Michael O’Conner grew up in Hamilton, New Zealand listening to many great singers. He remembers his mother putting on the videos of the 10th Anniversary concert of Les Miserables, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and concerts of singers like Meatloaf and Alice Cooper. He was always glued to the screen, captivated by the emotions and sounds that these incredible people could make. He went on to sing for fun from a young age. A performer and entertainer by nature he did ridiculous stand-up shows where he pretended to be an opera singer and sang in an overly wobbly boy-soprano voice. He also spent a lot of time performing Shakespeare for schools and national Shakespeare competitions.

It was not until he was 16, when he watched the film version of The Phantom of the Opera, that he decided to take up singing. He performed in various local shows; as Ernst in Caberet, the Artful Dodger in Oliver! and Frederic in Pirates of Penzance. When he moved to Auckland, he won the Auckland young Hall’s singing competition. He went on to perform in a larger capacity, the roles of Tony in West Side Story, Dr Miracle in Bizet’s Le docteur Miracle, Ralph in H.M.S Pinafore and Piangi in the Auckland Civic’s and Hamilton Operatic’s Phantom of the opera.

Throughout the years he has worked with a number of highly regarded voice teachers. He is also inspired by the teachings of David L. Jones.

Michael’s own vocal journey took him down a very difficult path. With medical issues relating to a hiatal hernia, his voice became significantly damaged from over-exposure to acid reflux. Through two surgeries, the hiatus hernia was repaired, but his voice took a year to recuperate (READ THE FULL STORY HERE). This lead him down the path of seeking out teachers who taught very traditional, bel canto, Swedish/Italian and holistic methods. Within 6 months, out of nowhere, the voice magically returned and was far stronger, flexible and pleasing than ever before. He has been professionally engaged ever since.

My aim with the Complete Singers was to find an outlet for my own vocal journey. My process towards recovery was not only a process of body and larynx, but of the mind and spirit. When your voice can return after being severely damaged to professional level, there is something to be said for the methods that got it there. But the journey does not stop there. All good vocal methodologies not only have a recovery phase, but train towards longevity, stamina and ease. The Complete Singer’s Resource is aimed at finding these methods, exploring them and giving them back to the world. 

To get in touch with Michael for a lesson or for any questions, please feel free to email him at thecompletesingers@gmail.com.

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