Singing
I trained at the prestigious Purcell School of Music and Goldsmith’s College, where I was originally a flautist. After graduating I carved a varied career as a singer in many different genres including classical, (both solo and choral), Musical Theatre, Jazz, Rock and Pop and Gospel styles. I have worked with many great musicians including jazz pianist Pete Churchill and R n B singer Lloyd Wade (featured artist on Pack Up Your Troubles by Liza Doolittle), and performed in fabulous venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and The Royal Festival Hall.
Teaching
I’ve been teaching singing for almost twenty years and have worked at primary, senior and vocational college levels. I pride myself in having students who have gone on to pursue careers in jazz, musical theatre, rock, pop and gospel. Many of my pupils have acquired industry agents and worked in touring theatre productions as soloists, and one ex-student won the coveted Yamaha “Funk it Up” Competition with her band GeeJay, giving her a headliner slot at Love Supreme Festival. I’m extremely proud of all my students, and feel privileged to be a part of their musical journeys, wherever that may lead them. To me, singing is an important part of self-expression and a key component for building self-confidence, particularly in young people. As well as a Bachelor of Music (BMUS Hons) I have an Associate Diploma in Musical Theatre Singing from the London College of Music (ALCM), and I am a qualified Estill practitioner (levels I and II).
JAZZ ROUGE is my creative collaboration with guitarist Andy Rushton, plus guest musicians from all over the UK. Each of us bring technical skill, adventurous improvisation and our own individual musical influences from infectious Latin American rhythms, smooth French chic to quirky British humour. Andy is an enormously talented and versatile musician, who plays multiple instruments. As a guitarist he studied with Stuart Hall and John Paricelli. He has worked with several well known musicians including Jake Issacs and Carrie and David Grant. Jazz Rouge has appeared on a number of jazz festival stages (Ealing Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Christian Arts Festival) as well as enjoying playing for corporate occasions and weddings. Jazz Rouge has been lucky to have been joined regularly by great guests players, such as well-known Cameroon bassist, composer and director of the African Jazz Orchestra, Serge Ngando.
See www.jazzrouge.co.uk for more information.
