GSofM Tutor Profile · Singing · Cello · Piano
Amy Karensa
Award-winning mezzo-soprano and singing teacher in Glasgow, also supporting cello and piano students through expressive, musicianship-led one-to-one tuition.
About Amy
Advanced vocal training with a broad instrumental perspective
Amy combines professional performance experience with a rounded understanding of voice, cello, piano and collaborative musicianship.
Amy Karensa is a Cornish mezzo-soprano who completed both her BMus in Vocal Studies and MMus in Vocal Performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Her postgraduate studies were guided by Wilma MacDougall and Jane Irwin.
Her training was supported by the Biddy Baxter and John Hosier Music Trust Scholarship, Help Musicians and the RCS Trust. Alongside her specialist vocal work, Amy’s cello and piano experience gives students a connected approach to notation, listening, harmony and ensemble awareness.
At GSofM, Amy supports children, teenagers and adults. Lessons are shaped around the learner’s level and aims, whether they are taking first steps, developing healthy technique, preparing repertoire or seeking greater confidence in performance.
BMus Vocal Studies (2024) and MMus Vocal Performance (2026), Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Recipient of the 2025 Biddy Baxter and John Hosier Music Trust Scholarship, with further support from Help Musicians and the RCS Trust.
Opera, oratorio, recital and recording experience informs practical work on interpretation, communication and stage confidence.
Lessons with Amy
Three routes into secure technique and expressive musicianship
Singing lessons
Healthy vocal technique, breath, tone, diction, repertoire, interpretation and performance confidence, informed by Amy’s advanced vocal training.
Strings routeCello lessons
Structured support for posture, bow control, tone, reading, rhythm and expressive playing at beginner and developing levels.
Keyboard routePiano lessons
Support for keyboard coordination, notation, rhythm, musical understanding and confident independent practice.
Awards & recognition
Recognised in song, oratorio and classical voice
Amy’s awards reflect breadth across collaborative song, sacred repertoire and solo classical performance.
Elgar Spedding Lieder Competition
Winner with pianist Donglin Ou, adjudicated by Malcolm Martineau.
Florence Ilber Veitch Oratorio Prize
Recognition for Amy’s work in oratorio and classical vocal performance.
Chris Treglown Foundation Fund
Winner of the Classical Voice category in 2022.
Clonter Opera Prize 2026
Selected to represent the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in the 2026 competition.
Performance experience
Opera, oratorio and recording credits that enrich the lesson room
Amy brings first-hand experience of rehearsal discipline, character, language, collaboration and live communication into her teaching.
- Zulma in Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri at Longhope Opera Festival in 2025.
- The Sorceress in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
- Third Swan Maiden on Retrospect Opera’s recording of Ethel Smyth’s The Seal Woman, with the Orchestra of Scottish Opera.
- Alto soloist in Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle and Soprano II soloist in Mozart’s Mass in C Minor.
- Karen Cargill Associate Artist, with masterclass experience including Catriona Morison, Nicky Spence, Marie McLaughlin and Dame Felicity Lott.
Related tutors
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Explore tutors with related expertise across voice, piano, cello and performance development. If you are comparing vocal tutors specifically, read our guide to choosing a singing teacher in Glasgow, including vocal training, tutor fit, repertoire and first-lesson expectations.
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Piano · theory · compositionPaul MurrayPiano, interpretation, theory and broader musicianship.
FAQs
Questions about lessons with Amy
Can complete beginners request lessons with Amy?
Yes. Amy can support beginner singing, cello and piano students with structured foundations, musical confidence and clear weekly goals.
Does Amy teach singing, cello and piano?
Yes. Amy teaches all three subjects. Singing is her principal specialist route, while cello and piano tuition can support beginner and developing students.
Can adults learn with Amy?
Yes. Adult beginners, returning learners and developing musicians can request singing, cello or piano lessons through GSofM.
Can Amy help with classical singing?
Yes. Amy’s BMus and MMus vocal training, opera experience and work as a mezzo-soprano make classical voice a particular strength.
Can Amy help with vocal confidence and performance?
Yes. Lessons can support breath, tone, interpretation, communication, repertoire preparation and confidence in performance where appropriate.
Does Amy teach children and teenagers?
Yes. Amy can support children and teenagers, with lesson content and pace adapted to the student’s age, experience and musical aims.
Can students prepare for exams or auditions?
Exam, audition and performance preparation can be included where suitable. The lesson plan will depend on the student’s level, timescale and chosen repertoire.
How do I start lessons?
Request a trial lesson and tell GSofM the preferred subject, current level, goals and availability. The school will review the most suitable available tutor route.