Lower Hutt
Singing Lessons | Artist development, Online Lessons
Bio
Discover Your Voice with Paloma
Whether you’re just starting out or already have years of experience, I’m here to help you discover—or rediscover—the joy of singing.
Singing should feel natural, expressive, and uplifting. Yet for many people, it can also feel frustrating or even intimidating. If that’s been your experience, you’re not alone. I work with students of all backgrounds to build confidence, reconnect with their voices, and find genuine enjoyment in music again.
There is so much beautiful music in the world to sing—why not enjoy singing it?
My Approach
I teach singing with a focus on healthy technique, freedom of expression, and vocal discovery. My approach is grounded in what I’ve learned from many inspiring teachers and coaches over the years, combining practical tools with encouragement and care.
I teach using the principles I learned at the LoVetri Institute for Somatic Voicework™ The LoVetri Method in 2021–22 and recently completed a Level II refresher in 2025. This approach helps singers of all styles develop a voice that feels easy, expressive, and reliable. I also draw on the traditions of the Italian and Swedish schools of singing, as passed down by my own mentors.
About Me
I’m an experienced classical singer and performer with a background in opera, oratorio, and concert work. I was honoured to be one of four Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artists with NZ Opera in 2005, and my journey has taken me from national competitions in New Zealand to stages across the UK.
After being accepted to postgraduate study at the Royal College of Music in London, I began a freelance opera career, performing with companies such as London Festival Opera, Heritage Opera, Opera Anywhere, Swansea City Opera, and many more.
One highlight was originating the role of Julia Bertram in the world premiere of Jonathan Dove’s opera Mansfield Park, based on the novel by Jane Austen. This opera has since gone on to international acclaim, including a recent premiere in New Zealand with NZ Opera.
I’ve performed for radio, television, and live audiences of all sizes—from small gatherings to outdoor events with over 100,000 people.
Let’s Sing
If you’re curious about exploring your voice—whether for fun, performance, or personal growth—I’d love to work with you. Together, we can improve your singing to help achieve your goals and so you can enjoy your unique sound.
Get in touch to book a lesson or ask any questions. I look forward to singing with you!
Teaching Info
- Paloma offers both regular and casual singing lessons. You can attend in person in Waterloo, Lower Hutt, or Wellington, or learn online via Zoom from anywhere in New Zealand or around the world. Paloma also offers Video Feedback sessions where you can email her a video of you singing and get written feedback. If you’re interested in having a lesson please email pb.singingstudio@gmail.com with your preferred days and times to be added to the waiting list. You can apply for a video feedback session by visiting my website www.palomabruce.com
PALOMA AS A TEACHER
Paloma has received training from various nationally and internationally acclaimed classical voice teachers, and more recently, she has explored Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) voice to complement her studies in Somatic Voicework™ The LoVetri Method. Paloma teaches using the principles she learned at the LoVetri Institute where she has attended Levels I-III of Somatic Voicework™.
Paloma’s students have performed with the NZ Opera, gained admission to the Royal Northern College of Music, and been accepted into the Jazz School at Massey University. A former scholarship student is now an artist teacher at the NZ School of Music. Additionally, Paloma has taught graduates from prestigious institutions and coached international touring and recording artists.
Paloma is a class act. I have known her for about thirteen years now, and I have watched her transform from a top singer and performer with a world-class career and voice into a wonderful teacher. We kiwis are now very fortunate to have her back on our shores, where we can benefit from her knowledge and years of experience. She has also gained an international perspective and had the opportunity to work with top coaches during her time in the UK and US and she can bring that perspective back to New Zealand. She comes highly qualified, having studied with Honours at the New Zealand School of Music and then going on to train at the Royal College of Music in London. I consider myself extremely fortunate to know Paloma. She made me feel welcome in her studio and her home. I had just arrived back in New Zealand after some time overseas, and she displayed a genuine interest in me as a person and performer. I was offered a scholarship, which made such a difference as a poor student at the time. I had a serious vocal injury, and after working with Paloma on breathing and release, I found the situation improved after the first lesson. From that point, every experience in her studio was a delight, and a wonderful learning experience. She helped me to discover my true, free instrument. It's not an understatement to say I would not be singing today without her. Even as I have moved cities now, she continues to take an active interest in my career and performing, offering input and encouragement. She is a wonderful teacher and exceptional person.
R Labone (now a professional opera singer in Germany)
I can't recommend Paloma [and the BVS] highly enough to anyone who is serious about learning to sing, whatever your level. She has done wonders for my singing technique and confidence; her lessons are relaxed yet informative and positive and I always come away feeling I'm improving. With a little under 2 years of tuition I'm singing things I never dared dream I could sing and have discovered a completely different side to my voice. I'm now attending a coaching course for professional opera singers and have been told (on very high authority) that I must have a great teacher!
Abigail Carpenter
I knew from the first lesson that my voice was in safe, expert hands with Paloma! I had never met such a knowledgeable and passionate singing teacher. I learnt to engage my entire body while singing and was amazed by how much my voice developed and grew.
Megan Brand, a Soprano when studying to become a music therapist in Bristol, UK.
aloma Bruce is a wonderful teacher whose passion for music is only rivaled by her passion for teaching. Her lessons are always the highlight of my week, and during our time together she has helped me to reach vocal achievements far beyond anything I could have hoped for when I first started singing. Paloma’s contagious enthusiasm and extraordinary teaching has taken what was at best a nice hobby and transformed it into a very real chance at a singing career. Lessons with Paloma are always a joy; her warm and friendly nature will put even the most timid students at ease. I full-heartedly recommend Paloma to anyone wanting to learn safe and healthy vocal technique, beginners piano, or anyone wanting to take their current technique to the next level. Start taking lessons from Paloma; I guarantee you wont regret it!
Daniel Upchurch, graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music and now a Music Teacher
"Thank you for being such an inspiring, positive and happy teacher that I thoroughly enjoyed singing for." "Used to absolutely dread top G's, they're becoming my friends now :)" "Accessed a whole new type of vocal sound I didn't even know was possible today. Thank you @palomabruce!" "I have the most excellent singing teacher @SingingStudioUK @palomabruce who has brought me on leaps & bounds in about 7 months. Recommend!" "So pleased with how much progress I'm making #singing #lessons with @palomabruce arias are coming along without destroying contemp. voice :)"
