Building beautiful, timeless voices
There is something so wonderful when we are able to go deeper and discover the voice of our hearts.
Singing has always been about emotional connection, and when we learn how to zone in, tap into our emotions and go deep, we discover the treasure of originality and a sound and brand that is unique to us.
This is essentially what singing the art of the heart is — helping you find your true voice, finding you in a world that tends to sound the same.
Along with a strong technical foundational point, we also work on exercises that build and release the true artist. The original artist. It’s about being organic and truth. Being “you”.
Whether doing a cover song or original song, always being able to bring “you” to the song. Your heart, soul and genius.
We have done this for over 40 years with great love and passion.
David and Zafiro Fernandez
David and Zafiro Fernandez have coached hundreds of singers, stars and celebrities for over three decades, including the highest-selling Australian recording artist of all time, Delta Goodrem. David is also the winner of the World Yamaha band competition in 1989 with his band “Janz“ representing Australia and beating 22,000 bands from around the world. He has toured with international superstar Patti Labelle and performed with superstars Stevie Wonder and George Benson, including many other local and international stars.
David and Zafiro are pioneers, innovators and forerunners in vocal technique, holistic coaching and the art of building beautiful voices that are timeless.
Zafiro is also an international artist with her work represented throughout Australia and globally.
Singing the art of the heart is a not-for-profit project working in the singing and art arenas, helping the disadvantaged with a passion for the arts to grow locally and globally.
“As a young musician, my parents were too poor to support my piano lessons.
My piano lessons had to stop when I was eight years old and already doing classical recitals. I also never had a proper piano to practise on, only a wooden keyboard with no sound made for me by a family friend. This built a fire within me to support and help lift up gifted singers and artists, especially the struggling and disadvantaged.”
David Mario Fernandez
From The Voice to Australian Idol, Eurovision to the charts — these are just some of the names who started with David and Zafiro Fernandez.
Winner of The Voice Australia 2013
Winner of The Voice Australia 2023
Winner of The X Factor Australia 2016; represented Australia at Eurovision 2017
Winner of Australian Idol 2023
Winner of triple j Unearthed High 2022
Iconic Australian R&B vocal group
ARIA Award-winning international artist
Singer and actress
International recording artist and songwriter
Runner Up The Voice Australia 2014
Runner Up Australia’s Got Talent 2008
Top 3 finalist on Australian Idol 2023
Top 12 finalists on The X Factor Australia 2016
A testament to the growing pool of young Australian musical talent
Acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter
Daughter of music industry legend Michael Gudinski, founder of Mushroom Records
Multi-platinum artist and The Voice coach
Top 4 finalists on The Voice Australia 2018
Rising international pop artist
Represented Australia at Junior Eurovision 2018, Top 8 finalist on The Voice Australia 2022
Represented Australia at Junior Eurovision 2018, Recording artist
International DJ and pop artist
Runner Up The Voice Australia 2019
Melbourne jazz vocalist
Youngest-ever contestant on The Voice Australia
Actress and pop singer
Actor and musician
Soulful singer-songwriter
Singer and actress, Daughter of Olivia Newton-John
Junior Eurovision 2015, Runner Up The Voice 2018
Runner Up The Voice 2019
Winner of Australia’s Got Talent 2007
Lead role in Wicked the Musical
Top 8 finalist on The Voice Australia 2024
You’ve already got the talent. We’ll help you unlock what’s next. Audition now—live, online, and led by David and Zafiro Fernandez.
From The Voice to Australian Idol and beyond—these are the real stories of our students who made it.
"David pours his heart into teaching. Zafiro Fernandez started training me as a boy, and David took it from there. His dedication, talent, and belief helped take my voice from strength to strength."
"David didn’t just coach my son Frank — he changed my life too. His belief helped me see myself differently and build a thriving music business. He brings out the best in everyone."
"I dreamt of being taught by David. He became more than a teacher — he was my mentor, my strength, my safety. Even now, I feel so lucky to have him in my corner."
"David and Zafiro Fernandez have been a huge part of my journey. They nurtured my voice and wellbeing with so much detail and care. David believed in me on and off stage, and I’m so grateful."
"Coach got me doing demos, taking extra classes, and constantly pushing forward. I wouldn’t have been as confident or prepared without him — especially during the pressure of the show. I’m really grateful for his help"
"David is an incredible vocal coach and mentor. One of the most inspiring people I know. He understands how to really bring the best out in people and create the true artist"
"Zafiro Fernandez and David have changed my life through their technical prowess and belief in my ability. They have helped me find my voice and sing from the heart in a way I never thought possible."
"I really have no words David to describe how life transforming since meeting you and Zafiro Fernandez.. you both were exactly the mentors I was subconsciously seeking for so many years but just never knew it.. I found my people..open, honest, artistic, creative, sentimental, authentic, genuine and intelligent, masterful and brilliant. I’m immensely grateful for Tanya connecting with you. Your words, talent and generosity of spirit is rare and I know I keep telling you both.. truly inspirational. Thank you from bottom of my heart."
