Wilma MacDougall is a much sought-after vocal lecturer at the Royal
Conservatoire of Scotland, where she has taught for the last sixteen years. Her
students have sung at many of the world’s top opera houses and concert halls.
Recognised for her technical expertise, extensive repertoire knowledge and
dedication to her students, Wilma is in high demand.
Alongside her work at the RCS, Wilma leads workshops, seminars and
courses throughout the UK, having previously taught at both Glasgow and
Napier Universities. She was the vocal tutor for the Royal Scottish National
Orchestra Junior Chorus for sixteen years, as well as teaching at the National
Youth Choir of Scotland, National Boys Choir and Ulster Youth Choir summer
courses. For over a decade Wilma directed the Vocal Inspiration Residential
Singing Courses in the UK and the south of France.
Born in Scotland, Wilma graduated BA (Hons) in Music followed by a PGCE in
Music and Mathematics from the University of Cambridge. There she studied
singing with Nigel Wickens and Laura Sarti, sang with Jesus College Chapel
Choir and performed regularly as a soloist in oratorio and recital. She returned
to Scotland to study singing with Patricia MacMahon at the Royal Scottish
Academy of Music and Drama (now RCS). Winning a number of scholarships,
awards and competitions, she graduated with a Masters of Music.
Wilma has worked regularly as a recitalist and soloist, performing with many
orchestras and ensembles including the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Royal
Scottish National Orchestra, Northern Sinfonia, Ulster Orchestra, Avison
Ensemble, Edinburgh Quartet and Paragon Ensemble. She has recorded and
broadcast on BBC radio and television in repertoire ranging from Bach’s
Cantata No.51 Jauchzet Gott through to contemporary repertoire.
Operatic work has included Musetta La Boheme, Michaela Carmen, Grainne
An Turus (William Sweeney) and Queen of the Night Magic Flute.
A keen recitalist and concert performer, Wilma has performed in Germany,
Denmark, Italy, Czechoslovakia, and throughout the UK alongside conductors
including Sir Charles Mackerras, Stephen Cleobury and Christopher Bell.