Testimonials

Testimonials and Recommendations

Fine Voice Academy are so pleased to have such a fantastic team behind them. Fine Voice Academy’s reputation is only as good as it’s, staff, volunteers and students. We are humbled by the wonderful comments we receive from the people we meet and serve in our everyday work.

19 September 2015 Dear Simon & Choir Thank you so much for attending our annual open day and fete last Saturday. Your choir were very professional and cheerful, I hope they enjoyed themselves as much as our visitors did listening to them sing. We had excellent attendance. The weather was extremely kind to us and we raised around £10,000. We had some wonderful comments from children and families so thank you so much for helping us make the event such a success. With much appreciation and kind regards June Morton HR Director
June Morton HR Director Naomi House

"I would highly recommend Simon as a singing teacher. He has recently started working with my daughter and has achieved a huge amount of progress in a very short time; with Simon's expertise, after only a few hours of lessons, she is now singing notes she thought she couldn't reach. Simon recently assisted with preparation for a very short-notice audition and was enormously helpful, coaching not only singing technique but performance too which really helped to increase confidence. Sue"
Sue
Parent

I just want to write to say that I am grateful for involvement in the Choir. Although I have been to only two sessions, I have really enjoyed them - particularly last Friday's session.

I also wanted to congratulate you on this choir, made up of such a lovely & willing group of people! It isn't often one comes across a group enthusiastic for singing, & with a good & worthwhile 'cause', - but also a choir with such a personal bond!! This blend makes for an authentic sound & performance.

Last Fridays' rehearsal was eye opening for me, in the way that members entered into the singing, then breaking out into spontaneous applause after a couple of the songs we went through, signalling genuine enjoyment at their achievement.

From my own limited & out of practice experience, I appreciate your positive approach to directing the choir in rehearsals - with your great experience, along with a patient & down to earth manner, yet with an eye & ear for detail, bringing out the best in the group. And... all on a Friday night!!!!

It is not often one gets feedback of any kind! But I just felt I had to write to express my own personal reaction to participating in the group. I hope to be able to continue, & look forward to doing so.

Paul
It`s lovely to hear from you and I`m more than happy for you to use my letter for your publicity. Today I was at the Mayor of Eastleigh`s Civic Day at which there were several mayors most of whom had attended one or both of the concerts you did for me at the Square Tower and all of them said they were the best evenings they had experienced! I would love you to do a concert or two in the coming year for some different local charities such as Wessex Cancer Trust and Off the Record. .............. Your coming year sounds very exciting! Good luck to all of you. You deserve it. Counillor Lynne Stagg, Lord Mayor of Portsmouth
Counillor Lynne Stagg
Lord Mayor of Portsmouth
I am a piano player and started taking singing lessons with Simon because I was looking for some vocal coaching - not only to improve my singing voice and confidence on stage, but also to learn the techniques that would prevent me burning my voice out after only a few numbers. Simon has an operatic background and is an experienced performer - since working with Simon not only has my voice improved and strengthened, but I have also learnt a lot about the technical art of singing and the human voice. Thanks to Simon's teaching I find I am more relaxed on stage, and I am finding it easier to tackle songs that I previously thought were in keys that were too high for me. Lessons are relaxed and we have fun working together. Simon is well studied and passionate about teaching and sharing his knowledge - he personally strives to give students every opportunity to improve and achieve. At Fine Voice students get the opportunity (if desired) to take part and perform in external events and performances outside of lessons, and also attend the chorus groups and choirs that Fine Voice runs. Whatever style of music you are interested in singing, or whether you are interested in doing exams, singing for pleasure, or professional coaching I would recommed Fine Voice Singers Academy.
Nick
The Fine Voice Academy is such a joy to be part of. You have a group of fabulous, talented and friendly young people who we have watched grow and develop as singers who are just a joy. Fine Voice Academy has provided an opportunity for Harriet that we never knew was there. We love being part of Fine Voice for the absolute joy we get from watching the opportunities open up and the Academy grow from strength to strength. We also love it because we have made such wonderful new friends too. Fine Voice Academy has opened up a new avenue for us and I can recommend to anyone to come along and join us. Thank you Simon.
Kirsten
Thank you for Saturday. You and your students were fabulous. Let them know that everyone enjoyed it. Thanks again. I had a very memorable and happy celebration.
Maureen
Simon is a great teacher and under his guidance we have all come on in leaps and bounds and it shows in the sounds we are making in the choir now. I know I will speak for us all when I thank Simon for all his efforts in improving the quality of our singing.
Frank
Opera is all about telling exciting, larger than life stories in which fantastic and sometimes unbelievable things happen. This also applies to the old Neapolitan songs which Simon Long also sang with genuine tenderness for my Mother’s birthday. Simon Long took centre-stage and thrilled my mother and her guests with several heartfelt arias... Simon has a show-stealing air about him with his grace and animation, and a variety in the voice that contrasts pleasingly with L Pavarotti. My mother said the tenor; ‘sang like Luciano’; and she said Simons Italian pronunciation was particularly good; this is wonderful testimony to Simon as my mother is Italian. She was born in Naples, Italy and grew up listening to the familiar songs of Napoli including ‘O Sole Mio’ and ‘Funiculi Funicula’ as well as ‘Torna a Surriento’.His performance was pleasing both physically and vocally. He sang with gusto and handled La Donna e Moblie, 'Il Pagliacci' and Nessun Dorma with extraordinary precision. The music was beautiful, with some really touching moments. My mother and her guests were left singing the last song long into the night.
Anna
Hello Simon, My name is Russell Hunt and I attended the Rock Around The Quay concert last night. I am a musician myself and I just wanted to say how fantastic I thought the show and the solo performers were last night! In particular, one of your students absolutely blew me away with all of her performances........ Having completed work stints with both Universal and Sony, I have A&R contacts within Decca Records, who look after Andrea Bocelli/Laura Wright/Alfie Boe etc. I would love to forward her on to them as I believe she has incredible potential if she finds the right people! Also, I think that what you do is inspirational and your performance of 'Maria' last night was absolutely stunning.
Russell Hunt
Hi Simon Thank you for the lesson Weds. I achieved with your expert teaching a position in the voice that was beyond my wildest expectations, plus did not feel nervous. Looking forward to working with you more. I am practising the exercises daily. Thank you once again All the best
Merylyn
Dear Simon Thank you so much for all your hard work and for giving up your time for the Songs of the the Stage event and "Opera at the Tower" event. Both events were extremely successful and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The performers were very professional and exceptionally talented and the standard of singing was excellent. The Quay of Sea Voices was an inspiration. I very much look forward to seeing you again. Yours sincerely Councillor Lynne Stagg Lord Mayor of Portsmouth
Councillor Lynne Stagg
Lord Mayor of Portsmouth

