Discover your unique voice and explore your potential with the guidance of experienced vocal teachers.

Embrace your individuality as we guide you on your journey to becoming a skilled and expressive vocalist. Whether you are just beginning or a professional looking to refine your technique, Kyla and Alex are here to help you discover and enhance the characteristics that make your voice truly unique. We believe that healthy vocal habits and the practice of treating your whole body as an instrument (the heart of classical training) create a strong foundation of technique and understanding that gives singers the freedom to explore the genres they are most passionate about.

Join us for in-person or online lessons from our home studios in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie NSW.

About Us

We are tertiary qualified voice teachers and professional singers who have had the privilege of watching hundreds of vocalists grow in our studio over the past decade. We both continue to hone our own craft through our work as freelance performers locally and internationally, and love being able to share first-hand experiences with our students.

  • I grew up in Lake Macquarie in a family of music lovers and have fond memories of sing-alongs on car trips to Doris Day, Bing Crosby, Eva Cassidy and Dire Straits. Being a shyer soul, I was always tentative to sing in front of people, but always knew that I loved it more than anything!

    When I was seven I joined the fantastic Waratah Girls Choir and enjoyed singing with the choir until I was sixteen. In high school, I began my first private singing lessons with a wonderful, inspiring singing teacher who encouraged me to sing not only the songs I knew I loved but also to explore new genres to see what my voice was capable of. Whilst I had dabbled with both violin and piano lessons in primary school, singing lessons were what always excited me most and something I found myself eager to practice and learn more about. They were a way for me to use my voice to show who I was and a place for me to feel the most like myself. Long story short, music and singing has been at the centre of my life ever since.

    After high school, I auditioned for music schools around Australia and was accepted into what was then considered the best university for Classical Voice, so made the move to Perth to study for a Bachelor of Music in Classical Performance at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. In my first year at WAAPA, I was awarded the Michelle Robinson scholarship for most outstanding first-year student (which helped me buy my first car!) and graduated with High Distinction in the top one percent of graduates.

    After university, I successfully auditioned for a position in the Dame Nellie Melba Opera Trust program. I spent the following year undertaking intensive, specialized, post-graduate training through an individually tailored mentorship program guided by leading industry professionals. It was an invaluable year that not only advanced my development as a classical musician but also helped to launch my singing career.

    After my year with Melba I was cast in the Opera Australia Schools Touring Company so spent two years introducing tens of thousands of kids around NSW to their first operas and driving a big truck full of sets and costumes through Sydney peak hour! I was then asked to join the Opera Australia Chorus and have since performed in over thirty productions at the Sydney Opera House with the company, either casually or full-time.

    I was also successful in auditioning for The Seven Sopranos and over the years have had some incredible opportunities through my involvement with the group. We recorded and released two albums where I learnt an enormous amount about recording as well as what’s expected in photoshoots and music video shoots. Our first album, released by ABC Music reached #2 on the classical charts and the music video for our second album has over a million views on YouTube. We performed twice at the televised ‘Lord Mayor’s Carols’ in Brisbane and on two classical-music-themed cruises with ‘Bravo! Cruise of the Performing Arts’. I also travelled extensively with the group, including a tour of Australia and New Zealand as well as being flown to Dubai, Singapore and China for corporate events and festivals.

    Alongside my opera performance, I spent five years as the singer and drummer for the Country-Folk band Whistle Dixie and was introduced to a whole new world of music (and cowboy boots)! The band played three times at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, twice at the Groundwater Country Music Festival, we travelled all the way up to the Gympie Music Muster and down to the NSW/VIC border for the Deni Ute Muster. We toured Queensland, including playing at Eat Street and the iconic Leftie’s Music Hall and did ticketed shows at Lizotte’s Newcastle as well as opening several times for Diesel and for The Black Sorrows.

    Rewinding a bit, the year after I first graduated from WAAPA I began pursuing another dream I had held since I started having singing lessons myself which was to start vocal teaching. I began teaching at home but have since also worked as a Peripatetic Voice teacher at Avondale School and Heritage College Lake Macquarie. I had always dreamed of becoming a professional singer, but equally dreamed of having the opportunity to help other singers on their journeys and it has become a wonderful, rewarding part of my life which I love! I have had the great pleasure to continue teaching whilst pursuing my singing career over the years and I love learning and growing by continuing to perform and teach concurrently. I am constantly so inspired by my students and I never, ever want to stop learning!

