Training & Early Career:

 

I grew up in Shropshire, England and studied piano and singing from an early age. Having initially trained as a Primary Schools Music Specialist my interest in singing led to me taking time out to train and audition. After winning a Yorkshire Opera Prize I joined Welsh National Opera Chorus at an exciting time. The development of opportunities for chorus members gave me the chance to sing minor and to understudy major roles, a wonderful basis for my future career. Vocal teaching at this period was initially with Sylvia Barrett followed by Vera Mallett, two teachers who instilled a solid technique Vocal studies continued later with Adelheid Armhold and April Cantelo. I was invited to Italy to work with Ferrucio Tagliavini and Magda Olivera resulting in being chosen to sing on the stage of Teatro Regio in Parma.