Kate Howden - Singing
Kate Howden studied at Trinity Laban, the Royal Academy of Music and the National Opera Studio. She also studied on the LRAM teaching course whilst at the Academy. She now works as an opera singer and singing teacher, and lives in Greenwich, London. Her students range from beginners to more advanced, and are of all ages. Some want to sing for fun, and some have more specific goals such as getting into a music course at university or joining a choir. She also teaches students in preparation for singing exams. Most recently, two of her students were accepted onto undergraduate musical theatre courses.
Kate Howden studied at Trinity Laban, the Royal Academy of Music and the National Opera Studio. She also studied on the LRAM teaching course whilst at the Academy. She now works as an opera singer and singing teacher, and lives in Greenwich, London. Her students range from beginners to more advanced, and are of all ages. Some want to sing for fun, and some have more specific goals such as getting into a music course at university or joining a choir. She also teaches students in preparation for singing exams. Most recently, two of her students were accepted onto undergraduate musical theatre courses.
Rosie Havel - Singing and Piano
Rosie studied at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and was then awarded a scholarship to train at The Royal College of Music on the Masters of Performance course, where she graduated with distinction. Rosie has won various competitions including the Robert Hendra Prize for most promising singer at the Emmy Destinn Awards ,the Concerto Competition at RCM and the Ted Moss and Bertha Taylor-Stach Lieder Competition. Rosie has sung with Opera North, Opera Holland Park, English National Opera and many more, both internationally and abroad.
Rosie has taught singing and piano for over a decade, both privately and in schools. She has a 100% pass rate for all exams and really enjoys inspiring the love of music and encouraging anyone who wants to learn. Music is for everyone!
Rosie studied at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and was then awarded a scholarship to train at The Royal College of Music on the Masters of Performance course, where she graduated with distinction. Rosie has won various competitions including the Robert Hendra Prize for most promising singer at the Emmy Destinn Awards ,the Concerto Competition at RCM and the Ted Moss and Bertha Taylor-Stach Lieder Competition. Rosie has sung with Opera North, Opera Holland Park, English National Opera and many more, both internationally and abroad.
Rosie has taught singing and piano for over a decade, both privately and in schools. She has a 100% pass rate for all exams and really enjoys inspiring the love of music and encouraging anyone who wants to learn. Music is for everyone!
Jamie Rock - Singing and Piano
As a professional opera singer and experienced singing teacher, I am well placed to offer advice to singers of all abilities. I have worked with some of the leading teachers, singers and repetiteurs in the UK and would like to impart some of that knowledge on to children and adults alike. Previous students have ranged from school children to professional opera singers and musical theatre singers to mature members of a local community choir.
In opera, I have worked for companies including Opera North, Wexford Festival Opera, Opera Ireland Opera Theatre Company, Grange Park Opera and British Youth Opera. In concert, I have also performed at the Royal Albert Hall, Usher Hall (Edinburgh), National Concert Hall (Dublin) and Salzburg Cathedral.
I am also an active song recitalist, having performed varying recital programmes at St Martin-in-the-Fields, BBC City Halls and the Gulbenkian Foundation (Paris).
My full-time teachers have included Irene Sandford MBE (former Head of Singing at the RIAM), Kathleen Tynan (Head of Opera at the RIAM), Mark Wildman (Head of Vocal Studies at the RAM), Stephen Robertson (Head of Vocal Studies at the RCS, formerly RSAMD), Raymond Connell and currently, Robert Dean (Guildhall School of Music and Drama).
Learning to sing should be informative, energising and lots of FUN! Each pupil will be treated with patience, friendliness and respect. Lessons will consist of technique, style, interpretation and pronunciation. Everyone has an individual and unique voice. Together, we will unlock your full potential, be it with or without examination. Each lesson is recorded so that the pupil can listen back and use it as a practicing tool in their own time.
After my lessons, I hope you will go away with a spring in your step and a song in your heart, giving you more self-motivation, self-discipline, confidence and self-expression.
As a professional opera singer and experienced singing teacher, I am well placed to offer advice to singers of all abilities. I have worked with some of the leading teachers, singers and repetiteurs in the UK and would like to impart some of that knowledge on to children and adults alike. Previous students have ranged from school children to professional opera singers and musical theatre singers to mature members of a local community choir.
In opera, I have worked for companies including Opera North, Wexford Festival Opera, Opera Ireland Opera Theatre Company, Grange Park Opera and British Youth Opera. In concert, I have also performed at the Royal Albert Hall, Usher Hall (Edinburgh), National Concert Hall (Dublin) and Salzburg Cathedral.
I am also an active song recitalist, having performed varying recital programmes at St Martin-in-the-Fields, BBC City Halls and the Gulbenkian Foundation (Paris).