    • Opera Australia Chorus (2015 - Present): Turandot, Carmen, The Love for Three Oranges, Simon Boccanegra, Sydney Opera House the Opera, La Boheme, King Roger, Tosca, Verdi Requiem, Parsifal, Madame Butterfly, Ernani, Otello, Lohengrin, La Traviata, Roberto Devereux, Mefistofele, Chorus!, La Juive, Attila, Maria Stuarda, Il Trovatore. Ernani.

    • The 7 Sopranos (2012 - Present): recording debut album The 7 Sopranos with ABC Classics in 2013 and second album Popcorn: Songs from Stage and Screen in 2016; being flown to Dubai, China and Singapore for corporate performances and festivals; touring concerts to New Zealand and throughout NSW, VIC and QLD; performing solo and as part of the ensemble in 2014 and 2016 for televised ‘Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols’ in Brisbane; performing in ‘Bravo! A Cruise of the Performing Arts in 2014 and 2018.

    • Opera Australia Schools Touring Company (2014, 2015): performing to school students throughout NSW as Rosina in Rossini’s The Barber of Seville in 2014 and Cinderella in Rossini’s Cinderella in 2015.

    • Performing freelance as the Mezzo Soprano Soloist in various oratorio including: Vivaldi’s Gloria, Handel’s Israel in Egypt, Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle, Handel’s Messiah and Verdi Requiem.

    • Performing in Australia’s major country music festivals as the lead singer and drummer with local band Whistle Dixie (2018-2024): four years at Tamworth Country Music Festival, two years at Groundwater Country Music Festival, Gympie Music Muster, Deni Ute Muster, local festival Burning of the Barrel. Other highlights with the band include playing at Miami Marketta and Eat Street in Brisbane as well as recording on their debut album Blast Off!

Kyla Allan - Mezzo Soprano

  • From a very young age, I’ve adored singing and music, acting and being on the stage. I was involved in amateur theatre in Newcastle and sang in various choirs, including the Australian Youth Choir.

    As a teenager, I started my first singing lessons after being asked to perform in local musicals but when my teacher at the time introduced me to opera I fell in love with the drama of the music and stories.

    After High School, I began a Bachelor of Music at the Sydney Conservatorium but decided that the performance focus of the course at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts appealed to me more so I took the plunge and moved to Perth. There I met my incredible, soon-to-be wife Kyla and graduated from WAAPA with a Bachelor of Music (Classical Performance) and a Graduate Diploma in Music in 2013.

    For two years after graduating, I travelled with the Opera Australia Schools Company, performing over three hundred times for primary school students around NSW, including at my old primary schools in Newcastle! In 2015 I also learnt to produce and record music with the 12-month Produce Music course at the Ableton Live School and Studios 301.

    In 2016 we moved home to Newcastle and I started teaching Voice from home as well as at the Newcastle Conservatorium, first through their community music program and then for their Bachelor of Music, for which I was also a lecturer and examiner.

    Alongside my teaching, I began performing in as much amateur opera as I possibly could, performed as a guest artist for Celebrity Cruises with the ‘Fusion’ Vocal Group and joined the Opera Australia Chorus as a Casual Chorister (and cooked in a restaurant, but that’s another story!)

    With no performances during the COVID lockdowns of 2020, I focused on improving my singing and later, auditioned as a soloist for Opera Australia. I was made a young artist for 2021 and since then have realised my dream of singing principal roles on the Opera House stage as well as touring Australia with Opera Australia’s touring arm. Other personal highlights include performing at Opera Australia’s inaugural production of Carmen on Cockatoo Island and in the first-ever digital production of Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Brisbane.

    I have continued to teach throughout this time and every day I learn more about how the amazing human voice works and all the cool things it can do; I love sharing this knowledge with students and, above all, watching students grow as singers, musicians and artists.

    • Principle Artist with Opera Australia https://opera.org.au/artist/alexander-sefton/

    • Opera Australia Chorus (2017 - 2020)

    • Opera Australia Schools Touring Company (Figaro, Il barbiere di Siviglia; Sarastro, Die Zauberflöte)

    • Opera Hunter (Don Giovanni, Don Giovanni; 2016 CONDA Award for Figaro, Le Nozze di Figaro)

    • Opera New England (Marcello, La Boheme; Escamillo, Carmen; Germont, La Traviata; Olin Blitch, Susannah)

    • Central Coast Opera (Marcello, La Boheme; Escamillo, Carmen; Sarastro, Die Zauberflöte)

    • WAAPA (Petruccio, The Taming of the Shrew [Australian Premiere]; Frank, Die Fledermaus; Elijah, Elijah)

    • Some of the local companies I was involved with growing up were The Hunter Youth Drama Ensemble, 2 til 5 Youth Theatre, Tantrum Theatre, Maitland G&S Society, and Newcastle Theatre Company.

