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, Musical Theatre, Vocal Health, Trauma, Anxiety, Spoken Voice, Singing for Health, Estill Voice Method (foundation), ACMD examiner, Mental Health First Aider
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 240 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 is one of the few practitioners in our region certified to deliver and assess the Awards and Certificates in Musical Development, or ‘ACMD’ with Trinity College London using the Sounds of Intent framework for those with SEND. Claire has a certificate in Teaching Inclusively, is a Singing for Health Practitioner, has a Foundation Certificate in the Estill Voice Method and is studying towards her qualification in Trauma Informed Voice Professional. Claire is a lead vocalist in the band ‘Freak Out’, performs professionally at various events throughout the year and enjoys lead roles at Darlington Hippodrome Theatre with Darlington OS.
Youth Choir Leader and Cover Leader for all classes, Confidence and Mindset Coach
Specialising in: Positive Psychology in Performance, Mindset, Performance Arts, SEND
Tuition - Hummersknott Academy, Online
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 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!n
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 joins Claire as one of the few practitioners in our region certified to deliver and assess the Awards and Certificates in Musical Development, or ‘AMCD’ with Trinity College London using the Sounds of Intent framework for those with SEND
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; safeguarding lead
Vocal Coach, Musical Theatre Juniors & Pop Mix Choir Leader
Specialising in: Acting through song, musical theatre, performance theory, GCSE and Secondary Education, drama, 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 has been mentored by Claire throughout her teaching journey.
Sophie is certified in Voice Health for Singers with Vocal Health Education and is a trained safeguarding lead.
Musical Theatre and Little Stars Choir Leader
Specialising in: Music in education, musical theatre, choral leading, vocals, SEND
Christina is a music educator, vocal leader, choral conductor and trombonist and has worked across Derbyshire, the North East & in the Caribbean. Christina has led many Vocal and Brass projects in schools across all of these areas. This has included conducting massed choir performances for many events.
She is a qualified secondary music teacher having studied Music at Royal Holloway, University of London, which she followed with a PGCE in Secondary School Music, with specialist Vocal teaching at Manchester Metropolitan University and the Royal Northern College of Music.
She was the Director of the award-winning North East Derbyshire Music Centre’s (NEDMC) Junior and Senior choirs, has founded and developed her own community choirs, worked for the Halle's corporate choir team and now conducts the acapella group Darlington SING Community Choir.
Christina also has a love of Andean Music and owns over a hundred Andean instruments (!), with which she runs workshops and has delivered lectures on the Music of The Andes at Sheffield University.
Accent, Voice and Speech Coach
Tuition - Hummersknott Academy, Online
Since achieving his MFA in Professional Voice from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Cameron has taught just about every accent under the sun. His work has spanned top drama schools in the UK and abroad, theatres including the National and a number of West End shows, and film and TV sets around the world.
It's not always about learning a new accent though, sometimes it's about feeling comfortable in your own! Cameron has worked with a number of businesses and professionals to help hone their speech for effective speechmaking and connected communication.
As a key contributer to the accent learning app Accentify, it has been Cameron's mission to make accent training as accessible as possible to those who want to learn more about any accent you can think of!
Cameron has designed and taught Masters, BA Voice and Accent courses at drama schools and universities and is the CLO of Accentify.
Cameron is excited to join the team offering voice coaching and drama and speech exams.
Musical Theatre, Voice & Dance Coach
Specialising in: Vocal coach, Musical Theatre lecturer & specialist, Dance specialist & Choreographer
Tuition - Hummersknott Academy, Online
Lucy graduated with a first-class degree in Dance & Musical Theatre, then went on to gain a Masters Degree in Musical Theatre from the Guildford School of Acting in 2020. She is the Course Leader for the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre course at York St John university. As well as being an academic and lecturer, she has always worked with children and loves teaching performers of all ages.
She has taught various styles of dance, particularly lyrical, contemporary, jazz and acro. She has choreographed and directed several musicals and performs regularly for local companies including Darlington Operatic at the Hippodrome. Her experience with teaching includes primary schools, secondary schools, college, university, competitive dance schools and performing arts schools. She has also coached students for professional auditions, drama school and university auditions, LAMDA, Rock School and LCM examinations.
Lucy prides herself on her approachable and supportive teaching style. She has been on her own journey to find confidence as a singer and loves to help others do the same.
Drama & Acting Coach
Specialising in: Musical Theatre, Drama and Acting
Tuition - Hummersknott Academy, Online
Kirsty has been performing since she was a child, both singing and acting. Her love for acting has led her to play some amazing parts, namely Cecily in ‘The Importance of being Earnest’ and Hobby in ‘Teechers’.
