About

Hi, I’m Vivienne Farris. I am an experienced singer, pianist and teacher. I have been running my private teaching practice since August 2004, and during that time I have helped hundreds of students achieve their goals whether it be working towards exams, a performance, an audition or just for their own enjoyment. I teach Singing, Piano and Music Theory, beginners to advanced.

I can also offer help with Associated Board exams including Rockschool, and SQA exams.  I offer individual or group tuition and I also offer voice workshops on request.   I have a Bachelor of Music Degree from Glasgow University and from Trinity College, London a Licenciate Diploma in Singing and an Associate Diploma in Piano.  I teach young people (from 5 upwards) and adults (no upper age limit) gearing the lessons to suit their individual needs, ie I can enter them for exams or provide basic learning-centred lessons which do not lead to exams. I can offer a more holistic lesson which is more centred towards breathing and “finding” the voice if that is required as I am also a 200 Hrs Seasonal Yoga teacher.  I devised my own way of teaching yoga in 2019 called Vocayoga, which is basically a fusion of voice and yoga tuition.

I am also a Celtic Reiki practitioner and teach relaxation and breathing techniques which include yoga and chi kung exercises, and colour visuation/toning techniques. This enhances the body’s own healing pathways (meridians) and offers healing on many levels including deep relaxation which can reduce or eliminate panic attacks.  This approach really helps with anxiety or depression, and is more gentle than learning conventional singing techniques.

My previous experience as a singer, keyboards player and viola player started in 1982, when I performed and recorded with several bands in varying genres, and I have worked professionally as a solo singer. My band, The Calloways had a single produced by Jo Callis of the Human League and was played on John Peel’s show on Radio 1, leading to a slot at BBC 1’s John Peel Roadshow in Chambers St Student Union in Edinburgh.

I have composed music and have helped previous school students with their compositions for Higher Music.

I teach the Associated Board syllabus together with Rockschool and Trinity Rock and Pop, and enter pupils each year for the Glasgow Music Festival (see “Upcoming Events”)  4 of my singing students and 2 of my piano students have gone on to win their respective classes at this Festival, and a piano student of mine (Hazel van der Walle) won “Uddingston’s Got Talent” (2011).

I have an Enhanced Disclosure and Emergency First Aid at Work Certificate SQAF Level 6, both of which are up to date. I am also a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians.