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I started training as a choral conductor in 2012 after working as a television journalist at the BBC for ten years. My local parish needed a new choir and I was approached to lead it as they'd heard I had a classical music background. True, I'd studied classical guitar and music theory from the age of 7 and had performed in an ensemble for several years. However, I knew nothing about conducting choirs.
So I googled 'conductor training' and found Sing for Pleasure, a national, choral organisation that trains conductors and singers. I signed up, loved every minute of it and decided to continue on this new, musical journey. The hard work paid off and I now have a number of certified qualifications as a Conductor and Vocal Leader, currently working towards a Dip, ABRSM at the Advanced Level. Alongside my conductor training I studied classical singing as a private pupil of Amelya Goldy (Guildhall School of Music & Drama) to grade 8 ABRSM. I also took all ABRSM graded music exams in piano and music theory, studying with Jane Whatley (BMus) and subsequently with Carol Stewart (BMus.) For the last 8 years I've conducted an SATB church choir which I started from scratch, a community choir and an auditioned SATB concert choir which rehearses ad hoc for professional engagements. I'm frequently involved in concert programming, selecting professional soloists (singers and orchestral players) for a range of professional and charity concerts. In 2015 I was accepted onto the RPO Women Conductors Programme where I studied Classical Symphony with the renowned, orchestral conductor, Jane Glover. My aim is to do a Masters in Choral Conducting. I love bringing people together of all ages and abilities to create a beautiful sound. I've conducted choirs at concerts, masses, festivals, singing workshops, charity fundraisers, on tour with Classical Brit-award winners, Blake and live, on national television for HM the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh      |