Alexander Sefton - Baritone

  • Kyla’s kind heart and wholesome nature shine through in her teaching style – she wants her students to get the most out of each lesson to get the most out of themselves! Kyla is passionate about both singing and teaching and has extensive knowledge of her craft. She is continually learning and along with an impeccable attention to detail can offer up effective exercises, accurate terminology and thorough explanations for improvement and better understanding. Kyla is patient and encouraging, creating an environment where her students can flourish to find both their voice and themselves through her lessons.

    Georgie

  • Alex has been my singing teacher for the past 3 years and has helped improve my skill set tremendously. He has always been very patient with me and flexible with my various projects. I really appreciate all the help he has given me and is continuing to do so, most of my success has been heavily supported by his direction and help. I really enjoy my lessons, not only is he a great teacher but he is also a lovely, kind person. After each lesson with him I feel as though I have improved dramatically. I was really fortunate to find such a great singing teacher and I would encourage anyone looking for singing lessons to contact him.

    Robert

  • Vocal Compass is a terrific organisation which helps enhance vocal skills along with a range of other techniques that are important to learn in the music industry. I have been attending Vocal Compass for five and a half years with my teacher Kyla Allan, and have recognised a substantial improvement in my voice and vocal techniques. They have helped me find my voice. Not only are the teachers kind and compassionate, but they also know what is best for you vocally and can help you choose the right songs and skills to learn. The teachers are determined and willing to help you learn skills whether you are a beginner or Beyoncé. Vocal Compass has changed my life in so many ways and I cannot thank them enough for all of the help they have given in the last couple of years and how much I have learned from them.

    Bridget

  • After suffering a classic vocal process granuloma and losing my voice it was recommended by the specialist to attend voice training (among other controls such as low acid diet and reflux management) to avoid the need for surgery. It seemed strange that an older ‘baby boomer’ should now need voice training, however the specialist could not guarantee that my voice would not be damaged after surgery and so I sought assistance from Alex. My voice has returned better than ever and Alex has shown me techniques to reduce strain on my vocal chords, hit upper register notes better than ever and round out my singing capability. I am looking forward to extending my singing skills with Alex and learning more singing genres now the granuloma has gone.

    David

  • Kyla has brought so much pleasure and success for our daughter - a true professional that knows how to make learning enjoyable and purposeful. We’re very fortunate to have found such a wonderful teacher that delivers a great outcome through technical exercises and successful performance strategies.

    Sandra

  • I feel blessed to have Alex as my vocal coach. Alex has a true passion and love of music and has been an amazing teacher for me over the last few years. His vast knowledge, patience, and encouragement has inspired me to become the best musician I can be. Music is always fun when working with Alex. I would highly recommend Alex to anyone who is looking for a music teacher.

    Paul

  • Kyla is an outstanding singing teacher. She is always bright, enthusiastic and very professional. She provides excellent advice and guidance and communicates technical aspects extremely well. Kyla is very thorough in all that she does. Lessons are always very enjoyable. I have no hesitation in recommending Kyla as a singing teacher.

    Chantelle

  • Alex is a very patient and encouraging teacher. He's not afraid to have a bit of fun during lessons, but is always focusing on how you can improve. I've already been able to hear and feel the difference in my voice, and have been able to reach notes I thought were impossible for me. He focuses on every aspect of singing and ensures that you develop to be the best that you can be.

    Michelle

  • Kyla is a wonderfully enthusiastic and professional teacher! My 12yr old daughter is thoroughly enjoying her vocal lessons, and I can hear some significant improvements in her singing technique, as well as her confidence since starting lessons with Kyla.

    Erin

  • Alex is a natural teacher. He has an amazing ability to teach and challenge you in a way that is always relaxed and fun. He has an exceptional breadth of knowledge and passion for singing that comes across in every lesson. I can't recommend Alex highly enough!!

    Julie

  • Vocal Compass has really improved my singing. Each week we focus on my strengths and weaknesses. I always enjoy coming to class and Kyla has taught me so much in such a little amount of time. Not only is she a great teacher but a lovely person in general.

