Led by Rob Ashworth-Lines, The Manchester Vocal Coach is a highly experienced vocal coach with a client list that includes West End and international productions, such as Wicked and The Lion King.

But he’s not your typical teacher, as he has extensive training in various techniques, such as the CCM (Contemporary Commercial Music) vocal pedagogy and vocal habilitation. Basically, he can teach in all genres, from classical to rock.

Most importantly, he works with specialised professionals to aid with voice issues. For instance, he creates strategic plans alongside a language therapist and a performance coach for a more effective vocal support.

For such a busy professional, we were pleasantly surprised by his availability, with singing lessons in his studios (in the City Centre and Rochdale) and online. But Saturdays are open in Rochdale only, and they’re strictly by request.

A one-hour singing session costs £60, which isn’t the cheapest, but quite fair for the level of service he provides.

I feel more in control of my voice

“I had cancer 3 years ago and came to Rob when I moved over for uni in hopes that he could help me regain my voice (i lost a lot of strength and range from my treatment). I’ve been getting bi weekly lessons for the last couple of months and can already feel and hear a dramatic change. I feel more in control of my voice and it is starting to resonate like it used to. I couldn’t recommend Rob more & will tell anyone who asks me re singing lessons to go to him. I’m afraid he will be stuck with me for life, he is giving me back my confidence in my voice and I could not be more thankful for him.”

Issie Marsh, Google Review

A fantastic singing teacher

“Rob is a fantastic singing teacher! In our sessions we work on audition prep, songs for my rep and he’s really helped me with my confidence in singing! Would 100% recommend to any of my other friends In the industry :)”

Leah Appleyard, Google Review

For individuals who are serious about performing in front of an audience, The Singing Hive is a place worth considering. You’ll receive voice coaching from Pippa Goss, an accredited singing teacher and a vocal habilitation professional.

She offers in-person and online private vocal coaching in Manchester. And although group sessions are off the table, she accepts individuals aged eight and above, with student-centred yet collaborative classes.

Goss is such a joy to work with, as she focuses on a personalised approach that caters to every need. Given her experience as a multi-genre singing teacher, she can coach in a wide array of musical styles.

We were rather fond of her accessibility through offering one-off and packaged sessions, accommodating various schedules and budgets. But her one-on-one singing lessons are a tad pricier at £150 for 60 minutes.

Her rates make sense, though, since her focus is on professional training and her student list includes new singers and actors.

Extremely professional

“My daughter has been going to the singinghive for a couple months now and I’ve already noticed her increased confidence. Pippa is an extremely professional vocal coach and knows how to bring out the best in her students. She is also a lovely person with so much positive energy.”

Arti Manchha, Google Review

The sessions far exceeded my expectations

“I had my first of what I trust will be many sessions with Pippa today. The reason for me to see Pippa was to gain better insight in how to use my voice effectively whilst teaching a Step class. Pippa was excellent at giving tips as well as making my session fully interactive and totally enjoyable. The session far exceeded my expectations and we are now collaborating on my next series of Step classes which will be taking Step to the next level! Pippa’s booking system was easy to navigate. Pippa’s room is very bright and welcoming – just like Pippa.”

Helen Brown, Google Review

The Music Shed is a one-stop destination for musical lessons, offering vocal singing, music theory, and instrument classes. They have a team of teachers who are equipped to coach in various genres, from gospel to rock.

They cater to all ages and singing abilities. Plus, they have SEN (Special Educational Needs) and sensory support lessons, providing an inclusive space and adapting to the needs of each student.

Music Shed is known to make singing lessons fun, as they host music festivals twice yearly, so students can perform in front of a crowd. Based on what we’ve seen, these events have helped many gain confidence in their singing abilities.

All lessons are only taught on-site, though, so online sessions are out of the question. Flexibility is still front and centre, since alternative schedules are available and it’s totally your call whether you want to attend more sessions or not.

