Gisborne
Singing Lessons | Choirs | Artist development, Aural Lessons, Ensemble Coaching, Song Writing Workshops, Posture for Singers and Instrumentalists
Bio
Hi, I’m Letitia
I’m a professional singing teacher, vocal technique instructor and vocal coach based in Whataupoko, Gisborne.
I specialise in contemporary vocal techniques, supported by a strong foundation in Bel Canto methodology.
I teach privately from my fully equipped home studio, working with singers aged 12 and over, from complete beginners and those returning to singing, through to developing singers and experienced performers.
With over 18 years of vocal teaching and coaching experience and more than 40 years of singing experience across classical and contemporary styles, I bring extensive knowledge and practical expertise to my teaching.
My Teaching Philosophy
At the heart of my teaching is a simple belief: anyone with a functional voice can learn to sing.
Although every voice is unique, we all share the same fundamental vocal instrument. Like any musical instrument, its capabilities are not determined by style or genre, but by the knowledge and skill of the person using it.
Developing as a singer involves more than learning songs or reproducing particular sounds. It requires an understanding of how the voice works, why it behaves the way it does and how to use it effectively. This understanding is fundamental to developing technical control, versatility and the ability to make informed adjustments to vocal production.
My Approach to Vocal Development
Your voice is unique, and every lesson is designed with that in mind.
My teaching is tailored to each individual voice, drawing on vocal pedagogy based on scientific research, an in-depth understanding of vocal function and a considered assessment of each singer’s development needs.
I take a comprehensive, integrated approach to vocal development, recognising that the voice functions as a whole, with its different components working together.
Through diagnostic listening and careful assessment, I identify vocal strengths, establish the underlying causes of technical difficulties and determine the most appropriate course of development.
This understanding informs a structured programme of targeted vocal training, addressing the specific requirements of each voice while developing the coordination, control and technical proficiency essential to healthy, sustainable and versatile singing.
My teaching draws on contemporary vocal technique, Bel Canto foundations, Estill Voice Training and contemporary voice science, supported by evidence-informed vocal pedagogy.
By addressing vocal function as an integrated system rather than treating individual techniques in isolation, this approach facilitates more efficient development and enables singers to make substantial progress towards their goals in a considerably shorter timeframe.
From establishing fundamental technique and resolving persistent vocal challenges to refining advanced performance skills, the emphasis remains on developing sound vocal function, technical independence and the ability to apply that knowledge consistently.
My Story
Originally from South Africa, I relocated to New Zealand in 2011.
My own journey as a singer has profoundly influenced my teaching philosophy. There was a time when I believed my voice had limitations and that I would never become the singer I wanted to be. It was only through understanding how the voice works that I discovered those perceived limitations were not necessarily inherent to my voice.
That experience reinforced my belief that our perception of our vocal abilities does not always reflect their true potential. With appropriate knowledge, technique and practice, there is often considerably more capacity for development than we realise.
My musical background spans more than four decades and encompasses classical and contemporary singing, professional performance, choir leadership, backing vocals, recording and songwriting. I also have experience in radio voice-over, lyrics, melody and arrangement, composition, music production and audio engineering. I’ve recorded and released an original contemporary album and contributed to a variety of musical projects.
These experiences have provided a broad understanding of music, performance and sound, which continues to inform my work as a vocal educator.
My role is to enable you to discover the capabilities of your unique singing voice, and equip you with the knowledge and technical skills to develop, refine and realise its full potential.
Professional Credentials & Experience
- Over 18 years of vocal teaching and coaching experience.
- More than 40 years of singing experience across classical and contemporary styles.
- Classical and contemporary vocal training.
- Estill Voice Training Levels 1 & 2.
- Full Associate Member of the New Zealand Association of Teachers of Singing (NEWZATS).
- Affiliate Teacher of Contemporary Voice with the Institute of Registered Music Teachers of New Zealand (IRMTNZ).
- Full Writer Member of APRA AMCOS.
- Registered New Zealand business (NZBN).
Teaching Info
My teaching is evidence-based, individualised, and built around understanding how your voice works, so that each lesson addresses what you need to make the most meaningful progress, in the quickest possible time.
Whether you’re taking your first singing lesson, returning after time away, or continuing to develop an established voice, lessons are tailored to your voice, experience, and goals.
Vocal Tuition for Adults, Teenagers & Children 12+
Personalised tuition for complete beginners through to experienced singers who want to develop healthy vocal technique, improve their singing, and continue building their skills.
Vocal Coaching for Experienced Singers & Performers
Specialist, targeted coaching for singers seeking technical refinement or preparing for auditions, performances, recordings, competitions, and other specific goals.
Letitia is nothing short of amazing. I started seeing Letitia to make the transition from classical singing to contemporary, and she has been a wealth of knowledge and support as I make this leap. What I like about Letitia‘s program is that it doesn’t take shortcuts and ensures singers are taking the healthiest route to achieve their goals with sustainable long-term results. I would recommend Letitia‘s services to anyone who is wanting to get into singing and wants to start their journey the right way, or to an experienced singer who wants to learn advanced techniques and how to get more out of their existing skill set.
Charlotta
Letitia Lindeque Vocal Coach, not only is she a beautiful person, she also has a very beautiful soul. Tayne has been with Letitia just over a year and she has done so much for him. Her style of coaching is very professional, her approach to the person learning is very patient, kind and caring and she can cater for both genders, which is marvelous. She is honest and we just love her, Tayne will not miss a day of coaching with Letitia, and has not. So take mine and Tayne's word, she is the most experienced vocal/singing coach I have come across, she knows her work, and if you persevere with her way of teaching, you will never look back. Thank you Letitia, we appreciate all that you have done, hope you can put up with us for many more years.
Patricia/Tayne
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I have learnt so much, not only about my voice, but also Spiritually. I have enjoyed every moment, every yawn and every stupid time when I thought the note was higher than it really was! You have taught me to relax and to believe in myself. I know now, that I can sing anything I want to, if I just practice! I will never forget your investment in my life.
Miranda
Thank you very much, you are an amazing teacher. I never would have believed that I would be able to get to even half my singing ability that I am at today! I feel a lot more confident with my music and you gave me skills that I'll treasure for life.
