Jessica Leary

Jessica Leary is a Lecturer in Vocal Performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS), where she also teaches on BMus and BEd academic modules. She holds additional teaching positions at the University of St Andrews and the University of Edinburgh, and contributes as an examiner for ABRSM across the UK and internationally.

Education:

• First-Class Honours in Music, University of Edinburgh
• Master’s Degree with Distinction, Alexander Gibson Opera School, RCS
• International Exchange Study, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music

Her research centers on the lived experiences of professional opera singers in outreach contexts, exploring themes of identity, status, and value. This work is supported by a Carnegie Trust PhD Scholarship and informed by her active engagement with Scottish Opera and Dunedin Consort’s education programmes, including projects like BREATH CYCLE (shortlisted for Classical:NEXT Innovation Award 2025) and SOPHIE AND BEAR, a children’s opera co-creation. Her research intersects with music education, community engagement, and singing for health.

Her recent publications and conference presentations reflect a growing contribution to the fields of vocal performance and music outreach. These include a 2023 article in the Australia Voice Journal and papers at the Spheres of Singing (2020, 2022) and OBERTO (2023) conferences.

Scientific Awards and Honours:

• Carnegie Trust PhD Scholarship
• Bruce Millar Award
• Robertson Trust Scholarship
• Ye Cronies Opera Prize
• Britten Pears Scholar
• Samling Scholar
• Classical:NEXT Innovation Award 2025 (shortlisted)

Jessica is an active performer and educator, advising on music outreach initiatives and involved in funded research projects. Her work bridges performance practice, pedagogy, and community impact, supported by institutional and national recognition. She is affiliated with key ensembles including Scottish Opera, Dunedin Consort, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, and has performed at Wigmore Hall, BBC Proms, and the Edinburgh International Festival.

She is a member of collaborative teams behind innovative community music projects and continues to develop research that elevates the role of the professional singer in public engagement and health contexts.