They go above and beyond to help us

“My son has been having guitar lessons here for around 2 years and I can honestly say you will never find a better music school for your children to attend. My daughter has just started singing lessons now too and absolutely loves it! My son has lessons and in a band and doing gigs, he has really found his love for music and made some lovely friends along the way. The owners Dave and Dawn are the nicest people you will meet, always accommodating and they go above and beyond to help us if we need to switch a lesson. Honestly 5 stars is not enough, I would rate it more if I could.”

Sarah Wakelin, Google Review

Great music school

“Great music school, can’t fault the attentive and personal touch of the management and high standard of teaching. Our son has been having drum lessons for 2 years now and he’s loved the opportunities the Music Shed has given him to really develop his technical skills and work through grades, to also be part of a band and gain lots of performance experience. We’ve been so impressed, we’ve also enrolled our daughter for singing lessons and she’s loving it!”

Paul Barrett, Google Review

Alicia of Alma Voice Studio wears many hats, allowing her to accommodate all kinds of students and abilities. To give you an idea, she’s a vocal health first aider, music performance anxiety coach, and a gender-affirming voice coach.

Her extensive expertise enables her to help her students find their authentic singing voice, whilst focusing on healthy habits that won’t hurt their vocal cords. Part of her experience is her professional work, including West End productions.

As for accessibility, she’s open to online and in-person singing lessons in Manchester. Her studio is in her home in Eccles, so appointment booking has limited availability.

Furthermore, she teaches kids and adults, starting at age eight. In fact, her time as a freelance performing arts teacher gives her hands-on experience coaching kids to express emotions through singing.

For someone with a long credentials list, her rates are surprisingly reasonable, starting at £50 for a one-hour singing lesson. Conveniently, regular students even receive discounted rates.

The best I have ever had

“I lost my voice through my job and so went to Alicia initially for vocal health work. I then transitioned to singing lessons in which, though I am a professional performer and have had many teachers, Alicia is by far the best I have ever had. Alicia is knowledgeable in so many aspects. I fully trust Alicia with my voice and see her as an integral part of building and sustaining my career long term. She’s also just blooming lovely. Highly, highly recommend.”

Faith M, Google Review

Dedicated and extremely knowledgeable

“I wanted to return to singing for many years. I knew finding the right teacher would be a process in itself. I had parts of my voice I just didn’t know how to use and no one’s ever taught me how! With Alicia’s help I am now finally reaching my goals. Alicia is a dedicated and extremely knowledgeable teacher who also has an amazing voice herself. Not only is Alicia a wonderful teacher who really knows her stuff she is a lovely person which makes lessons even more enjoyable.”

Leah Murphy, Google Review

Led by Mags Lowe, Singing UK is a Marple spot for voice coaching. She’s available for in-person and online singing lessons, where she’ll explore your vocal ability and health, as well as help you build confidence while performing.

In fact, most of her students felt comfortable singing, even during the first lesson. She’s the type of singing coach who listens and encourages everyone, which has led to some booking multiple lessons instantly.

Plus, private and small group lessons are available, although she primarily focuses on adults. But her range is quite vast, as she specialises in various music styles, from pop to rock.

Her calendar is wide open, offering singing lessons six days a week. We found that she’s rather accommodating, especially when students have tight schedules.

Lastly, her private singing lessons are easy on the wallet, starting at £20 for a 30-minute session. An investment, really, since she goes way beyond vocal training through supported progression for auditions.

Excellent teacher

“Excellent teacher. Very patient and able to coax notes out of me I didn’t know were there. Each lesson is a step forwards. I can recommend Mags to anyone,young or not so young, wanting to sing.”

Tony Pearce, Google Review

So encouraging and supportive

“I could not sing a note but have always wanted to be able to. I found Mags by a chance Google and boy am I glad I did. She is an amazing teacher; so encouraging and supportive. She put me at my ease in my very first lesson, which was no mean feat given how scared I was. I have learnt so much in such a short space of time and  I am constantly amazed at what she helps me achieve each week. Deciding to learn to sing with Mags is one of the best things I have ever done – not only am I learning to sing but it has improved my confidence, improved my performance in meetings at work and taught me lots of great breathing and relaxation techniques. I can’t recommend Mags highly enough.”

Scott L Heath, Google Review