Fiona learned piano and dance from a very young age, went on to take the lead role in high school productions and turned a passion into a potential career when she went on to study at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) in Christchurch where she gained an Advanced Diploma in Performance Art.

While at NASDA Fiona studied classical and musical theatre technique, in addition to dance, musicianship, acting and theatre craft.  This also covered accent work and foreign languages (Italian, French, German, Russian and Gaelic).

Throughout her studies, Fiona took several roles through TVNZ’s children’s department, singing for the ‘Bumble’ pilot series and a number of bilingual children’s songs for various productions.  Fiona also appeared on the Good Morning Show and Showcase, where she was voted back as the viewer favourite.

Having relocated to Wellington, Fiona took several further roles through TVNZ however decided to develop her contemporary singing style and began to sing with David Feehan in 2001.  After finding a talent and passion in blues, soul and ‘power ballad’ styles, she began teaching with David in ????

Having started a family, Fiona continued her teaching work, while also taking some performance opportunities with David.  She then moved on to sing with the Disco Divas and co-formed a soul and blues band ‘Frankie and the Bee’ that perform throughout central NZ.

Her focus with students is never the same, finding the individuality in each and identifying their strengths, needs and goals then helping students to achieve them.  Every student learns the basic techniques but their bodies and minds work in different ways and finding what works for each individual is Fiona’s greatest challenge and where she finds her greatest fulfilment.  Her background in performance and stagecraft help many students combine their singing technique with the rigours of live performance, and her passion for communication focuses the singer on the meaning of each song, making it real, and making an impact on the audience.

Fiona teaches in the Kapiti region where she lives on an 8 acre rural property, is a full time Mum, a part time accounts administrator, and a qualified Life Coach.  

For more information see www.kiwibees.net or www.onelifecoaching.co.nz