"David is a shining light — a true success story. He’s given so much to his students and the industry. We’ve seen so many artists grow under his guidance. He lifts those around him to greatness."
"I’ve worked with David for decades. His gift is spotting talent early — and then nurturing it with encouragement and confidence. He helps students reach their full potential and beyond."
"David personifies relentless pursuit of excellence. His energy inspires everyone to become the greatest version of themselves. He’s impacted countless lives — including mine — and remains one of the unsung heroes of the global music industry."
"David is a great vocal coach who has guided many of his singers to success. David’s deep experience and insight into what it takes to succeed in the real world of music is invaluable. His perspective on mindset is especially powerful."
"For over two decades, David has uplifted and shaped me as both an artist and person. His belief helped me shed my shyness and find my voice — most recently during my time on The Voice."
"Since I was 10, David has shaped my voice and spirit. He’s the most gifted teacher I’ve ever had — someone who makes you feel bigger than you are. I’ll treasure him forever."
"We travelled weekly from Sydney to Melbourne for Celina to train with David and Zafiro Fernandez for years. Celina Sharma would not be the international star and recording artist she is today without the coaching and mentoring of David and Zafiro Fernandez. If you want to be the best you find the best and train with the best, distance does not matter. David and Zafiro Fernandez are true masters at creating stars."
"David is more than a teacher — he’s a beacon of guidance. His wisdom reminds us that greatness comes from dedication. He helps young singers, like me, find the music within and let it soar."
"David saw something in me I couldn’t see. At 12, he challenged me to write — that first song changed my path. I wouldn’t be the songwriter and artist I am today without him."
"David believed in Jael from the beginning. He nurtured her gift and led with integrity, faith, and love. Through every show — Eurovision, AGT, The Voice — he stood by us. We’ll always honour him."
"David saw my potential when I had none. His emotion-centred training unlocked a connection to music I didn’t know I had. He never chased industry trends — only truth, worship, and the heart of the gift."
"David is a master coach. I’ve been privileged to write and produce songs with many of his brightest stars — Gabriella Cilmi, Delta Goodrem, Josh Hannan and more. The next generation will blow you away."
"Hi David, this weekend I sold my first record to my audience at my sold out show in the city. I had a queue of people waiting for me to sign it. It’s the first time I’ve ever signed my autograph. I remember you telling me as a little girl that one day this would happen. Thank you for always believing in me and for teaching me to believe in myself."
"David is an amazing coach who has nurtured a long list of stars and champions. He’s vibrant, encouraging, and brings out the best in every student. His impact spans decades."
"David is at the forefront of talent development in Australia."
“Good singers hit the notes. Great singers build the moment. They know what to hold back, what to unleash—and exactly when to do it.”
- David Mario-Fernández
Touring in Melbourne and Sydney as the support act to US superstar Patti Labelle changed my life in so many ways. Thank you to my US manager then Jerome Philips who made this happen!
I was a young singer and coach and had always used a traditional scales only approach to train my students.
This is when I was first introduced to the power of Gospel singing and training with Gospel music.
In our chats Patti expressed to me that she had learnt all her singing in Church.
She then gave me a brief mentoring session on the power of this approach.
Watching her sing live I was overwhelmed as she sung notes, riffs and variations I had never heard anyone do. She attributed this to her gospel training and time singing at church. Every night during the tour watching her and talking to her was like a master class in singing. It was light bulb moment and a turning point in my coaching style and life.
She would always invite me to join a prayer circle with her band and then we would pray for the success of the performances. This was tradition , this was Gospel. Elvis did it , Michael Jackson did it and now I was doing it with Patti and her band. I always felt humbled and honoured to be included To this day with the permission of students and parents we incorporate this tradition of the greats , we pray before classes and invite students to join in. If anyone would prefer not to we gladly respect this , however they will need to learn and sing gospel songs as part of the lessons.
We have always had an open minded approach to coaching and have always respected an individuals personal choice of religion and the power of personal choice. We never push religion on anyone but pray if asked to respectfully.
We simply use the gospel approach as means to coach and make singers the best they can be.
We now combine a traditional scales approach with Gospel training!
Out of this approach birth a new generation of local and international stars that I never would have imagined.
My deepest thanks will always go to my greatest inspiration Patti labelle!
Over the years, David has written extensively on singing, identity, creativity, and the deeper journey of becoming an artist.
These reflections offer insight into the emotional, spiritual, and technical layers of what it really means to find your voice.
Explore his most-read articles below—or dive deeper into the full archive.
You’ve already got the talent. We’ll help you unlock what’s next. Audition now—live, online, and led by David and Zafiro Fernandez.
