Since 2008, Cantabile Vocal has welcomed singers of all ages and abilities—from professional classical performers to enthusiastic amateurs. Singing is simply good for the soul!
No prior music-reading skills are required, though they can be beneficial for certain repertoire. We offer individual tuition for adults and children (10+), with flexible packages tailored to your needs. Packages include:
In a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, develop your voice through physical technique and artistic expression. Repertoire is personalized to your musical taste and ability, spanning genres such as:
Dr Aisling Lakes, Director of Music
Cantabile Vocal was founded by Mezzo Soprano Aisling Lakes in 2008 with the aim of promoting classical singing for all singers. Aisling was born in Dublin and completed vocal studies under Deirdre Grier Delaney at the College of Music, Dublin, and later at the Leinster School of Music and Drama, earning a Diploma in Vocal Performance (Dip ABRSM) with distinction.
Throughout her career, Aisling has worked with renowned vocal coaches such as Dr Veronica Dunne and pianists Jennie Reddin, Celine Kelly, and Mairead Hurley. In addition to her vocal training, she is an accomplished pianist, having completed her piano studies at the RIAM, Dublin.
Aisling regularly performs in concerts and recitals in Dublin venues including the National Concert Hall, St. Anne's Church Dawson Street, and St. Patrick's Cathedral. She has recorded a CD of oratorio arias featuring works by Handel, Rossini, Bach, and Mendelssohn, and has a keen interest in sacred music, currently serving as Cantor at the Church of the Three Patrons, Rathgar.
Individual tuition in Classical Singing is offered on a term basis. Each term spans 10 weeks, with weekly lessons lasting 30, 45, or 60 minutes, depending on the student’s needs. For those unable to commit to a full term, individual or small group sessions can be arranged for audition preparation, Junior or Leaving Certificate modules, and more. See the Tuition Fees section for further information.
Tuition is available to both adults and children aged 10 and over. Sessions are tailored to each student’s goals—whether pursuing graded examinations or studying purely for personal enjoyment. Absolute beginners are welcome, and no music-reading skills are required.
The art of Bel Canto, developed in 18th-century Italy, is the cornerstone of classical vocal technique. In a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, students learn to develop their voices through an understanding of physiological voice production and artistic expression.
Repertoire is customized to the student’s musical taste and vocal ability. Students explore works by a wide range of composers across various styles to enrich their technique and performance.
Coaching includes vocal presentation, posture, and stagecraft. These essential skills build confidence and enhance enjoyment, whether preparing for a graded exam or a live performance.
Those wishing to take graded singing exams follow the ABRSM syllabus. Full details are available on the ABRSM website or by contacting Cantabile Vocal directly. While encouraged, examinations are entirely optional.
Competitive performance offers valuable experience. Students are informed of local competitions and Feiseanna throughout the year and encouraged to participate for artistic growth and confidence.
Classes operate on a term basis with three 10-week terms per academic year:
Pro rata discounted fees are available for students joining midway through a term.
Fees must be paid in advance for each term. Students cannot attend classes unless fees are fully paid prior to commencement. New students joining mid-term must pay the full remaining term fee upfront.
Music Director: Dr Aisling Lakes
E-mail: aisling.lakes@gmail.com
Phone: 087 224 1034
“Aisling has been teaching me for a few years now and she has worked wonders in developing my confidence and my voice. Aisling has afforded me a lot of patience and teaches singing techniques in a fun and flexible way. Aisling always gets the best out of me with any songs we work on, whether Contemporary or Classical in style, and is always constructive which makes her a brilliant vocal coach. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a vocal coach.”
— Leon Duignan
“Aisling brings outstanding teaching skills and endless patience to her voice training. As a result sessions are consistently enjoyable and rewarding. I am enormously grateful to Aisling for helping me discover and develop my voice beyond anything I ever expected.”
— Gus Mulligan
Aisling instils a love of Music in her students. Her outstanding talents have been honed by her learning and practice under the tutelage of renowned performers and teachers such as Veronica Dunne and Jennie Reddin to name but a few. The student’s goal is central to the customised programme. Students, of whichever age, can define their requirements to the full suite of academy or state examinations, post qualification refreshers, preparation for performances or just learning songs for family gatherings. Practice is essential to get the most out of lessons and this is made easy and enjoyable by submitting recordings between lessons. Aisling takes the fear, embarrassment and self-consciousness out of becoming a better singer.
— Martin O'Rourke
“My name is Conor Twomey. I am 58 and I took up singing when I joined a male voice choir in 2011. In 2013 I started to take singing lessons with Aisling on the recommendation of other members of the choir. In the past eight and a half years I have looked forward every week to my lessons. We have developed my bass voice to a high standard reciting arias by Mozart, Bach, Handel and many more. Aisling has gone beyond the call of duty helping me with the development of my voice. Just when I think I have got to the best of my ability Aisling brings me up to a higher level. It is like a never ending treasure hunt and the reward gets bigger and bigger!”
— Conor Twomey
“I really enjoy the singing lessons with Aisling and she is a very encouraging teacher. I also find the breathing exercises helpful.”
— Siobhan Daly