She loved the week, getting to spend time with the other children and learning new skills and being creative. Also very much loved being able to have breakfast at the together, full marks for the catering which was great (and a bonus for me to not have to create packed lunch each day)An excellent week and show thank you for all your hard work and support.

Very good value for money. Great to meet up for breakfast and have social time (without phones!!) Well planned and thought out they were like a big family. Well done much needed for Summer Holidays and so enlightening. Thanks so much.

She enjoyed every bit of the workshops and was very excited every day to do it making new friends. She would love to do it next year.

She seemed to really enjoy it especially the make- up and making the costumes

The course was very good and it helped bring him out of himself and gave him more confidence. He would like to do it next year!

She has had a fab time, she has come home more than happy every day and didn’t want it to end. Thank you.

She really enjoyed her week, she felt everyone was really nice and friendly. Thank you very much too it was a great opportunity for her.

She loved the make- up and microphone sessions the most. When we spoke on the phone in the evenings she was happy and enjoyed it very much. She liked her peers.

Thank you to Simon and Natalie for a well structured and very enjoyable summer school week. Josie had a great time in all the activities (script writing, sound and mics, make up, singing, dancing, prop and scenery making), the show created by the kids was brilliant and fun and you could see how much they were enjoying it and supporting each other - a credit to the supportive envt you created throughout the week. Thumbs up for wonderful catering too - I think starting the day with breakfast together was enjoyed by all. Enjoy your well-earned rest!

Various Parents Testimonials
Summer Workshop 2017
Simon has been my daughters singing tutor for three years now. She has just passed her grade 3 musical theatre exam with a 99% score (upper distinction). She achieved the grade in a previous exam also. All of this is due to Simons teaching and the techniques that he uses, he teaches each student on an individual basis according to their needs and abilities. He gives them a learning programme tailored to their ongoing requirements. The online access is brilliant and helpful, by going on the “Fine Voice” website students can learn vocal warming up exercises or access resources appropriate to the grade they are working towards. Help is only a click away, as Simon always responds very quickly to any queries or questions you might have. My daughter has gained in confidence and pride due to her hard work and Simon's passion for music.. Thanks
Debbie
Parent
Hello Simon, I just wanted to say 'thank you' for such a fun evening at Friday's singing group, I didn't stop smiling from the time I entered the room. It was fun, uplifting and therapeutic in all manner of ways. The benefits I felt from just 1 session are truly amazing. Take care , see you soon.  
Carolyn
QoSV Member