May I introduce myself

My name is Silvia da Silva Martinho. I am a Portuguese singer and voice teacher living in The Netherlands since 1998. I am married to a dutch Baritone and voice teacher as well. Together we have a naughty son.

As a child I was mesmerized by music, studied piano and later singing at the local music school.  After my graduation at the conservatory of Lisbon I  spent a few years working as a singer and voice teacher in different cities in Portugal. In 1998, I moved to The Netherlands to continue studying solo singing at The Royal Conservatory of The Hague where I graduated in 2003.

Through the last 25 years I had lots of fun taking part in theater, opera and musical productions. From the National Theatre of Lisbon to the Netherlands as well as in other European countries , such as Spain, Germany and Italy. Most recently  I interpreted the Countess Rosina in Mozart’s Nozze di Figaro in Catania, Sicily. I also took part in different ensembles such as Bachkoor Holland, Bach Choir of The Netherlands and Pa’dam. 

Since 2003 I have been working at The American School of The Hague as a voice teacher. Within the same time frame, I have shared my knowledge with students enrolled in different  music schools in The Hague, Barendrecht, Dordrecht and Amsterdam.

Why am I a voice teacher?

Simply because I find it thrilling, inspiring, stimulating and rewarding.

Every person and therefore every voice is unique. Together with the student I love to discover their talents and possibilities. How do we do that?  We start off by doing vocal training exercises  to improve technique and afterwards we dive into the chosen repertoire.

I encourage students to explore different genres, preferably in multiple languages. By training the voice, the vocal range expands, the tone gets clearer and more resonant, breathing becomes an organic process and phrasing just flows effortlessly.

Students are welcome to come up with their own wishes and suggestions, if their level of development allows.. Thanks to all those interactions and my experience within international communities, I have broadened my own musical taste. I enjoy working with different music styles such as opera, art song, musical, pop, jazz and world music (for instance one of my favorites: Fado).

Besides Dutch and English, lessons can also be given in Spanish and Portuguese. 

My  teaching philosophy

I prefer to keep an informal atmosphere in the lesson. I’m optimistic, relaxed and adaptable and at the same time precise in what I teach. 

A teacher is a mentor and a guide who raises awareness and confidence in their students, helping them to find a sense of direction, and empowering them to believe in themselves.

I stimulate collaborative, creative, discovery-based learning. When I manage to help my “young” vocalists achieving more confidence, a calm sense of control and therewith musical joy, then I know I have done my job well.  

“You have been a wonderful tutor and confiding adult for my daughter and we appreciate you very much. Thanks for all you do.”