    Kirrily

  • One of the things you notice very quickly with Alex is his positive attitude and passion for teaching. Everybody learns in a different way and if you don't get it the first time, he rephrases again and again until you're able to cross that hurdle you've had for years. In the short time I've been with him there has been a marked improvement in the quality of my voice, both at the top of my range and at the very bottom. He has been a fantastic teacher for me and my wife.

    Ben

  • One of my bucket list items was to learn to sing. I have been attending lessons for over 5 years and love it so much. Kyla is a very patient person with the best voice. Highlight of my week is singing with her.

    Natalie

  • I have worked with 7 vocal teachers over the past ten years and without doubt Alex is the best I've met. He possesses detailed technical expertise which is well matched by his curiosity and commitment to providing the best teaching for his students. Best of all is his sympathy for what students are trying to achieve as he will strive to give you what you want from your lessons and work on music outside the normal vocal teacher repertoire. You can't go wrong!

    Robert

Our Services

All of our Singing Lessons provide our students with guidance on Vocal Technique and Vocal Health as well as Exploring and Expanding Repertoire. Please let us know if you would like to focus specifically on any of our services, listed below, and we can discuss incorporating them into your lessons.


Audition Preparation

HSC Music Performance Preparation

AMEB Exam Preparation

Musicianship and Music Theory

Acting for Singers

Voice Projection for Actors and Speakers


Our Rates

One Hour Lesson $80

Forty-Five Minute Lesson $60

FAQ

  • We offer vocal lessons to students of all levels of experience, and adapt our lessons to suit each student's individual goals.

    We typically only accept students who are twelve years or older. If you have a younger child who is enthusiastic about learning in technique-focused lessons, please don't hesitate to reach out and we can discuss this with you further.

    We aim to ensure that our students enjoy their lessons, and also work hard to improve, so they leave with a sense of accomplishment each time. We encourage all our students to make a habit of practising regularly - while lessons provide you with the tools to progress, it's the work you put in at home that truly helps you improve and reach your goals.

  • Our primary studio is located at our home in Wallsend, Newcastle. Additionally, we offer singing lessons in Bolton Point, Lake Macquarie, and online via Forte Lessons.

    As a home-based studio, we only provide our address to students once their first lesson has been confirmed.

  • Classical vocal techniques form the foundation for all the styles of singing we teach.

    In addition to Classical and Operatic Repertoire, we particularly love to sing in and teach the following genres:

    • Musical Theatre

    • Jazz

    • Blues

    • Folk

    • Country

    • Easy Listening

    • Singer-Songwriter

    We also love working with people on their original music.

  • We provide one-hour (1hr) or forty-five-minute (45min) lessons. Longer lessons can also be arranged upon request.

    We previously offered thirty-minute lessons but discovered that they were too brief to cover both technique and repertoire efficiently. Therefore, we no longer offer thirty-minute lessons.

  • Consistent and conscientious practice is essential for developing skills. Therefore, we recommend that most people take regular lessons, either weekly or fortnightly.

    As professional performers, we may sometimes be away for performances and unable to give lessons in person. However, we encourage our students to continue with us online during these times, and we strive to maintain the consistency of lessons for our students.

  • Please bring along a water bottle and display folder with any songs you’ve worked on previously and to store new repertoire. Some students prefer having their music and keeping notes on a tablet which is a great alternative. A device for recording your lessons is also optional.

    For your first lesson, we would love for you to come up with a list of artists and songs that inspire you. Also, please be prepared to sing one or two songs that you love so we can get to know your voice better.

  • We teach our online lessons via Forte (fortelessons.com), a video conferencing platform optimized for music lessons.

    We will send you a link from Forte which will walk you through creating a student account and then automatically add you to our studio. If you have any technical issues please let us know.

  • We kindly request payment at the time of the lesson. Cash and card are accepted, and there is a 2% transaction fee for card payments.

  • Our time is valuable and so is yours. Please give us at least twenty-four hours of notice if you need to cancel otherwise the full lesson fee is owed.

    If you are unwell, please let us know and we can move your lesson online. With our performance work and the number of singers coming through our studio, we try to avoid getting sick wherever possible!

    If you are too sick to sing, we can spend the time discussing repertoire, music theory, technical concepts, etc to keep you progressing towards your goals.

  • Although we cannot accommodate large groups at our studio, we welcome individuals who wish to attend our lessons with a friend, mother, brother, partner, or any other person. We are happy to teach groups of two, and the lessons will be a minimum of one hour (1hr), charged at $100 per hour.

Contact Us

If you would like to enquire about starting lessons with us or have any questions unanswered in our FAQ, please fill in our contact form and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.