Kathleen McKellar Ferguson studied both piano and singing at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. After a distinguished and highly successful international solo singing career in both concert and opera, Kathleen has taught singing at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland since 2001. Kathleen’s reputation goes before her and the high calibre of her teaching and expertise is testament to the fact that many of her students are now forging their own singing careers and are singing all over the world. Kathleen gives private singing lessons at her studio in Kippen, near Stirling, as well as online zoom lessons choral workshops and master classes both at home and abroad. She is an active member of AOTOS, (The Association of Teachers of Singing) and runs her own concert series “Classics at Kippen” in the village of Kippen, in central Scotland, where she lives with her husband, Grant.
Zoom Lessons
In Person Lessons
Having taught on zoom for almost 2 years during the pandemic I have it down to a fine art. I can now teach you wherever you are in the world. It works very well as you will see from these testimonials. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Whilst zoom lessons work really well there is nothing quite like an ‘in person’ lesson when I can play the piano for you and you can enjoy the lovely ambience of my studio at home in Kippen, 10 miles from Stirling, in central Scotland.
Kathleen’s Zoom lessons have been incredibly effective and educational.
Erin McCrystal
Kath’s adept use of Zoom, along with her keen ears and insight, made me feel like we were truly face-to-face in our lessons.
Jinghua Niu
I found lessons with Kath to be incredibly enjoyable over Zoom!
Catherine Moss
I’m so pleased to have found zoom lessons with Kath, it’s such a silver lining to the current restrictions.
Hannah Sandison
It’s a very easy platform to work with and Kath is very well equipped
Lisa Willems
So amazing to be able to stay connected with my wonderful teacher over in Scotland
Karina Bailey
What do you love about teaching?
The benefits of singing.
Suffice it to say that singing is good for your health! Singing is also fun and if you sing in a choir or small group you will find a wonderful community of like-minded people. The health benefits are numerous and there are many other spin offs too. Singing is something you can do at any age and you don’t have to be a professional or aspiring professional to enjoy it. Singing gives you a wonderful skill which gives you and others pleasure. The benefits are:
- Increased confidence and self esteem
- Improved posture and breathing
- It lifts your spirits
- It reduces stress
- It gives you a sense of well being
- It helps with communication and listening skills
- It is fun
- It is for all ages
- It can help with many illnesses and health problems….depression, anxiety, asthma, dementia and alzheimers to name but a few.
Toolbox explained.
“Kathleen is a kind, wise and generous colleague who has helped so many vocal students gain knowledge and confidence in this fickle business”. Dame Sarah Connolly. (Mezzo Soprano)
“Kath cares deeply about her students and is a great support to them. She understands that each singer has their own vocal journey and adapts to what the individual needs. This combination, coupled with her musicianship skills, were very beneficial to me as a young singer”. Catriona Morrison. Cardiff Singer of the World 2017 (Mezzo Soprano)
“Kathleen has a warm personality coupled with an authoritative delivery that gets results in a pleasant atmosphere and, when needed, with humour. She works patiently but with resolve”. Dr Christopher Bell, National Youth Choir of Scotland and Edinburgh International Festival Chorus.
“She is a great colleague and has a wonderful supportive manner”. Jeffrey Sharkey, Principal RCS since 2015.