Claire Scholes
My formal vocal tuition began in 2002 at the University of Auckland School of Music. I have also attended the National Singing School in Napier, and the New Zealand Opera School in Whanganui. I continued to study voice in Melbourne at the Victoria College of the Arts.
It was only when I returned to Auckland from vocal studies Australia in 2008 that I began receiving lessons from Patricia Wright, and I have remained with her ever since. Patricia has helped me to develop a technical facility that I didn't believe I was capable of, through her natural and instinctive feedback. She has a great ear for detail, and always delivers constructive criticism with honesty and intelligence based on years of practical experience as a professional singer. She doesn't subscribe to trends of teaching or physiological jargon, but hears the sound within the individual singer, and gives clear, helpful advice when necessary. Equally importantly, my colleagues and I are unanimous in our view that Patricia treats her students with warmth and respect, without agenda - a rare thing amongst singing teachers!
Patricia is undoubtedly the best singing teacher I have had, and, as the results of her students indicate, one of the best teachers in Australasia.
Vanessa Preston
I can highly recommend Patricia Wright as a fantastic singing teacher. Having had 2 children and returning to singing after a break of a few years, I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey back to good vocal form under her expert guidance.
Patricia is a highly respected and renowned NZ soprano. I have always held her in very high regard, having seen her perform many times over the years. Patricia is a teacher who absolutely 'walks the talk', and I sometimes feel that simply listening to her demonstrate technique and pieces is well worth the price of the lesson alone!
I always look forward to my lessons with Patricia as 'me-time' in my busy schedule. Her teaching style is relaxed and humorous, yet result-focused. It is a privilege to be learning from her.
Roseanne Webb
A friend of mine, who I rate as a singer, was talking to me one night at choir practice. She was saying that her singing lessons were one of the highlights of her week. I asked who her teacher was and she replied, Patricia Wright.
I remember Patricia from a photo on the grand piano in Dame Sr Leo's studio, when that redoubtable lady was my teacher in my teens and early twenties. Trish was a young singer then with a great soprano voice embarking on her international career. I was delighted to hear that she
lived back here in Auckland within 10 minutes of my home. I made an appointment to meet Trish.
Trish was a gem - not put off by 26 years of no lessons, rusty technique and uneven voice production, she set to work to restore my confidence.
Over the next weeks and months she worked with me to free my voice, to explore my vocal range and agility, to expand my repertoire and help me reach a personal goal - to sing for a season in the NZ Opera chorus. At my age, i am never going to have a career as a vocalist. However, I feel
that I am in better voice than I have been in many years to keep singing and enjoying making music. I love my lessons; the good humour and skill with which Patricia crafts my voice and helps me to recognise when I have it well placed to produce a more pleasing sound.
I come away after each lesson feeling uplifted. Now that is the skill of a great teacher.
Rosemarie Brown
I have been having singing lessons for the past 13 years with various teachers overseas and in NZ. For the past 2 years I’ve had lessons with soprano, Patricia Wright. She is one of NZ’s premier singing teachers/vocal coaches. She is fantastic with improving the singer’s performance, quality of sound and musical interpretation. She is a joy to learn from. You have chosen wisely and given yourself a gift if she is your singing teacher.
Emily Cory
Patricia is an enthusiastic and genuinely caring singing teacher who not only provides her students with a wide range of repertoire to extend them and their ability, but uses her own experiences as a professional opera singer to adapt to each individual's vocal developmental requirements. Her ability to vocally demonstrate the appropriate technique and her experience with portraying all emotional aspects of a song to an audience has not only helped my vocal development, but my entire performance ability making her an ideal teacher for those wishing to sing professionally, competitively and/or for their own enjoyment.
Soomin Kim
It has been a great honour to have met and be taught by Patricia this year. Her delightful personality and wonderful teaching style always make me look forward to my singing lessons with her. Not only is she a great soprano but also an understanding mentor and teacher who actively listens to every vocal difficulty and provides suitable solutions. Since working with Patricia, my singing has improved immensely both technically and musically. Fortunately, I received first place at the Opera Idol competition in the 16years and over age category. Furthermore, I came first place in the 16-18yrs at the South Auckland Performing Arts Competition, was selected as the Most Promising Competitor and was awarded with Franklin Provincial Women’s Division Cup and Valley Voices Vocal Recital Trophy.
As a professional singer, Patricia understands the vocal processes and problems I am going through as a young singer and always finds the right solutions to those problems. Through the phrases she demonstrates with her incredible voice, I learn many different vocal techniques and ways to develop the quality of my sound. She selects appropriate repertoires that suit my voice and challenge me to develop my musicianship and voice further. Patricia is my role model and the most talented teacher anyone could have. I thank her so much and for all the hard work she puts into developing my voice.
Emily Scott
Patricia Wright has provided a wonderful foundation for the growth of my vocal technique and abilities. She communicates well in her lessons and is very approachable. I would recommend learning from Patricia for anyone serious in seeking a professional career in performance and the classical music and operatic genres.