About Us
Martine Pavey
Martine is a Drama graduate from Victoria College. Always a great lover of the musical theatre, Martine spent her teens involved in many local shows moving on to professional theatre restaurant performances in her college years. During this time she also dabbled in some film & television work and appeared as “Nancy” in a touring production of Oliver! She even got to drive Lionel Bart in her car when she was a “P-Plater”!
Once Martine graduated she balanced a life of teaching in secondary schools with her performance work with her husband Ron. She continues to do just that combining teaching at Voicebox whilst also touring her one-woman shows JUDY & LIZA , DIVAS and now STARDUST throughout the Australian Art Centres as well as doing voiceover work for radio, educational dvds & podcasts
Ron Halliday
Ron began his singing career at 15, “just wanting to be Paul McCartney”. Working mainly in Rock and Pop, he sang and played guitar and keyboard with various bands before getting his Bachelor of Education at Rusden College. He also played a number of “dream roles” with various Melbourne Theatre Companies
Ron taught in secondary schools for some years before establishing a musical duo appropriately called “Makin’ Whoopee!” with Martine. In addition to teaching at Voicebox he has also taught Contemporary Voice in the Degree Course at Box Hill TAFE & is currently mentoring new singing teachers through the Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing (ANATS).
Together
Martine and Ron met at College and together they formed the musical duo “Makin’ Whoopee!” The duo was very successful & toured for over ten years performing for all manner of occasions from private celebrations to corporate events around Australia. Martine & Ron went on to establish their own production company producing shows including “Kiss Me Goodnight Sergeant Major” & “Back to the Seventease” which toured the Australian Club & theatre circuits as well as appearing as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. “Musical Magic. Best value ticket at the Comedy Festival”. Bob Crimeen, Herald Sun
Testimonials
“Stella entertainment is a production company dedicated to promoting Australian talent through theatrical production with a major emphasis on music theatre. It aims to provide opportunities for young Australians to perform in a semi-professional environment to create pathways into professional performance.
Stella has always had a strong association with Voicebox Singing School, with numerous students of Ron’s and Martine’s being cast in several of Stella’s Productions, including the Australian premiere of “Paris” (the musical) and the Victorian Amateur Premiere of “RENT” (both performed at the National Theatre). Recently, Stella was invited to perform its production of John Bucchino’s “It’s Only Life” at the iconic Birdland Club off Broadway in New York City where the show featured a former Voicebox student.
When Stella casts a show, we know that we can always rely on Ron and Martine’s students to be beautifully prepared. Their students are not only well coached musically but they are also tutored in the fundamentals of performance and presentation generally. This gives them a distinct advantage when auditioning for a production.
Stella is proud to be associated with Voicebox and looks forward to continue its long and fruitful relationship.”
Mark Featherby (Principal, Stella Entertainment)
“I have known Ron and Martine from Voicebox for over ten years and have
been receiving Coaching from Ron for all that time. Now, as a professional
Vocalist, I have grown so much, and achieved more than I could have
anticipated.The techniques and ‘tricks of the trade’ I continue to learn
are simply amazing. I’ve lost count as to how many children and adults I
have referred to Voicebox. With their modern and up to date teaching
techniques, anybody who is seriously interested in learning to sing, whether
it be for hobby or professionally, could not find better Vocal Coaches. You
only need to come along to an end of year Concert to see the joy, and
standard their Students achieve. It’s been one of the most positive and
life changing experiences for me professionally and personally.”Beverly Fraser (Professional Singer)
“Martine and Ron at Voicebox Singing School are truly inspirational mentors and teachers. Four members of our family are, or have been, Voicebox students and each of us has loved sharing our vocal journey with the Voicebox Family.
Ron’s technical knowledge of, and insight into, the VCE syllabus was absolutely invaluable to my eldest daughter during her Year 12 studies and Martine’s encouragement and focused preparation were instrumental in another daughter’s successful music scholarship application to a prestigious independent school.
