Vocal and Stagecraft Education

With over 30 years performing experience, Emma Sidney enjoys working with groups and individual singers to maximise their impact on stage.

Often vocal coaches train by providing standardised vocal exercises and repertoire. Yet it is the performer with a unique vocal style that stands out, and they are the ones who become stars.

Emma prefers to keep the natural voice and to help each performer create emotional connection with their material, access their complete range, gain vocal clarity and impact.

To master their instrument, Emma mentors singers to remove technical blocks and enables emotional freedom and stagecraft. This elevates each vocalist to inhabit their best style and become an amazing free performer on stage.

A History of Performance Studies

Emma believes that education and learning never stop. To be the best, you must always expand and be open to new styles and ways of performing. Her performance skills include jazz, latin, blues, swing, RnB, hip-hop, acid jazz, jazz fusion, scatting, pop, a touch of country and rock, cabaret and 10 years in opera.

Formal Education

B Mus (years 1, 2) University of Melbourne

Winner of the Clarice Maylon Middleton Scholarship for Voice (B Mus)

Diploma of Jazz and Popular Music (H1 average)

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (piano)

Opera Education

Primarily with Cavell Poli (Sun aria award winner)

Studied as a lyric soprano to AMEB Grade 7 level.

Languages: Italian, French, Russian, German.

Material: included Sondheim, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Bizet, Monteverdi, Mozart, Britten

Jazz Education

Diploma of Jazz and Popular Music (Box Hill) was recommended over VCA at the time.

Covered audio engineering, business training, aural training and performance.

Material: Jazz, Latin, Blues, Swing, Cabaret, Ballads, Standards, original compositions.

Speech Level Singing

Studied speech level singing to overcome a 2 year bout of pharyngitis, and took lessons for 5 years from Susan Turner. After the first year, Emma was selected to play Fantine in an award winning SLAMS production of Les Miserables.

1:1 Voice Studies

Always keen to learn, Emma has studied with several of the leading jazz singers in Melbourne.

Michelle Nicolle, Julie O’Hara and Nina Ferro as well as with NY saxophonist Bob Franchescini.

Masterclasses and Other courses

Emma has undertaken several master classes with exceptional local and international performers.

Masterclasses:
Mark Murphy (USA) and Kurt Elling (USA)

Courses:
Jazz for Singers - 8 week course with Bridgette Allen and Bob Sedergreen

VJC Jazz Vocalist - 8 week course with Nina Ferro.

Masterclasses

Stagecraft Masterclasses

POA

Tailored masterclasses to suit so that your students can elevate their performance from learning songs to embodying them.

Each singer will be given the skills they need for their breakthrough.

  • Overcoming stage fright

  • Moving naturally

  • Diction and articulation

  • Register transitions

  • Vocal agility and flexibility

  • Breathing, volume and dynamics

  • Relaxing the throat and posture

  • Microphone technique and projection

  • Regular practice and self-care

Master Stagecraft

$99

Master Stagecraft - For Singers and Non-singers

Hosted on Udemy, this 3 part course features 15 videos that cover all the basics needed to acquire the skills to perform confidently on stage—whether singing or speaking.

This concise course covers calming stage nerves, mastering breathing techniques, selecting the right songs, projecting your voice, and handling a microphone.

With practical exercises and focused lessons, you’ll quickly build stage presence and captivate any audience. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to boost their performance skills.

Kara-ok for Community

POA

Kara-ok is a community initiative developed by Emma to help singers who might not normally take the stage overcome their nerves and feel comfortable in a friendly, supportive environment.

Each event provides a safe space for participants to explore their hidden talents, with a welcoming crowd, expert host to guide them, and a diverse song selection to suit all tastes.

Kara-ok is dedicated to building community, confidence, self-expression, and belonging—ensuring everyone feels celebrated for their unique voice.