Aya A.
“I have been a student under Virginia Stack for 8 years, from my first year in high school, to now my 3rd year of University. Throughout my junior years in high school, Virginia encouraged and assisted me in participating in school musicals, and music ensembles to help extend my abilities. When executing my external AMEB (Australian Music Examination Board) exams, she pushed me to do better each year, and challenged me with increased difficulty in the repertoire we chose. I was challenged with arias, lieder, British art song and baroque pieces, that helped shape my vocal abilities to where they are today. These music exams not only assisted my performance abilities, but also helped me to understand the theory behind what I was singing, such as, scale variations, aural identification with intervals and sight singing.As we entered into my senior years, Virginia had prepared me to be equipped with the tools I needed for my aural exams and performance assessments. She would ensure that I had enough time to get on top of repertoire I needed, and that it was diverse enough to meet all the requirements of the HSC. Throughout my HSC, I also completed my Grade 8 AMEB. With the diversity of my HSC pieces, I was able to use all of the repertoire I already knew. With Virginia’s help and training I was rewarded a 99/100 for Music 1, received and Encore nomination from the HSC Performance Examination Board, and came first in the Sydney district for Music 1.
Coming out of high school, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to take my music next. Virginia encouraged me to sign up for a 2 week intensive with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, called Opera Lab. This helped me secure my desire to continue my operatic training with Virginia. We continue to work on repertoire that will extend my vocal abilities through eistedfords and auditions to local companies.
Whether you are a singer who wants to master their skill, or a beginner who wants to learn the ropes, Virginia is by far the best.”
Jane K.
“Virginia, we’re so glad we found you to work with our son, Lode (12). He loves his weekly Musicianship sessions with you and is developing such a good understanding of how music works. We like your personalised approach and how you incorporate his piano to make it all concrete. You breathe music and as a result Lode is not just working towards his exam but he’s enjoying the path to get there. Thank you so much for your caring approach!”
Nele V.
“Whether you have musical expertise or not I would advise you to trust the insight, professional knowledge and expertise of Virginia Stack.Over 6 years ago our daughter wanted to take singing lessons. We were happy to support but didn’t really have any idea if she had the gift of singing. I asked for an honest response and Virginia said, “There is something about Jane’s voice and I look forward to discovering what that might be.” She didn’t promise anything, she didn’t fob us off with platitudes but what she did say spoke volumes. We now listen in awe to the voice we never imagined in our wildest dreams that comes from our daughter’s body.
Virginia has a passion and drive and she has brought our whole family on the journey. Our daughter has committed herself through school, into her university years and we hope this partnership will continue. The variety of songs, in different styles of classical and a plethora of languages leave all who hear Jane sing wanting to hear more. The confidence she has gained under Virginia’s teaching method, attention to detail, constant encouragement and through all the little extras such as how to look after your voice, what to eat or drink, what not to do when your throat is sore – the list is endless.
Would I recommend Virginia – Absolutely.
Do I trust Virginia – 100%.
Does Virginia get results – our daughter is quite a professional performer, she has been committed for over six years, she fits her vocal training into her busy university and working, commitments – so I would say, our daughter has always achieved excellent results from the combination of her work and Virginia’s encouragement, skill, dedication, direction and teaching methods.
Sinead K.
"My Name is Amilia Bonanno and I started private lessons with Virginia when I was 7 years old. I was completely new to the world of singing when I met Virginia, but she was quick to take me under her wings and knew exactly how to help me grow and thrive within the world of music. With Virginia I completed AMEB grades 3-8, I had the opportunity to sing publicly with annual recitals, I worked on audition songs for school musicals such as High School Musical and Beauty and the Beast where I had principle roles, I also had the opportunity to work with Virginia throughout my HSC where I sang 3 pieces and received a Band 6. Not only did Virginia teach me to sing, she also introduced me to music theory and has helped me understand music on a technical level. I can now confidently say that I have extensive knowledge of the many wonderful structures and functions that make up music. Being one of Virginia’s students for 11 years has been such a rewarding experience, I have always been a confident singer and performer and now working as a teacher with the Australian Girls Choir and performing at various charity functions, I owe all of my success and am filled with gratitude to the wonderful woman who made it all happen."
Amilia B.
“ Virginia demonstrates an endless amount of positivity and enthusiasm during her lessons with her vocal students. I’ve watched my daughter’s confidence grow over the last few years and there is no doubt that Virginia’s patience and guidance has been
a big part of her musical growth.”
Alison C.
“I have been a musician all my life but had never had formal singing lessons until 2015 when I started with Virginia. Virginia was flexible with her teaching style, quickly figuring out what knowledge I already had and using that as the basis of my singing journey. My confidence when singing has significantly improved over the years, and I appreciate knowing how to care for my voice bringing healthy vocal techniques into all aspects of my life. Virginia always creates a calm and encouraging environment for my lessons where I am able to make mistakes and improve without feeling disappointed or discouraged.”
Adele M