My story ( and why I teach )
I was a creative but painfully shy child with a passion for singing. I grew up scribbling lyrics and belting out songs around the house, but music lessons at school were dry and uninspiring. There, music was presented as something intimidating and academic. We were never encouraged to open our mouths and sing - music seemed to be an exclusive thing, only for people who could read music. Little did I realise that my voice was an instrument, and that I was already musical.
One thing I did know, was that I felt sheer joy when I was singing. Singing was like magic, a beautiful way to express myself. At that time I believed the common myth that singers were born not made. It wasn’t until I had major surgery on my spine as a young adult that it hit me - life is too short to wait for permission to do what you love. I wasted no time and joined a band. I started writing and recording my first songs. It turns out all those lyrics I’d been scribbling and tunes I’d been humming were drumroll.. actually songs. It turned out, not being able to read music didn’t mean I wasn’t musical after all. Only now I was realising the legtimacy of the voice as an instrument, one that we all have, and we can all learn to play.
Whilst I was doing the early twenties thing of hustling like mad, I enrolled on every musicianship course I could and played gigs across London while supporting myself with a full time day job. Early on, other singing students asked me for advice and my passion came sharply into focus. I loved watching others blossom. It gave me so much joy to empower others, and to help them find thier voices as I was finding mine. I studied the (fascinating!) science behind the voice at the Royal Academy of Music, and set up my own vocal studio in Kentish Town. Twelve years ( and thousands of teaching hours) later, I’m more passionate than ever about music being for everyone. Don’t think you’re not musical because you can’t sight-read or don’t have perfect pitch. Don’t assume you’re not born to sing because you’re not the loudest of extroverts. I’m here for your journey and rooting for you.
My training at a glimpse…
In all honesty, I’m a bit of a geek about all things voice, so have attended more training and workshops than I can comfortably fit on a page. Vocal science is always evolving, and new light is always being shone on the incredible phenomenon which is the human voice. I regularly attend training so I can expand my knowledge, but here is a small sample of my qualifications and vocational training ;
The Complete Level 1 & 2 Course in Estill VoiceCraft at Royal Academy of Music with Anne-Marie Speed, Paul Farrington and Kiereen Lock.
LCM Grade 8 (Distinction) in Musical Theatre at London College of Music.
The Accent Method for Classical and Contemporary Singing (run by Dr Ron Morris (Speech therapist) and Dane Chalfin of The British Voice Association).
Becoming a Better Music Teacher with ABRSM and Royal College of Music
Be a Singing Teacher (B.A.S.T) Course with Line Hilton.
Various CPD accredited webinars with Vocal Process including Diagnosing Voices and Singing and the Actor.
Teacher training ( composition) at the Royal Opera House
Core Training in Leading Music Workshops with Spitalfields Music.
Child Protection Awareness Certificate with the Musicians Union.
Sight Reading for Singers with Jody Ellen Robinson.
Voice Training with Tim Evans, Artistic Director of The Factory.
Writing for Choirs workshop with BBC Singers, Camden Roundhouse.
I also hold an enhanced DBS (CRB) and First Aid Certificate and I'm a member of the Association of Teachers of Singing, the Musicians Union, and The British Voice Association.
