1:1 Coaching, Festivals, Motown Magic, 10th Anniversary VOTT Show... A Busy Few Months!

Yes, it's definitely been a busy few months!  Since the relaxation of Covid restrictions in May, it's been a fantastic, full-on return to pretty much all pre-Covid activities, from in-person 1:1 voice coaching and vocal classes/workshops, to festivals, indoor gigs and even a return to performing with a true Motown/Soul legend.

Firstly, it's been absolutely amazing to return to 1:1 in-person voice coaching and working with all of my singing and voice clients/students, both new and longer-term, as they themselves return to busier work diaries.  From all of the vocalists working across the music industry as recording artists, performers, MT students/auditionees to those just developing their voices, it's been fantastic to hear and see so many driven singers at the piano again, bringing new rep and passionate about developing their sound and/or technique.  

I've been equally delighted to work with so many spoken-voice/professional voice user clients too, as they look to develop a range of aspects, such as: greater projection, clearer delivery, more authority, more colour, better vocal health/stamina etc within their speaking voices.  Among many clients, I've had the pleasure of working with a well-known TV presenter as well as a hugely talented, upcoming sports commentator who has been voted the 'BBC Young Commentator of the Year'.  It's been a real buzz and even better, it's been fantastic and hugely satisfying to see so much development amongst everyone.   Looking to develop your singing or speaking voice, or experiencing an issue that doesn't seem to be improving?  Get in touch and I'll be happy to help.

The 1:1 coaching sessions have been further accompanied by a greater return to working with performing arts students on a weekly basis and vocal workshops with music degree level students which again has been a real pleasure to work with such talented young voices.

Away from voice coaching, it's been fantastic to hit festival stages again after almost two years (late November 2019 to be exact) since the last occasion.  First up, it was a return to the main stage at Lindisfarne Festival for Newcastle's hottest, funkiest Soul/Rock choir, Voice of the Town.  Despite being the first act on the main stage that day, we had a cracking crowd of festival-goers take in the show and it went down a storm.  Gigs are hotting up over at VOTT and having formed the choir/organisation back in late 2011, this year sees us celebrate our 10th anniversary.  And what better way to do that than with what's set to be a STUNNING show at the brilliant Biscuit Room.  So, if you love vocal harmony, hearing amazing voices and the region's best musicians do their thang, get yourself along to Ain't No Stoppin' Us: feat. Newcastle's Voice of the Town Choir on Sunday, November 28th.  It's NOT to be missed, so... DON'T!
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Finally, I once again had the absolute privilege of playing piano for the legendary Motown group Martha Reeves & The Vandellas in late-September at the Playground Festival, near Glasgow.  I've been incredibly fortunate to play with Martha and the ladies since 2013 and to have the honour of playing her iconic hits such as Dancing In The Street, Nowhere To Run, Heatwave, Jimmy Mack etc.  And, despite their advancing years, they show no signs of stopping or letting up, so here's to more shows over the coming months and years with these legends of Soul music. 

Until next time, stay safe and keep singing!