing both adult and childrens choirs, I am also very happy to give group workshops. This exposes a choir to new ideas and most importantly gives the conductor some ideas to work with going forward. Breath support is the best place to start in my experience and within a 2 hour workshop it can really improve things like pitch.
Testimonials
“Helen ran a choral workshop for Athlone Choral Society on 26 April 2025 which was such a resounding success that choir members are asking for a return visit and sister choirs in the midlands are keen to book a workshop. ….Helen accompanied her talk with demonstrations of all the points covered and the improvment in the choir’s sound and quality of performance was immediate and remarkable…” Athlone Choral Society, April 2025
“Helen has a clear passion for music and she creates a warm, supportive environment where students feel happy to sing. She has a special way of making learning fun while also teaching important vocal techniques and teamwork. Thanks to her work, our children have gained confidence, developed a love for singing, and created beautiful music together.“
Anna Eagleton, Principal Kilcolgan Educate Together Clarinbridge Co. Galway
“Helen has helped me immensely to perfect my singing abilities and reach my true potential. Helen has helped me build my confidence and given me the tools I need so I can better control my voice. She has helped me to release tension and relax. She is extremely knowledgeable. I love attending her classes because I learn so much in the time given. There is no pressure, and I feel that she will guide me in the right way. I find her lessons to be extremely beneficial.”
Peter Lynch, tenor
“Working with Helen Hancock over the past two years has been incredible. When I first started, I wasn’t confident in my voice at all, but Helen’s support and expertise helped me believe in myself. She improved my technique, teaching me better breathing and control, while also helping me bring emotion and character into my performances.
She guided me in building my repertoire, choosing songs that fit my voice while pushing me to grow. She also taught me how to connect with an audience and perform with confidence. Most importantly, she made sure I understood vocal health, so I can keep my voice strong for the long run.
Her help with audition preparation was amazing, giving me both the skills and stage presence to perform at my best. I can’t recommend her enough, Helen is an inspiring coach who truly brings out the best in her students.”
Lilian Owens, soprano (aged 17)
My Background and experience I began teaching at Coole Music and Arts (CMA) in 2010 where I taught recorder, founded and directed the Whistleblowers Wind Ensemble, co-conducted the Coole Harmonies Choir, taught singing and went into several primary schools doing outreach over the years. I left CMA as a teacher in 2022 but remain on the board as I am passionate about music education for young people. Nowadays I teach singing privately and do a small amount of primary school choir teaching.
I conducted Galway SATB choir The Marine Singers from 2018-2024 and along with charity events and carol singing, highights included The Galway Mental Health Association’s Annual Celebration of Choral Music at St. Nicholas Church in 2022 and 2023, a concert at Yeats Tower Thoor Ballylee and at Clifden Arts Festival 2023. There choir were also prizewinners in the Mayo Choral Festival in 2019. I have completed three Choral Conducting Summer Schools run by Sing Ireland– with Sabine Horstmann, Bernie Sherlock and Zoltan Pad. I adjudicated for the SCCUL Sanctuary Choir Factor competition in 2024 and 2025.