Teaching

My Qualifications are as follows;

  • BA Honours Degree in Music – Awarded by The University of Bath (1987)
  • LRAM – Licentiate of The Royal Academy of Music – Singing
  • Dip ABRSM – Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music 
  • CTABRSM – Certificate in Teaching Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music  
  • Grade 8 ABRSM – Singing, Piano, Viola
  • Grade 6 ABRSM – Theory
  • Grade 7 ABRSM – Speech and Drama
  • A Levels – Music, French, English

Vocal Training

I have trained with a number of notable singing teachers and repetiteurs, including Cynthia Glover, Mollie Petrie, Alison Mary Sutton, Penelope Price-Jones, Ian Comboy, Rosalind Plowright OBE, Simon Phillippo and most recently Rosa Mannion. I was a member of both the Wiltshire Youth and National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain before studying for my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music at University, where I majored in voice.

I have recently retired from teaching in schools and now teach privately at home. During my career I have taught in a number of Independent and State schools as follows;

  • Sheldon School, Chippenham – Singing and Piano  (1987 – 1998).
  • Hardenhuish School, Chippenham – Singing and Piano (1990 – 1993)
  • Monkton Park School, Chippenham – Singing, Piano and Recorder (1990 – 1998)
  • St Margaret’s School, Calne – Classroom Music Teacher, Singing and Piano (1998 – 2008)
  • Monkton Combe School, Bath – Singing (2009 – 2011)
  • Grittleton House School, Chippenham – Director of Music (1988 – 1992) Singing (2011 – 2015)
  • St Mary’s School, Calne – Singing (1998 – 2002 and 2013 – 2023)
  • Heywood Prep, Corsham – Piano and Singing (2021 – 2023)
  • Stonar School, Atworth – Singing (2003 – 2024)

A number of my students have progressed onto stage school and music college including RWCMD, RCM, LCM, LAMDA, GSA, Bristol Old Vic, Mountview, Italia Conti, LIPA, Rose Bruford College, Wells Cathedral, ArtsEd and Tring Park Schools.

Scholarships and Professional Memberships

  • Full Bursary – Ardingly College – Singing Summer School awarded by Jonathan Hinden – 1998
  • Bursary Rendecombe Opera Course  – 2000
  • FISM – Full Member of the Institute and Society of Musicians
  • Full DBS Clearance

Singing Lessons

I offer flexible sessions to suit your requirements with lesson lengths of 30, 45 and 60 minutes pro rata. I make my lessons as much about enjoyment as helping you discover your voice, tailoring the lessons to your specific needs and helping you to develop healthy vocal techniques and confidence.  I will work with you and your chosen repertoire but also love helping you discover new songs from all kinds of genres including opera, shows and pop.  I am happy to teach just for your own enjoyment, or for those who wish to take exams, I follow all syllabuses for;

  • ABRSM – Singing Grades 1–8 and Diplomas (Classical / Music Theatre), Piano Grades 1-5, Theory up to Grade 5
  • LCM – Music Theatre and Popular Music Vocals Grades 1–8 and Diplomas
  • Trinity College London – Singing Grades 1–8 and Diplomas (Classical / Music Theatre)

Piano Lessons

I have played the piano from the age of 7 and have continued to play nearly every day whilst teaching in schools. I studied to Grade 8 ABRSM and now offer lessons to adult beginners, and improvers, in a friendly and encouraging environment. 

Theory Lessons

I studied the theory of music to Grade 6 ABRSM and also took A Level Music studying harmony and composition to degree level. I can help with theory of music grades up to Grade 5 ABRSM.

Get Ready for Auditions

Having been through the professional audition process a number of times myself, I offer sessions for singers preparing for the next audition for higher education, show or professional company.  I can help you choose the best repertoire to suit your voice, develop healthy and effective vocal techniques, build confidence in your performance and fine-tune the interpretation and delivery of your chosen song(s).

For further enquiries follow this link – Make an enquiry

“It wasn’t until I started singing lessons with Susan that my confidence really grew. Not only did I have lots of fun learning all the songs from the shows, I also achieved distinction in Grade 8 Musical Theatre. Thank you for everything.  Frankie L 

“Susan, you are such a wonderful teacher and such a positive person towards my singing. Thank you so much for helping me achieve my goal of a place at music college.”   Oli A