About Brian Gilbertson

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Brian Gilbertson AM has spent more than 50 years in the performing arts, with a career spanning rock, cabaret, jazz, musical theatre, and over twenty years as a principal operatic tenor.

His work as a voice teacher and mentor is grounded not only in this breadth of performance experience, but in a pivotal period of intensive study in Vienna in the mid-1980s with Maestro Franz Schuch-Tovini.

It was during this time that Brian experienced a profound shift in his understanding of the voice. Moving away from control and effort, he discovered that the voice functions most freely when it is allowed to respond naturally to thought.

This approach transformed his own singing—and became the foundation of his teaching.

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A Different Approach to Singing

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Most singers are taught to try harder—to control breath, manage the diaphragm, and “fix” the voice.

Brian’s experience has shown that lasting change comes from a different direction.

By shifting the way a singer thinks about the voice, the body responds instinctively. Tension reduces, effort eases, and the voice begins to function more naturally.

This philosophy underpins all of Brian’s work.

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From Performer to Teacher

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Brian did not begin teaching immediately. In fact, he chose not to teach for several years, believing the responsibility to be too great.

That changed when a fellow singer asked for help in preparing for a second audition for a major international production of The Phantom of the Opera. Through an intensive period of focused work, she not only secured a place in the chorus, but became understudy to Christine, later performing the role and going on to an international career.

This experience marked the beginning of Brian’s journey as a teacher.

Since then, he has worked with thousands of singers and voice teachers around the world, many of whom have shared their experiences through testimonials.

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Sharing Knowledge Globally

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In 1999, as part of his Reaching the World concert tour as an Arts Ambassador for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Brian conducted voice masterclasses in several countries.

The strong interest from singers seeking further understanding led him, on returning to Australia, to establish a free weekly singing tips website. The site quickly grew, attracting thousands of visitors and becoming a first-page resource on Google for singing advice for more than a decade.

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Today, Brian continues to share his insights through workshops, masterclasses, mentoring, and short video content designed to make key ideas accessible to a wide audience.

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Recognition and Experience

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Brian’s contribution to the performing arts and vocal education has been recognised through a number of honours, including:

• Member of the Order of Australia (AM), 2021

• Adelaide Festival Centre Walk of Fame, 2016

• Citizen of the Year (City of Adelaide), 2010

• Arts Ambassador, Sydney 2000 Olympic Games

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Today

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Brian continues to perform and to work with singers at all stages of their journey.

His message remains simple:

Singing can be easy—when you understand how the voice works naturally.

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