About me
My love of singing goes back to earlier than I can remember – my parents still frequently tell the story of me, at 2 years of age, stood at the top of the stairs singing Barbara Streisand’s ‘Woman In Love’ at the top of my voice! As a child school was the main place that fostered this love; I took part in various school productions, choirs and other musical activities readily. Then as a teenager I competed in numerous musical festivals and was an active member of Stoke-on-Trent Operatics Society Youth Section taking the lead female role of Ann Pornick in ‘Half a Sixpence’ when I was 16.
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My first forays into teaching and directing came in my late teens when I was given the opportunity to stage a production for an awards evening at a local theatre. Then at the age of 18 I achieved ABRSM Grade 8 with Distinction before heading off to university where, as well as achieving a BA (Hons), my vocal skills were also recognised when I was selected as a soloist for the university graduation ceremonies. During my 20s and early 30s singing had to take somewhat of a back seat as I moved into a high paced corporate career and then left that to start and raise a family. However, I continued to perform as a soloist in various charity recitals and also regularly sang in church choirs and worship bands.
Then in 2016 I was asked to help out with the choir at my daughter’s junior school and found it a thoroughly rewarding and enriching experience. Watching these children discover their voices, learn about music and fall in love with song really sparked my passion and made me realise how much I enjoy helping children (and adults) develop a love for singing. I continue to work with the school choir and am also now working as a choir director for a Vale Voices Community Choir. Much like the school choir, this venture is all about nurturing a love of music and singing in the local community. Teaching singing privately has been a natural progression on from this.
I am qualified to ABRSM Diploma level in Music Performance. I am a member of the Association of Teachers of Singing (AOTOS) and continue to pursue ongoing professional training and development through them. I am also a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) through which I have full Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance. I hold portable Enhanced DBS certification and have recently done child safeguarding training.
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When I'm not singing or taking part in other musical pursuits, my life revolves around my two wonderful children (pictured above)! I also enjoy running and taking part in my local Park Run, I volunteer for Sure Start as a breastfeeding peer supporter and I am a qualified Advanced Scuba Diver!