Testimonials

After struggling with limited vocal range and lack of control in my voice, Sally has supported me thoroughly through my healing process. Not only has she gone above and beyond with exercises but has taken time and understood my situation and my individual case. I couldn't recommend her enough!

... the Northland Performing Arts Competitions Junior Vocal Section in September 2022. We were very happy with her adjudication which was fair and constructive, along with being quick and having legible handwriting so the contestants could read their report and learn from it. We will definitely be inviting Sally back to adjudicate our competitions in coming years.

... Sally has a fantastic understanding of the fundamentals of singing and a fantastic ear for spotting the strengths and weaknesses in an individual’s voice. This has allowed her to help bring out the best in me on an objective level, without turning  me into something that I’m not, stylistically. In my opinion, this is the mark of a great teacher. 

... and meeting Sally, a singing teacher who really listens, and whose explanations and instructions are both clear and achievable, has been my secret joy. Sally is both approachable and professional at all times, and has been a major contributor in both my recovery from severe laryngitis, and my hope to continue singing, and get better at it, in the future.

South Auckland Performing Arts Competitions Society

... who approaches each student with a high degree of professionalism and commitment. I can’t speak more highly of her ability to listen to her students’ aspirations, then provide the perfect range of tools and practices so as to advance them technically and artistically on their singing journey. Under her tutelage, I significantly improved in all areas of technique and artistic expression, but most of all, my confidence on stage and my love of singing grew in leaps and bounds.

... as she’s fun to talk to, and always finds me music I really like singing. My singing has definitely improved!

She is the most supportive teacher of anything that I have ever had. She genuinely cares about the progress and success of her pupils and goes above and beyond to support them. She has a great depth of technical knowledge about the science of singing, as well as the art of singing performance. She has strong networks which she can call upon to support her pupils. Her tuition gave me the singing and listening skills I needed to join an a cappella band that performed and recorded regularly. I thoroughly recommend Sally as a singing teacher and I would still be having lessons from her were it not for the fact that I live in Wellington.

... Lanford Wilson’s Book of Days for Toi Whakaari as a finals showcase for their third-year actors. In Wilson’s mythical town there were five churches, four bars and two shopping malls …  and the production desperately needed a gospel choir. Enter Sally Barratt-Boyes, my colleague. With only three weeks to work with, Sally “got religion” and created a marvellous soundscape of gospel and patriotic songs to underscore the production. 

In every rehearsal her teaching skill, expertise and good humour encouraged each of us to put Dublin, Missouri, on the theatrical map. 

... I have ever come across, both personally and professionally. Her attention to detail is meticulous, and her knowledge and experience is vast. I think her teaching ability is best reflected in my singing success. Under her tutelage I not only gained Distinction for Advanced Certificate in classical voice through Trinity College London, but also received the highest mark for Advanced Certificate for that year irrespective of instrument. Sally will constantly encourage you to be the best you can. You will find yourself expanding your knowledge across the many different aspects of music and foreign languages. Learning from Sally was one of the best musical experiences I have ever had, and I’m darn sad that she shifted to Auckland.

She taught performance at Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School. She is also a very good singing teacher who imparts knowledge easily and in a lovely way, as a result of her personality. My wife and I were both very disappointed when she moved away from Wellington.

We would both have no hesitation in recommending Sally to anyone who wishes to be taught by a stimulating, competent teacher with a lovely personality.