Specialisms

Supporting all who wish to sing and connect with others.

Additional information

I love the power of music to make people feel as one and to bring a sense of well-being in challenging times.  The voice can transcend language and geographical barriers and simply be a universal sound which, when joined up with others, then gives us a sense of balance and connection.

Having recently given up the day job,  I now enjoy getting my hands dirty, connecting with the soil and growing community links in West Penwith through volunteering at Bosavern Community Farm and The Acorn Theatre, Penzance which hosts live music events.

I am also free to support any individual or group in West Penwith (Cornwall) wishing to sing – to advise on what is already available and what new avenues might be possible.  I would also welcome collaboration with other leaders.

I am currently holding monthly song circles with a hybrid approach to singing and chanting – providing an opportunity for exploring the voice and improvisation, held in a safe and relaxed space of healing (yoga, dance, meditation and other holistic therapies) with the aim of achieving a sense of connection and well-being.

I started leading groups from 2017, learning from other NVN practitioners, and benefited from a fabulous Sharing the Music residential weekend led by Susie Ro.

Background and Experience

While employed I held various business support roles ranging from film production to local government, education and health however when not working, music has played a big part in my life and my musical journey started at a young age…

• Bought a piano for £5 aged 8 and taught myself to read music, qualifying to grade 5 music/theory – basic but fundamental!  Sang at my local Odeon – Saturday Morning Picture Show for Children and remember holding a microphone for the 1st time, singing I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing!
• Once described as a lazy soprano at audition, by the musical director of Wells Oratorio Society and being accepted as 2nd alto – I have since extended my vocal range for teaching purposes but mostly now sing in my tenor comfort zone!
• Experience of singing in a church choir as a teenager and member of the Cheltenham Children’s Theatre Association, acting and singing in summer musicals including ‘The Wizard of Oz’ when I played Dorothy and had a teenage crush on The Scarecrow! (it didn’t last!).  Sang for my university Chapel Choir and had voice coaching lessons which helped me understand the importance of posture and where vocal sounds come from!
• 20 years singing in Somerset: Whitstone Ladies Choir, Wells Oratorio Society, Asylum Seekers folk band (ex Mendip Packet folk club, Chilcompton).  Member of Freshly Ground acapella choir, led by Issy Emeney (leader of Mendip Folk Choir, Somerset) – performing at various venues in the West Country and festivals 2012-2015 including Chippenham, Cheltenham, South Petherton, Upton-Upon-Severn (album The Good Red Earth, released by Wild Goose)
• 2010 – gained my PTLLS Award (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector)
• CPD gained from regular attendance at workshops – 2017: B Naturals, Beatles and Bowie; Bristol Choir Convention; Harmonic Temple (Nickomo and Rasullah); Sing! 2017 Choir Leaders Day, Thornbury Baptist Church; Northern Harmony (Bath);  2018: Soul Soundings (Candy Verney); Sing for Medicine (Catherine Mowat, Caroline Rigby, Claire Anstee and Chris Strong); Harmonic Temple (Nickomo and Rasullah); Helen Yeomans and B Naturals Songs of the 70s; 2019: Helen Chadwick; Tony Backhouse; 2022: Gavin Frank, Jane Harris and Susie Ro; 2023: Windborne; Helen Yeomans and Susie Ro at Buddhafield Festival

2020 – Moved to Cornwall and ran Newlyn Sings! for a short while before Covid took its toll.

2022 – as a tenor backing vocalist, recorded Kirtan style chants with Adrian Freedman in Dartington, due for release in 2023.

Current 

2019 to 2023 – a tenor voice Glorious Chorus – led by the amazing Helen Yeomans – fabulous!  GC  supported Ninebarrow, Spooky Men’s Chorale and Chaps Choir (Islington) as well as being the headline act! GC completed its journey in July 2023 in  Dartington, Totnes and Buddhafield Festival and has been the best singing experience of my life!

2020 to date – connected with the wonderful Pip Wright, singing tenor with Levow an Bys and also weekly Songs with Spirit, Songs for the Soul, led by Pip in a sacred space.

2023 – Song Circles at West Cornwall Inner Space, Newlyn – complementing yoga and other therapies already on offer there.

Will continue to support singing wherever and encourage others to sing for well-being!

My events