Ellen McNeill

Scottish mezzo-soprano Ellen McNeill completed a Bachelor of Music at the University of Glasgow, studying singing with Wilma MacDougall and then completed a Master of Music Vocal Performance course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2020, under the tutelage of Kathleen McKellar Ferguson.
During her training, Ellen has enjoyed masterclasses with Patricia McMahon, Linda Ormiston, Dorian Bundy, Jane Irwin, Mhairi Lawson, Rachel Nicholls and Tim Dean at Glasgow University, Oxenfoord Summer School and RCS.
Ellen joined the National Youth Choir of Scotland in 2016 and sang in 'The Armed Man' at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and, as a member of Scottish Opera Connect Chorus (2015-2017), Ellen sang in The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari and Der Jasager. In 2017, as a soloist, Ellen sang First Witch in Dido and Aeneas with Scottish Opera Connect, a Gossip in Noyes Fludde for Music Co-Operative Scotland and, in 2018, Cupid in Venus and Adonis for Glasgow University Opera Society. Most recently, in March 2019, Ellen sang the roles of Susanna (Marriage of Figaro), Elisetta (Il Matrimonio Segreto) and Second Friend (The Ballad of Baby Doe) in the RCS Opera Scenes Workshop. As a member of RCS Voices, Ellen sang in Debussy 'Nocturnes' in 2018 with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in the City Halls in Glasgow, the Usher Hall in Edinburgh and Perth Concert Hall. Ellen gives regular recitals with her horn playing brother Peter McNeill, most recently performing at St Mary’s Cathedral Edinburgh in August 2019 as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and as part of a recital series at The University of Aberdeen in September 2019.

Alongside her own performing, Ellen also offer singing lessons. She teaches several styles including classical/opera, musical theatre, pop and folk. She has students of all ages, some of whom are working towards grades and others who take lessons simply due to their love of singing.

Testimonial from one of her adult singing students:

"This is the first time ever I have had singing lessons and I’m just loving it. I sing in a choir but wanted to be more confident singing and sight reading. Ellen is such a warm conscientious teacher. Working on scales, keeping pitch, breathing has all been vigorous but so much fun. At first I was nervous but very quickly all inhibitions go out the window.

I can’t believe how organised her lessons are and how seriously she takes her role as a coach by sending sound files, music and at the start of each lesson keeping me focussed. I chose zoom lessons which are fantastic and work well sharing sound files and music and I feel comfortable singing here at home.I look forward to each lesson which rattles by so quickly but since starting to be coached by Ellen, I have done a couple of pieces on my own and feel so much more relaxed and comfortable.

It’s been lovely to cover all genres too. We have covered jazz, folk, Russian orthodox music and a sea shanty! Ellen works with you and helps you progress in what you want to aim for but makes sure too that you adopt good habits and passes on her sound knowledge of what it needed to improve and to enjoy singing."