Cäcilie - Richard Strauss
Accompanist
Our in-house accompanist is James Smith, a pianist who has worked with many young musicians in the U.K. Recent concerts include a cello recital in Manchester, song cycles and competitions in East Anglia. He has long experience of coaching and accompanying candidates preparing for exams and auditions. After reading Music at London University, James spent 20 years teaching in schools. In 2004 he returned to music full-time, undertaking two recital series and appearing in the Aldeburgh Festival, besides accompanying for the Britten Pears School at Snape Maltings and in several conservatoire auditions. Since 2005 he has also worked all over the world as a Music Examiner.
About Really Sing
Really Sing is for everyone who wants to do just that. There are no gimmicks, no ‘latest techniques’ – just really sound singing teaching, using traditional methods which allow students to use their voice safely and with expression. I am an experienced teacher and performer who has spent years learning the bel canto method from genuine practitioners. Originally available only in East Anglia, I have set up Really Sing in Wiltshire to offer teaching to adults and children there, too. If you love singing, whether you are a beginner or just want to get back to singing after a break, why not contact me at Really Sing?
My love of singing began in church choirs, where I was encouraged to go for vocal lessons with the Organist of Peterborough Cathedral, Stanley Vann.
After reading Music at Royal Holloway College (London University), I took part in the Mayer-Lissmann Opera Workshop and masterclasses with leading performers such as Malcom Martineau, Paul Hamburger & Laura Sarti. I was then fortunate to study with Rae Woodland over a period of 25 years, whilst gaining a breadth of experience in concert and oratorio work all over the UK.
I have taught singing privately and in schools, besides giving weekly lessons to the Choristers of Norwich Cathedral (including their outreach programme) and the Civic Church in Ipswich. Besides leading choral & performance workshops, I continue to teach many individual children and adults.
Many of my pupils have successfully applied for choral scholarships at Oxbridge and other leading universities & cathedrals, as well as for conservatoire entry and music theatre courses. Over 60 of my pupils have passed Gd8.
Learning how to sing properly is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling activities to take part in – find out more on my Aims page.
I cannot thank you enough for the continual support and guidance you’ve given me over the years.
The choral scholars and choristers thought you were brilliant, as I knew they would.
To the best singing teacher in the world! Thank you so much for the last four years of being not just my singing teacher but my life coach too.