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gemma Turner:
singer, educator, researcher

Singing for good
:
The art, science and health-giving benefits of Singing

Hello and welcome, I’m Gemma Turner, a singing performer, songwriter/arranger, educator and researcher. I love being a professional singer and I am an enthusiastic advocate of singing for everybody as a life skill.  Group singing, in particular, makes us happier, healthier and brings us closer together. I offer a diverse range of services to help you access this wonderful world of singing which is truly for everyone, at every life stage.

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For three decades, I've toured nationally and internationally with various groups, I have a research PhD in voice science and am a Honorary Research Fellow at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. I enjoy the challenge of teaching singers of all levels, beginners to advanced and  I can help you sing better and have fun while you’re doing it.

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Feel free to get in touch with me if you want to book a performance or to discuss how I can support you or your community with your singing goals or next musical project.

My Work

Creative

Singing Performance

12 years in the original lineup of  (some say legendary)  Blindman’s Holiday. Overseas touring, 3 albums and high rotation on JJJ.  30 years lead vocals  with The Transylvaniacs - 2 albums and European tours.  Currently performing with:

  • The Third Voice - Vocal harmony trio + guitar, loops, . Originals, curated covers & Afro-Cuban goddess songs.

  • Strike & String (formerly Gyimesi Project) - Fiddle, voice & string drum. Hard-core folk from the Carpathians

Songwriting & A Cappella Arranging

I have been writing and arranging songs for groups I perform with for over 30 years, starting with Blindman's Holiday.  My first commission was for theatre piece Blood Orange  (1993) 

  • specialist in a cappella arranging for small professional contemporary ensembles in a broad range of styles

  • regularly arrange for larger amateur community choirs

  • songs for theatre or special events

Get in touch to commission a song or vocal arrangement.

Singing Education

Voice Workshops & Choirs

  • Voice Technique Workshops - specialised range of contemporary voice topics such as Belting, Breathing for singers, Range Extension, Build your Vocal Power

Other topics on request. Australia Wide.

  • Perfect 5th Choir - ongoing community choir (no audition) Inner West Sydney. Contact me if you want to join. New members always welcome.

  • Guest Choir Musical Direction on request

Singing Coaching

Unlock your vocal  potential with personalised coaching:

  • Private One-on-one Teaching - in Sydney or Online. All levels. The most flexible form of singing coaching, tailored to your skill level and needs.

  • Group Singing Courses -  Themed small classes. Workshop your songs with feedback in a supportive environment.

  • Group Mentoring -  for budding vocal groups or bands. Fine-tune backing vocals. Develop your signature sound.

Research & Community

Academic Research

My PhD (University of Sydney) focussed on body movement & vocal power in R&B singing.   Am currently Honorary Research Fellow of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Priority projects involve assisting Indigenous communities with singing for language & cultural revitalisation.

Other Research Areas:

  • Australian Indigenous Singing Voice Qualities

  • Ecomusicology - musical permaculture

  • Fostering community cohesian through song

Group Singing for Health

Group singing for health is evidence-based therapy and prevention for a range of mental and physical health concerns.  I have been running a singing for postnatal depression group in the Mother and Baby Unit at SJOG Burwood psychiatric hospital since 2014. 

  • Perinatal Singing for Mental Health

  • Singing for Parkinson's and other communication challenged conditions  (group planned for 2024)

  • Intergenerational Singing in Aged Care (2024)

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