My favourite coffee mug says: If I’m not singing, I’m probably thinking about it! Music,
and especially singing, has always been a big part of my life, and becomes more
important the older I get. Although I often perform as a soloist, my real love is
harmony singing. There is power and magic in singing with other people and in
creating something you could not create alone! Singing with others also creates
connection and is proven to be good for our wellbeing!
Professional qualifications and areas of expertise:
I’m a qualified teacher with 30 years’ experience in the Primary and Middle School
sector. With a BA in French and Drama, during my career, I specialised in Music,
Drama, English and Modern Foreign Languages and gained an MA(Ed) in Drama. In
my last teaching post, I ran a singing club and a guitar club, and led hymn practice
every week for the whole school.
Since leaving the classroom I have become a private vocal coach as well as a
singing leader. I also teach ukulele to adults and children and have recently begun
teaching visually impaired adults to play, which is challenging but very rewarding.
It’s a real privilege to lead sessions for Music In Our Bones and working with such a
talented team of people really doesn’t feel like work at all!
Singing experience:
I have always loved to sing and, when I joined my school choir at the age of eight, I
discovered a love for harmony singing which has never left me. There is such magic
in hearing your voice blend with others to create a whole new sound!
At university I discovered a passion for musical theatre and took part in lots of
shows. In my twenties I sang in a rock band!
These days I sing with a variety of groups:
Hadleigh Community Choir, of which I am a proud founder member.
Little Blue Starling, a vocal harmony duo, in which I play ukulele as well as
singing.
Under the Bridge, a four-piece group, in which I also play ukulele, washboard
and percussion.
Chordwrangle, a mixed, Barbershop-style quartet.
Calling Birds, an acoustic group, along with fellow singing leaders Denise,
Mark and Jill.
As well as ukulele, I play guitar and assorted percussion. I am currently learning
piano and flute. My secret wish is to have a full-sized drum kit, but I think I may
need a bigger house first…
