Vocal Coach / Vocal MD / Vocal Design Services
Vocal Coach / Vocal MD / Vocal Design Services
news...
March 2024
'This Town' Airs on BBC
After nearly a year of waiting; Steven Knight's 'This Town' airs on BBC one and the iPlayer.
I was fortunate to be hired as vocal coach to lead actors Levi Brown and Ben Rose to help with vocal health on long shoot days and to assess their vocals for the approach to learning the material as the original soundtrack was being written by Kae Tempest & Dan Carey.
The focus on the stylistic requirements was interesting as they both had been trained in some ways through the drama school training and to rough up the technique is not always easy after spending years polishing it!
The music is amazing in the series and I am hoping for a series 2 to bring even more of a focus on this wonderful celebration of music of the era.
March 2024
C2C : London o2 with Rita Wilson
I felt so privileged to be asked to form the UK line up of Rita Wilson's band to perform at London's o2 as part of the Country 2 Country festival.
Just check out the band!
MD/Guitar : Andrew Doolittle
Keys : Tim Bradshaw
Guitar : Neill MacColl
Bass : Andrew McKinney
Drums : Chris Vatalaro
BV's : Hannah White
Day one was a fun smaller venue called 'The barrelhouse' and day two was at the Indigo on the BBC Radio 2 stage. It was a pure joy to venture into the world of country music and work with country pop royalty to help recreate these tracks live for thousands of fans.
Hoping Rita will be back to London soon.
February 2024
Graduation for the Class of '23
28th February 2024 was a leap year but also marked the day that I had to be serious and formal for an hour for BIMM University's Graduation at the beautiful Birmingham Town Hall.
Since stepping into the role of course leader I have taken on many things that are new but for me, there is nothing more terrifying than public speaking.
Singing fine...A formal speech? Scary.
Our special guest speaker was the remarkable Joan Armatrading who spoke with such poise and flair.
It all went well and it was a true honour to be able to call out the names of those students I have supported and hand them their degree. It felt like a very special moment to stand on stage and celebrate their hard work.
January 2024
Jazz & Jets!
Happy 2024 everyone!!
January has been a bit of a whirlwind rather than the hibernation period but full of all things music.
A bit of Jazz for LuxAviation UK and launching their new private jet.
Vocal coaching for RWS at their rehearsal studios with the next P&O Marella production vocalists.
Research towards the book is in full swing along with workshops to help working singers out there : If you are a professional or trained vocalists and wish to be part of the book or join a workshop then get in touch. I would love to tell you more about it.
December 2023
New role at BIMM University Birmingham
As 2023 comes to a close, I am happy to announce that I will be taking the position of Course Leader for Popular Music Performance at BIMM University.
I have been part of the course leadership team in a supportive role for the past few years and so it's an exciting new challenge to continue to work with the next generation of the music industry professionals & leading a team of amazing lecturers.
A lovely way to end the year.
Happy Christmas and Season's greetings to you all.
See you in 2024 xx
November 2023
Research Phase (I must be mad!)
It's been busy behind the scenes! Whilst juggling projects and lecture life I am working on a book which 'hopefully' will be ready for the world in 2024.
Apart from frantically typing (not on an old fashioned typewriter), I have been conducting lots of research and experimenting my methods on lots of vocalists.
If you are a vocalist and want to take part in some research please get in touch and get involved! It'll be worth it I promise!
I am incredibly excited about the project and can't wait to present it to the industry and help singers discover more about their wonderful instrument.
October 2023
Vocal lecturer & Course leader team
Congratulations to the 2023 graduates who have just finished their degree in Popular music performance at BIMM University. It's been a pleasure to lecture you and help you through to become professionals entering the Music Industry.
And a huge welcome to the new students joining us ready to start their degree.
October marks the start of term which as part of the course leader team is exciting to see all of our planning come to life. Have a good one!
September 2023
Vocal coaching & Rehearsal direction
I was lucky enough to witness this wonderful cast and coach the vocalists as part of their rehearsal time at the RWS Studios. I love these days where I get to watch the run of the show and see them progress over time.
This lovely bunch are on show 10 of 12 in preparation for joining Marella Cruises.
I was exhausted watching them.
Good luck to the incoming cast of the "Discovery II" who are getting ready to take on the seas in Asia.
Bon Voyage!
July 2023
Vocal coaching & Musical direction
I have been coaching and preparing vocalists for contracts all over the globe from the comfort of the RWS rehearsal studios in Northampton.
Some might say it's a slightly elaborate room for just two of us at a time but I like to live my 'Flashdance' life when no-one is looking.
Good luck to CJ and Millie in the Med, and Pedro heading out to Japan. It's been a pleasure working with you on some fabulous shows.
June 2023
Vocal Design & Direction for MSC Cruises
The beautiful 'Strings' onboard the ship MSC Grandiosa was successfully installed by the creative team and me to get cast number 4 up to scratch to continue the Cirque flame burning in the remarkable Carousel Lounge.
Currently touring the Med and soon to venture to Brazil, the cast are up and running performing every night.
One of my favourite things is bringing the music and visual aspects together to create a more immersive experience for the audience. A great way to spend my birthday with a lovely team.
March 2023
Vocal coaching for BBC Drama
I have been fortunate to be hired by Kudos and Banijay for the BBC series 'This Town'.
The newest project from Steven Knight
(Peaky Blinders)
I have been working with two of the lead actors to ensure good vocal health, vocal performance and stylistic awareness for the period and genre that they must recreate. I cannot wait to see it on the screen. It's been such fun and a pleasure to work with such talent.
February 2023
Musical Direction for Ted Group / RWS
I have been travelling about the country providing Musical Direction for Ted Group/RWS. I have been teaching shows, vocal coaching and ensuring that shows with multiple singers are prepared for opening night.
February 2023
Graduation : PGCert &
Fellowship to the HEA
I received my PGCert in February courtesy of BIMM University and became a member of the Higher Education Authority.
My research project was on preparing vocalists for the Industry.
I am not considering a PhD, however a book of my teaching method may be on the cards in the future!
