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About Me

Born and raised in Penang, Malaysia, I have been teaching voice and speech to actors, corporate workers and university students since 2012. I am currently the Head Tutor for the subject, Clear Speech and Communication at The University of Melbourne where I help international students achieve better accuracy and fluency in spoken English, build self-confidence and develop effective communication skills. I have taught students throughout Asia – from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam to Hong Kong, Macau, China, South Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka and India.

 

PHILOSOPHY
“Speak to be understood, not heard.” Students and clients who study with me begin their journey by working on their instrument and craft – they will learn how to free their body, breath and voice from poor, unhealthy habits whilst cultivating habits that promote healthy vocal function and effective voice use. They will then explore the significance of words in every utterance and learn how to connect them to their meaning; to breathe life into the spoken word. The final and perhaps most crucial step focuses on communicating those words to the “other”; the audience, the listener, the spectator.

EDUCATION
I hold an MA (Master of Arts) in Voice Studies from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London as well as the Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). For my undergraduate studies, I completed an Arts degree at Monash University (Clayton) where I majored in English, Behavioural Studies, Drama and Theatre Studies.

THEATRE
As a theatre voice and dialect coach, some of the shows that I have worked on include NEXT TO NORMAL (Pursued by Bear), CLOSER (Loose Canon Theatre Company), THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Ballarat Lyric Theatre Company), OUR HOUSE (University of Melbourne Music Theatre Association), TITANIC THE MUSICAL (StageArt), THE COLOR PURPLE (StageArt), and ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS (Heidelberg Theatre Company).

WORKSHOPS
I have been running group workshops and drop-in classes since 2015. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, all workshops will be conducted virtually until further notice. In 2022, I will be running a brand new workshop called “Free Your Authentic Voice“. If you would like to know more about these workshops, or if you would like me to run a customized workshop for your students or employees, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Services

Voice Training & Coaching
  • _____
  • Develop practical voice skills in breathing, phonation and resonance to enhance vocal delivery and expression
  • Develop an understanding and awareness of how the body and breath works to support healthy vocal production
  • Learn to skillfully use a wide range of vocal dynamics to influence, inspire, and empower others
  • Available for production coaching and show support (stage and screen)
Speech & Accent Coaching
  • _____
  • Develop an understanding and awareness of the anatomy of articulation
  • Learn how to communicate words and ideas authentically and with clear intention
  • Accent softening for non-native English speakers
  • Available for production coaching and show support (stage and screen)
Audition & Presentation Coaching
  • _____
  • Open to actors and singers who want to polish up on their audition materials
  • Open to individuals seeking to develop their public speaking, presentation or interview skills
  • Develop vocal, mental and emotional clarity when working on a text/script/speech
  • Learn the art and craft of storytelling (for performers and non-performers)
Workshops & Masterclasses
  • _____
  • Workshops and Masterclasses can be delivered face-to-face or online via Zoom
  • Class size: minimum 5 participants; maximum 15 participants (30 for online delivery)
  • Half-day and full-day training for performers and non-performers - please contact for rates
  • Workshop content and structure can be customized for companies

Testimonials

“I have known Mark for a number of years and have seen him grow from a lively, enthusiastic student to a thorough and imaginative tutor in Voice and Acting. His teaching is based on the philosophy that to free the voice is to free the person – […] He is on his way to becoming a major influence.”

BILL PEPPER
Head of Voice at NIDA from 1995 to 2010

“I have worked with Mark both creatively and one-on-one as an actor, and his professionalism and dedication for his craft (the voice) shows in every session. His caring nature is the perfect learning environment for those who struggle with voice or accents.”

RHYS VELASQUEZ
Musical theatre performer and choreographer

“Mark was incredibly diligent in his preparation and immaculate in his detail. Would certainly recommend his professionalism to anyone.”

JOEL GRANGER
Musical theatre performer

“I absolutely loved the workshop. Thank you! It was so much fun and I really loved learning new ways to use my voice.”

CAROLYN DAVIES
Workshop participant

“Fun, interactive and informative! As an observer, I was amazed by the transformation of the voice and presentation quality of the participants during the one-on-one work with Mark. His suggestions and teachings made a clear difference in improving their monologue or speeches. Excellent content – thank you!”

SHIAN LI
Workshop auditor; Chiropractor; Alexander Technique and Yoga teacher

“Mark is one of the most hard-working, dedicated and caring teachers I’ve worked with. He would be an asset in any working arena. I highly recommend him!”

ROWENA BALOS
Master Voice Teacher, Accent Coach & Mentor
Let me help you realize your goals and find success!
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Packages

Bronze
$400
  • 1 month (4 weeks)
  • 4 sessions - one 45-minute lesson per week (online/face-to-face)
  • Free assistance via mobile or email messaging
  • Free 30-minute follow-up session two weeks after completion of this package
  • Package price is in Australian dollars (AUD$)
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Silver
$800
  • 2 months (8 weeks)
  • 8 sessions - one 45-minute lesson per week (online/face-to-face)
  • Free assistance via mobile or email messaging
  • Free 30-minute follow-up session two weeks after completion of this package
  • Package price is in Australian dollars (AUD$)
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Gold
$1200
  • 3 months (12 weeks)
  • One 45-minute lesson per week (online/face-to-face)
  • Free assistance via mobile or email messaging
  • Free 30-minute follow-up session two weeks after completion of this package
  • Package price is in Australian dollars (AUD$)
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Casual
$90
  • Student rate: $45/session
  • One 45-minute lesson (online/face-to-face)
  • Free assistance via mobile or email messaging
  • No free follow-up session for casual clients/students
  • Casual price is in Australian dollars (AUD$)
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Book a FREE consultation

"If you would like to know more about the services I offer or how I can help you with your vocal and speech development, please get in touch at your earliest convenience - I look forward to hearing from you soon."

Contact me

Contact Me

Free Consultation

This free consultation allows us to discuss your goals and any questions you may have about the services I provide.

Flexible Schedule

Choose the best day and time to book in your lesson. Cancellation notice needs to be made 24 hours in advance.

Confidentiality

All clientele information will remain private and confidential between the client and myself.