The studios at Voicebox are fabulous with Ron & Martine always up to date with current technology & techniques.”Jo Corbel (Parent & Student)
“I have been a part of Voicebox for about 8 years now and have loved every moment of it. I started with Martine when I was 9 as a dancer wanting to improve my voice so I could compete in song and dance solos at dance Eisteddfods, but I very quickly developed a love for singing as well. Over the years Martine has helped me in so many ways, not only improving my voice, but with guidance for auditions, performing and confidence in anything I want to have a go at. Now I am doing VCE singing with Ron, which is great, as I can put all the years of training towards a school subject that I enjoy. Both Martine and Ron do such an amazing job running a school that is caring and so much fun to be a part of, especially their annual end of year concert. They are very special people and are with you every step of the way to help you however they can.”
Amy Browne (Student)
“My daughter Amy has been with Voicebox now for many years. It has been wonderful to see not only the improvement but the confidence and joy of singing that has developed as each year passes. I especially look forward to the end of year Voicebox concerts which are of such a high standard, but more importantly every single student whether a beginner or more experienced, has their moment to shine in a wonderful, encouraging and nurturing environment. I have been privileged to help out behind the scenes for many Voicebox concerts and it is like being a part of one big happy family. This school is a credit to Ron and Martine, who both are so incredibly hard-working, dedicated and have a beautiful gift of making each child believe in themselves and feel special. Sending Amy to Voicebox was the best decision I ever made as she has grown in confidence, self-esteem and performance and we both have had many wonderful times with the school and made life-long friends.”
Leanne Browne (Parent)
“Our son, Riley has absolutely flourished under the tuition at Voicebox. They have a wonderful way of making each lesson a fun and positive experience, at the same time giving constructive feedback and strategies to develop their voices. Their professionalism, expertise and genuine interest in Riley’s development have seen his voice develop beautifully over the past eighteen months. We are so proud of him and thankful to Voicebox. We cannot recommend Voicebox Singing School highly enough.”
Mish Mackay & Craig Thornton. (Parents)
“In my many years singing at Voicebox with Ron and Martine, what most inspired me was not only their amazing skills as vocal coaches, but their passion for, belief in and constant support of me as a performer. My time at Voicebox inspired me to believe I could actually have a career in the arts.”
Wade Briggs (WAAPA Graduate, Professional Actor)
“My 6 year old was in tears before her first singing lesson with Martine. I encouraged her to go to one lesson and just see if she liked it. Martine picked the perfect first song for her and she came home wanting to sing for the whole family! Every week Martine greets us with a smile and creates a really fun and friendly atmosphere. My daughter has made amazing progress from that first lesson. She has gone from singing with a tiny little voice to singing quite tricky songs in only two terms. I am very sure if she had gone to any other teacher, she would have given up after the first lesson and refused to return! It has also been wonderful to watch her confidence grow and her voice is developing a lovely pitch and tone. Thank you Martine for being so encouraging especially as your teachings will be the foundation to a lifelong love of singing for such a young student!”
Nicole Whittorn (Parent)
“My daughter, Maddison has been a student of Martine’s for over two years now. Maddison started at the age of ten, with a passion for singing and a strong desire to perform on stage. Since then, she has appeared in two professional musicals: “Annie” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” in Melbourne. She has also appeared in other amateur productions and confidently performed singing solos on stage at various concerts and events. Recently she has also received a “Music Scholarship” to St. Margaret’s School in Berwick. I believe that Martine has played an integral part in Maddison achieving these goals and we are so grateful to her. Martine offers a caring and nurturing environment for her students and is always genuinely happy for their successes. Martine’s love of teaching is evidenced through her compassionate demeanour and her technical knowledge. Being a performer herself, Martine is able to relate to her students and impart knowledge through her own experience. Martine has a genuine interest in her students and a broad understanding of singing techniques and styles. Maddison always looks forward to attending her weekly lessons and I would highly recommend Voicebox Singing School to anyone wishing to undertake vocal training.”
Anita Padula (Parent)