Singing has been a huge part of my life since I can remember, not just because I grew up in a household of musicians where music permeated the house, but because I could explore music and express myself with freedom.  In those days of innocence I felt no inhibition, subsequently enjoying a wonderful music education from junior school right through to tertiary education, all based around music and singing - the one thing in which I had confidence.

All I wanted to do was to perform, and an exciting career beckoned.  I loved it.  I felt I could sing anything and took all the work that was offered irrespective of whether it suited my light, Soubrette quality, and without being mindful of the bigger picture.   All good things......sheer youthful enthusiasm led me to overwork my voice and unsurprisingly it began to deteriorate.  Nobody but myself realised at first but eventually I had to concede that I couldn’t fulfil engagements.  I was devastated, more for the fact that I was losing the very essence of my being than the missed opportunities.  For a time I felt invisible, worthless, lifeless.

However, life goes on and it was comforting to learn that other professionals who had suffered a similar voice crash were, nonetheless, able to recover.  A number of coincidental meetings and events led to my association with two wonderful mentors who recognised my trauma. Their knowledge and understanding were invaluable, helping me to get back on track and prompting me to continue my vocal work, building on my experiences both as a performer and teacher.  I now know that I was meant to be doing the work I do: nurturing young voices, instilling a good technique, guiding young professionals with their progression and maintenance, rehabilitating “shot” voices, and helping those who just love to sing, to get the best from their instrument.  

We all have a voice, it is intrinsic to our soul, and when it works well it is exhilarating.  What music we can create! 

I am a member of the British Voice Association, Musicians’ Union, and am DBS checked.