At school she teaches KS3 Drama, GCSE Drama, A-Level Theatre Studies and LAMDA as well. Kirsty teaches students both improvisation and scripted aspects of Drama, alongside theory. When she's not teaching, Kirsty directs the school’s annual production and run extracurricular drama clubs too!
Kirsty is an active member of Darlington Operatic Society and has been doing shows with Claire for 6 years now. She has always loved seeing the fantastic work VOD do, and can’t wait to be part of the team.
Cover Choir Leader and Vocal Coach
Specialising in: Performance theory, musicality, vocals, choral, SEND, singing for dementia
Tuition - Hummersknott Academy, Online
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 and is a trained safeguarding lead.
Trainee Vocal Coach, Musical Theatre Infants Choir Leader & 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 has just completed her Grade 8. Amy is in her 3rd year studying Performing Arts at Stockton Riverside after gaining a Distinction at BTEC level in 2024.
Amy is a trainee vocal coach and work exclusively with under 12yr olds, using her knowledge and experience to give them the best possible tuition.
Amy is be mentored by Claire throughout her training.
Amy is also leading the Musical Theatre Infants choir and assisting Annabelle, Christina and Sophie with the younger classes on a Monday night in order to maintain our high standards of care and support.
Amy is certified in Voice Health for Singers with Vocal Health Education and is a trained safeguarding lead.
Choir Assistant
Steph has been a part of VoD for a year now with her daughter in Musical Theatre adults on a Monday, and Friday morning adult choir groups. She's recently started completing The Singers Club Modules alongside her Grade 2 Rock and Pop vocal course. She absolutely loves VoD; the sense of community and friends both Steph and her daughter have made, and being able to spend time away from the mad rush of life just singing and getting to learn new things!
Steph is a Mental Health First Aider, and holds a Level 2 Qualification in Understanding Autistm. Steph's day to day job is as a Learning Support Assistant in an SEN department,.
Choir Assistant
Esme has been one of Claire's private students for many years and has completed several Trinity Rock & Pop grades and has just completed Grade 6.
Esme is also assisting Claire, Annabelle, Christina & Sophie on a Monday night with the younger classes in order to maintain our high standards of care and support.
Studio Manager & 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 had 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 and all manner of other things, as well as being a point of contact during our choir sessions on a Monday night on our welcome & check in desk.
Dawn is qualified in level 3 Paediatric First Aid, is certified in Voice Health for Singers with Vocal Health Education and is a trained level 3 safeguarding lead.
Events Co-ordinator & Cover Choir Leader
Rachel joined VoD as a choir member in 2022. She is currently one of Claire’s private students working through her Rock and Pop vocals grades, and is also a Classically trained pianist with ABRSM qualifications.
She initially studied Music, Drama and Theatre Studies and English at A-level, then Disability and Childhood Studies at Northumbria University before going on to have a successful career in Business to Director level. She has 15+ years of national multi-million pound business management, with extensive Operations, HR, Health and Safety, and Learning and Development experience.
Musically, she has been involved with choirs from a very young age and has sang with choirs and smaller vocal groups across the North East such as Lirica and SLYC, based in Sedgefield. She also has experience providing vocals for local theatre productions, writing and producing music for short films and has enjoyed working with a local film production company on several projects as a runner.
Her favourite genres of music are Musical Theatre, Motown and 60s/70s but enjoys relaxing at the piano with some Classical Music.
Exams Co-ordinator
Jess graduated in 2009 from Durham University with a degree in Primary Education with a specialism in music. She then worked as a teacher in a local primary school for eight years. Prior to university she completed ABRSM grades in piano and singing to Grade 8.
She joined Voices of Darlington in 2021 as a Monday choir member and has since joined musical theatre and Friday morning choir. She has recently completed the Grade 2 Rock and Pop course and hopes to complete more grades in the future.
Jess will be working behind the scenes to oversee and coordinate the submission of Trinity exams.
Volunteer
Alan (aka The VoDFather!) can be seen at all of our classes and events. He runs the tuck shop on a Monday night and does the teas & coffees with Gemma.
Alan is always around and happy to help with anything - a real asset to the team and also a choir member in adults and musical theatre.
Alan is a Paediatric First aider and trained safeguarding lead.
Volunteer
Gemma is one of our choir members as well as having two daughters in our Pop choir. Gemma volunteers every week on the tuck shop and teas & coffees with Alan.
Gemma is a real asset to the team and is always happy to help out where she can.
Gemma is a trained safeguarding lead.
Volunteer Junior Coaches and Volunteers
We believe in championing our young singers, and our Junior Coaches attend our children’s choirs every week in their own time to assist both the teachers and as role models to our younger children. They learn and work alongside our teachers giving them excellent, real work experience and they offer friendship and support to our littlest of singers who may need some encouragement. Our junior volunteers play an important role in helping set up our venues and bring on hand should our team need them. They all play a very important role and we are so proud of them!
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