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Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Director, Advanced Vocal Coach, Vocal Health First Aider, Musical Director, Safeguarding Lead, Exam Lead, Singing for Health Practitioner, Trauma-Informed Voice Professional
Specialising in: Rock and Pop Vocals, Certified in Teaching Inclusively, SEN, Musical Theatre, Vocal Health, Trauma, Anxiety, Spoken Voice, Singing for Health.
Tuition - Hummersknott Academy, Home Studio, Online
Mum of two Claire started Voices of Darlington in 2015 and has poured her life and soul into VoD ever since. From 15 singers in a small classroom, Claire has grown VoD to around 180 every week - all with just one night of choirs (plus one morning session and private lessons). It started for Claire when her inspirational music teacher asked her to join the school acapella choir, which went on to perform in venues in Germany. She sang her own composition at 16 for the then Prime Minister Tony Blair, and was awarded a song writing mentorship with a producer at 17. At 18 Claire studied for a BA (hons) degree in Performance and then went straight into professional work around the country working as a lead singer, dancer, entertainer and assistant entertainments manager for Bourne Leisure (Haven/Warner/Butlins). Claire also worked for Galaxy radio in that time. She then taught at Stagecoach for a further 10 years as a singing/drama teacher and deputy manager and began building her private studio. Claire continues to have excellent exam successes with Trinity College London, and was invited to be an external reviewer for LAMDA and their new Musical Theatre syllabus. Claire continues to study many courses with experts such as Anne Marie Speed, Dr Jenevora Williams, Stephen King, British Voice Association, Barbara Houseman and Vocal Health Education to improve her teaching and knowledge. Claire is a qualified Vocal Health First Aider and accredited Vocal Health Education member with has a keen interest in vocal health and trauma. Claire delivers coaching, workshops and lectures across the North with institutions such as The University of York St John and Darlington Operatic Society and leads music sessions at The Hive for adults with additional needs and disabilities. Claire has a certificate in Teaching Inclusively and is studying towards her qualification in Trauma Informed Professional Voice and Singing for Health Practitioner. Claire also enjoys lead roles at Darlington Hippodrome Theatre with Darlington OS and sings professionally at private events throughout the year.
Graduate Vocal Coach, Assistant Choir Leader
Specialising in: Auditions and Drama School Applications, Musical Theatre, Children, Confidence Building.
Tuition - Hummersknott Academy, Online
Tori was Claire's first ever 1-2-1 student back in 2011, our assistant for many years and now a graduate of Leeds Conservatoire. Tori has an extensive training resume in performing arts, training at Stagecoach, Stockton Riverside College and Musical Theatre up to Grade 8. Tori made her professional debut in Billy Elliot at Leicester Curve in 2022 and is a very welcoming being. Tori is thrilled to be both teaching privately and assisting our choirs and will be mentored by Claire throughout her teaching journey. Tori is certified in Voice Health for Singers with Vocal Health Education.
Graduate Vocal Coach
Specialising in: Acting through song, musical theatre, performance theory, GCSE and Secondary Education, confidence and resilience, mental health practitioner, SEND.
Tuition - Hummersknott Academy, Online
Sophie gained her first class degree in Drama at Liverpool John Moores University in 2018, specialising in Musical Theatre and Production Management. She then became a qualified teacher of Drama (PGCE & QTS) and has spent the last 5 years leading performing arts in a range of secondary schools across the country. Sophie has extensive experience in safeguarding young people, SEND and has trained and delivered sessions as a mental health in schools practitioner. As the original Voices of Darlington choir assistant and one of Claire's private students, Sophie is excited to use her teaching experience to teach privately with the team. Sophie will be mentored by Claire throughout her teaching journey. Sophie is certified in Voice Health for Singers with Vocal Health Education.
Cover Choir Leader and Vocal Coach
Since graduating from university with a first class degree in music, Hannah has experience facilitating a variety of music education and community music activities, including early years, SEND and maternity cover at the Voices of Darlington. She is currently the projects manager at Purple Patch Arts, a charity that uses creative methods deliver innovative and inclusive learning experiences for learning-disabled and autistic adults. Hannah is also currently studying a postgraduate degree in Music and Wellbeing at the University of Leeds, and she plans to use the knowledge she gains to ensure she delivers the most beneficial and fulfilling experiences she can.
Hannah will be starting to deliver vocal coaching sessions from April 2024, which will include online sessions.
Studio Manager
Dawn joined VoD during lockdown in January 2021 and sang online for several weeks before meeting us all in person. She started private lessons too and was soon working towards her Trinity Rock & Pop Vocals grade 4. Since joining us, Dawn has completed her grades 4, 5 & 6 with merits and distinctions, and is currently working towards grade 7.
Dawn has always helped us out at classes and events and due to her super organisational skills, in summer 2023, Claire asked her to be part of the team to help keep us organised and provide an extra support to members in dealing with enquiries and day to day activities. Dawn deals with bookings for private lessons, new member registrations, keeping our calendar up to date, organising events for the studio and all manner of other things. Dawn is also qualified in level 3 Paediatric First Aid.
Choir Assistant
Amy has been one of Claire's private students for many years and has completed several Trinity Rock & Pop and Musical Theatre grades and is currently working towards Grade 8. Amy will be assisting Claire, Tori & Sophie with the younger classes in order to maintain our high standards of care and support.
Choir Assistant
Esme has been one of Claire's private students for many years and has completed several Trinity Rock & Pop grades and is currently working towards Grade 6. Esme also will be assisting Claire, Tori & Sophie with the younger classes in order to maintain our high standards of care and support.
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