Meet the Team

Graduate Vocal Coach, Musical Theatre Choir Leader 

Auditions and Drama School Applications, Musical Theatre, Children, Confidence Building.

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, Musical Theatre Infants Choir Leader

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.  Sophie is 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 delivers vocal coaching sessions both in-person and online.

Hannah is certified in Voice Health for Singers with Vocal Health Education.

 Studio Manager and Cover Assistant

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 & 7 with merits and distinctions.

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 and is certified in Voice Health for Singers with Vocal Health Education.

 Youth Choir Leader and Cover Leader for all classes, Confidence and Mindset Coach

Annabelle is a professional performer, certified NLP Practitioner (neuro-linguistic programming), hypnotherapy and a life and success coach. Annabelle has been part of the Voices of Darlington team for around 6 years, understands our ethos deeply, and has joined us to guide students in a very unique way.

Annabelle's tuition specialises in confidence in singing, mindset, performance, audition guidance and musical theatre grades 1-3. 

Annabelle’s experience includes:

Debbie Wilkinson in Billy Elliot the Musical (West End); Taught by Claire for a number of years; Snow White and character and parade performer at Disneyland Paris x2 contracts; CBeebies show presenter; over 10 years teaching dance/drama 0-adult; ⁠Stagecoach area manager; taught LAMDA exams; Grade 6 LAMDA; Professional Child Chaperone and Safeguarding for the BBC; Stage Management; Youth Choir Leader for Voices of Darlington.

Annabelle helped write our Safeguarding Policies too, and keeps us on track with any needed updates!

Annabelle is certified in Voice Health for Singers with Vocal Health Education; Paediatric First Aid Trained; BA Hons Childhood Studies and Youth Psychology; BSL Level 1; ⁠Makaton Enhanced Level.

 Trainee Vocal Coach (cover)

Ava 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. 

She is starting as a trainee vocal coach in June and will be working exclusively with under 12yr olds, using her knowledge and experience to give them the best possible tuition.  

Ava will be mentored by Claire throughout her training. 

 Trainee Vocal Coach & 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 is starting as a trainee vocal coach in June and will be working exclusively with under 12yr olds, using her knowledge and experience to give them the best possible tuition.  

Amy will be mentored by Claire throughout her training.  

Amy is also assisting Claire, Annabelle, Tori & Sophie with the younger classes on a Monday night in order to maintain our high standards of care and support.