About me…
I’ve always been in awe of what the human voice can do – and there’s nothing I love more than working with others to help them fall in love with it too.
Like many performers, I started young: singing, dancing, putting on elaborate living room shows for my (long-suffering) family, and joining local amateur dramatics productions.
I went on to study for my BA in History at King’s College London, but spent most of my time there doing shows with the Musical Theatre Society and singing in a covers band. So I followed that calling across the city to the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama for an MA in Acting Musical Theatre, and that’s when I started to focus seriously on the voice.
Since then I’ve sung as a session vocalist for bands and clients including the BBC, performed in musical theatre, and sung with my retro close-harmony group in venues large and small, from Royal Palaces and London’s West End to private homes across the UK and Europe. I also hold Grade 8 Classical Singing (with Distinction) and have sung in many a choral concert, so I know how it feels to love the score, as well as how it feels to step away from it.
I’ve spent the years since my performance training learning everything I can about how voices work and how to teach singing (and I’m still learning!). During my postgraduate studies, I developed a particular interest in vocal improvisation and how to teach it, and in the neuroscience of singing.
I’ve had my own vocal wobbles and challenges over the years too, so I know first-hand how unsettling that can be. It’s a big part of why I care so much about helping singers sing with confidence and ease.
I’m committed to kind, empathetic, evidence-based, voice-positive teaching. As Jo Estill said, “Everyone has a beautiful voice”, and that’s the foundation of my approach, alongside a focus on vocal health and helping singers build a great relationship with their voices. I also believe learning to sing is most effective when it’s fun (which is backed by the science!), so I weave playful exploration into technical work.
Whether you’re a working pro who wants to stay vocally fit and performance-ready, a keen amateur who wants to understand your voice and build real control, or someone who simply loves to sing, I’d love to work with you.
“Thanks to Laura, I have a much better understanding of what I'm doing, and my practice, performing and enjoyment are much improved, as is my trust in myself that I can do this!”
Gill S-M, singer
Trainings, Qualifications & Experience
Voice Your Potential / Estill Voice International / The Voice Explained: Estill Master Trainer
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, London: MA Acting Musical Theatre
Voice Study Centre: ITOL Certificate in Applied Neuroscience and Voice with Heidi Moss
Voice Study Centre: PGCert Professional Practice Voice Pedagogy
Voice Study Centre: Certificated Public Speaking Coach qualification with John Henny
Voice Study Centre additional trainings: Reframing Breathing (Heidi Moss), Exploration of Mix Voice (Amanda Flynn), Authenticity for the Musical Theatre Performer (Marco Morbidelli), Practical Acoustics (Ken Bozeman) and more…
Dr Kari Ragan: Supervised Practicum Course for Voice Teachers
Vocal Health Education: Vocal Health First Aider
Applause for Thought: Mental Health First Aider
Mountview: Technical singing tutor
Sing Space Musical Theatre Choir Canterbury - Choir leader
ABRSM: G8 Classical Singing (Distinction)
Musician's Union / Educare: Child Protection in Education (Music)
Memberships:
British Voice Association, Association of Teachers of Singing (AOTOS), Independent Society of Musicians (ISM)
Enhanced DBS Certificate and PI and PL insured.