Melanie Topley

Melanie Topley graduated from Queens University, Belfast with a BA (Hons) in Music and English, studying voice with the late Irene Sandford and previously with Margaret Smyth. She then completed an MA in Opera Studies, also at Queens University, before completing her PGCE in Music at University of Ulster, Coleraine. Melanie achieved her Licentiate (LLCM) recital diploma in Classical Singing from the London College of Music in June 2010. She has attended the Royal Irish Academy of Music, studying voice with Suzanne Murphy and has also studied with Jennifer Bourke.

Melanie has had the opportunity to perform in a number of recitals and as guest soloist with some well-known choirs in Northern Ireland. She has performed as a soloist for both Charpentier’s Te Deum and Vivaldi’s Gloria. She has had the privilege of taking part in the Charles Wood Festival , participating in a masterclass with Paul Farrington. She has had the opportunity to sing in various churches across the province and has been involved in a number of worship teams. In September 2014, she released her first EP entitled The Dreame, which was recorded in St. George’s Church.

She has previously worked in Banbridge Academy and Wesley College, Dublin as a music teacher. Melanie was previously Head of Music at Laurelhill Community College, Lisburn. She currently tutors voice to a very keen group of students. She is an accredited Vocal Health First Aider and Vocal Habilitation Professional, and has been mentored by world renowned Vocal Coaches and Rehabilitation Specialists through Vocal Health Education. She has been part of the chorus of NI Opera and its Chorus Development Programme from 2023.