Teaching
"With an upbeat and positive approach to teaching,
her ethos is centred around the principle that
all forms of creativity thrive in
an atmosphere of warmth and curiosity
and that when you feel free to play,
that's when you can truly become open to learn".
"Mae is an amazing,
inspirational singing teacher.
Every lesson is a real joy - I’ve just sung on stage for the first time - Mae was incredibly supportive in helping me to overcome my nerves and giving me the skills to do it! Thank you!"
Sue
Mae's passion for music and genuine love of teaching really shines through... incredibly well organised, punctual and is a total joy to be around."
Lucy (parent)
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"...an endless source
of inspiration"
Willow
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"Mae is a fantastic teacher just suited to teaching
my 12 year old,
she’s enthusiastic,
passionate about music, well organised and flexible"
Lou
Experience
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Mae Karthauser has close to two decades of vocal training/ professional experience covering classical, jazz and popular styles alongside some training in world music (North Indian, Bulgarian, Javanese, West African) and Alexander Technique. She was awarded ABRSM Grade 8 distinction in classical voice and received a First Class honours from Dartington College of Arts in 2009 - as well as also studying for a year at California Institute of the Arts in Los Angeles (comprising a four year degree) with voice teacher Kate Conklin.
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Since 2008, Mae has been touring professionally in Europe and America both solo, in bands and also with contemporary circus, theatre and spoken word. This has also included performing live on BBC One for The One Show in 2017 with aerial circus stunts men The Flying Frenchies, two times performing at Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Arts, in addition to supporting James Brown saxophonist Peewee Ellis, in funk/ dance band The Sungroove Messengers.
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Beyond releasing four albums of her own, she has performed and recorded regularly in several other projects including session work. She continues to perform in Europe and collaborate with contemporary circus companies in France and Sweden (9.81, Flying Frenchies, Cirkus Nikolajeff).
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Mae began playing piano at 5 years old under the instruction of her mother and is mostly self taught, although studied classical piano for music college and was awarded ABRSM Grade 8. She learned violin for 11 years. Mae started teaching singing back in 2008 and since then has also taught groups and choirs at Stagecoach Performing Arts school in Plymouth, working with children as young as four, right up to performing adults and retired amateurs. In 2019 she completed the Estill Level 1 & 2 intensive voice course with Charlotte Xerri. Developed by Jo Estill following decades of intensive scientific research, Estill Voice Training is a programme for developing vocal skills based on analysing the process of vocal production into control of specific structures in the vocal mechanism. By acquiring the ability to consciously move each structure the potential for controlled change of voice quality is increased.
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With an upbeat and positive approach to teaching, her ethos is centred around the knowledge that all forms of creativity thrive in an atmosphere of warmth and curiosity and that when you feel that you can play, you can truly become open to learn.
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Qualifications
BA (hons) Music International (Performance) 1:1
BFA (one year exchange) at California Institute of Arts, USA
ABRSM Grade 8 Singing
ABRSM Grade 8 Piano
ABRSM Grade 5 Theory
Estill Voice Training Level 1 & 2
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Enhanced DBS certification 2018
Child Protection in Education (Music) Level 2, 2018
CME (Trinity College, London); Certificate for Music Educators 2019
Enhanced disclosure (full CRB) certificate 2022
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Singing
Singing
Beginners to Advanced
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One to one lessons tailored to the individual. Using a wide range of exercises and techniques to warm and stretch your vocal abilities, we work on repertoire geared towards realising confidence, revealing and developing your own unique voice, developing tone, range and breath control, learning mic technique and working towards your personal aims; whether that be professional performance, singing your own songs, doing exams or simply feeling confident around the campfire.
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I also support young people towards their GCSE and A level projects and coach singers in performance.
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An initial session of one hour is usually recommended to establish a good sense of current ability.
Adults and children 8 years and up.
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£32 per hour
*£24 for 45 mins (*children)
Piano
Beginners and Intermediates: Foundation in Piano
One to one sessions geared towards establishing a foundation and confidence in piano playing; gaining fluency in rhythm and pitch, good posture and a healthy technique, understanding the foundations of music theory and enjoying the freedom of improvisation whilst at the same time building a fantastic and robust confidence in note reading.
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Support and coaching in songwriting is also offered.
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Adults and children 6 years and up.
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£32 per hour
* £16 for 30 mins (*children)
"Mae is a fantastic singing teacher -
positive, encouraging, fun and professional.
I was very nervous before my first lesson but Mae put me at ease immediately
with a warm welcome and her positive attitude.
She is extremely likeable and knowledgeable and has helped me to find my voice again
after year's of feeling like I would never
sing in front of anyone again.
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I always look forward to my lesson and would recommend her to anyone!"
Max
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"As well as being a very talented singer Mae has an exceptional way with children and makes a great teacher. She makes sure she is choosing pieces which my daughter will like which encourages her will to practise between lessons. Highly recommended!"
Kate
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"Thank you so much for helping me find my voice this year, and for giving me the confidence to sing"
Philippa
My mission is to inspire, empower and nurture innate human creativity and to provide this in an affordable way within the local community.
Coombe Park Rural Business Centre is situated in the beautiful Devon countryside, just outside the bustling artistic town of Totnes.
The Voice Studio is nestled between the studios and open workshops of potters, sculptors and weavers in a valley surrounded by trees. Visitors welcome! Please call if you would like to arrange a visit.
Mae Karthauser Voice Studio,
16 Coombe Park Rural Business Centre,
Ashprington,
Totnes,
Devon.
TQ9 7DY
Once a lesson is booked a notice period of no less than 24 hours must given prior to the lesson if you would like to cancel or rearrange the lesson. In the event that the 24 hour notice period is not given, it is with regret that students will be charged in full. Lesson slots are hard to fill at short notice so please respect the notice period to avoid being charged.