Illawarra Vocal Academy

Meet Your Teachers
All teachers are trained and mentored by our Principal Teacher Jess. We believe in working together to make sure our students receive the best tuition available. Jess will often pop her head in on lessons to give feedback and advice.

Jessica Soden
Studio Owner and Principal Vocal Tutor
Qualifications
Master of Music Studies (Vocal Pedagogy), QLD Conservatorium of Music
Bachelor of Primary Education, Wollongong University
Diploma of Youth Work, TAFE Illawarra
Vocal Acoustic Pedagogy, New England Conservatory
Advanced Certificate Estill Voice Training
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Jess has grown up in the Illawarra and has been active in the local theatre community for over 20 years. After being mentored in singing teaching by local teachers she moved to QLD to study the specifics of the craft. Here she studied under the leading voice teachers in the country; Irene Bartlett and Adele Nisbett. This course taught the specifics of how to change your voice to suit different genres of music as well as how to produce any sound you want without hurting yourself.
Before moving away to pursue tertiary studies, Jess had many years of vocal and dance training under local teachers, she undertook exams in AMEB and ISTD (tap and jazz). In 2007 Jess started a vocal group for local youth through Shellharbour City Youth Services, whilst studying for her Diploma of Youth Work. Jess then went on to complete an Advanced Certificate in Estill Voice Training whilst completing her Bachelor of Primary Education.
After completing her Masters degree in QLD, she returned to the Illawarra and taught at the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music. Here she taught both individual lessons and choirs to great success. Jess is currently teaching singing at the University of Wollongong alongside the studio.
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Some of her student's achievements include:
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, QLD Professional Production.
The Magic Flute, Opera Australia.
(Jess prepared the choir for this performance).
'The Voice Kids' TV show.
Current professional gigging musicians (names undisclosed for privacy).
Successful entrance into Universities.
Honours in AMEB examinations.
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To find out more about Jess's teaching methods please click the 'about' section of the website.
Naomi Grace
Senior Vocal Tutor
Naomi's involvement in the arts began with musical theatre, where she discovered her love for singing. From singing to dancing and musical directing, Naomi’s skills have developed in a wide range of areas.
Holding an Associate Diploma in Singing Teaching, Naomi shares her knowledge with students, emphasising healthy technique across various genres. Her students have had great success, winning eisteddfods and securing lead roles in musicals.
As a singer-songwriter, Naomi performs original Contemporary Christian music. She has been involved with the ONE Music Festival since 2022, using music as a vessel to share the Good News of Jesus.
Naomi's teaching style is characterized by her bright and patient personality. She invests in each student's journey, adapting her methods to suit individual learning needs. Whether you're singing for fun, chasing big dreams, or writing your own songs, Naomi is dedicated to helping you grow.