My full-time teachers have included Irene Sandford MBE (former Head of Singing at the RIAM), Kathleen Tynan (Head of Opera at the RIAM), Mark Wildman (Head of Vocal Studies at the RAM), Stephen Robertson (Head of Vocal Studies at the RCS, formerly RSAMD), Raymond Connell and currently, Robert Dean (Guildhall School of Music and Drama).
Learning to sing should be informative, energising and lots of FUN! Each pupil will be treated with patience, friendliness and respect. Lessons will consist of technique, style, interpretation and pronunciation. Everyone has an individual and unique voice. Together, we will unlock your full potential, be it with or without examination. Each lesson is recorded so that the pupil can listen back and use it as a practicing tool in their own time.
After my lessons, I hope you will go away with a spring in your step and a song in your heart, giving you more self-motivation, self-discipline, confidence and self-expression.
Ellie Edmonds - Singing
South London born Mezzo Soprano Ellie Edmonds trained at Chethams School of Music and Birmingham Conservatoire with Christine Cairns. Ellie is currently finishing off her Masters degree at WIAV where she is a student of Dennis O'Niell ,and is Looking forward to returning to London this summer.
Operatic roles include; Una Novizia Ill trittico (Opera Holland Park) Olga Eugene Onegin, Old Prioress Dialogues des Carmélites, Principessa Il trittico, Dorabella Così fan tutte, Frau Reich Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (Birmingham Conservatoire) 2nd witch Dido and Aeneas(Operamus & Ad Parnassum)..
Ellie made her Royal Opera House debut at the Linbury Studio Theatre in 2015 as Victorian Mezzo in Opera Holland Park's children's opera; Alice's adventures in wonderland (Todd). She will return once again this summer to Opera Holland Park for more of Alice, and to play Natalia in their new production or Zazà ( Leoncavallo).Ellie is a Les Azuriales Young Artist, and won a prize for most outstanding junior singer in their 2016 competition
As well as opera Ellie has a passion for musicals and has also performed Desiree A Little Night Music, Nursemaid Street Scene (Birmingham Conservatoire) and Red Into the Woods (Off Track Theatre). She loves to teach all kinds of repertoire be it classical, operatic, jazz, or more modern songs and has had great success with her past pupils. Ellie also has experience and a keen interest in music therapy, and has worked closely with charities such as The Alzheimer's Society and Music for Autism.
South London born Mezzo Soprano Ellie Edmonds trained at Chethams School of Music and Birmingham Conservatoire with Christine Cairns. Ellie is currently finishing off her Masters degree at WIAV where she is a student of Dennis O'Niell ,and is Looking forward to returning to London this summer.
Operatic roles include; Una Novizia Ill trittico (Opera Holland Park) Olga Eugene Onegin, Old Prioress Dialogues des Carmélites, Principessa Il trittico, Dorabella Così fan tutte, Frau Reich Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (Birmingham Conservatoire) 2nd witch Dido and Aeneas(Operamus & Ad Parnassum)..
Ellie made her Royal Opera House debut at the Linbury Studio Theatre in 2015 as Victorian Mezzo in Opera Holland Park's children's opera; Alice's adventures in wonderland (Todd). She will return once again this summer to Opera Holland Park for more of Alice, and to play Natalia in their new production or Zazà ( Leoncavallo).Ellie is a Les Azuriales Young Artist, and won a prize for most outstanding junior singer in their 2016 competition
As well as opera Ellie has a passion for musicals and has also performed Desiree A Little Night Music, Nursemaid Street Scene (Birmingham Conservatoire) and Red Into the Woods (Off Track Theatre). She loves to teach all kinds of repertoire be it classical, operatic, jazz, or more modern songs and has had great success with her past pupils. Ellie also has experience and a keen interest in music therapy, and has worked closely with charities such as The Alzheimer's Society and Music for Autism.
Grainne Gillis - Singing
Gráinne Gillis is a professional opera singer and voiceover artist who trained at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Performing credits include working with the Helios Collective (supported by ENO), Opera della Luna, English Pocket Opera, Grimeborn at the Arcola Theatre several times, Theatre Royal Bath on a tour of As You Like It in the USA (directed by Sir Peter Hall), the ROH. She is regularly engaged with Pavilion Opera (opera in education and stately homes tours of opera in original language) and Music in Hospitals, performing concerts in care homes across the UK.
As a teacher, Gráinne has over 15 years teaching experience, and has worked with organisations like Stagecoach UK, the Betty Ann Norton School (Dublin), University College Cork, Jigsaw Arts, Kingston College, Eastside Educational, Scott and Wiseman Performing Arts, Italia Conti and the Urdang Academy as a singing, voice and drama teacher, as well as teaching privately. Currently she works at CentreStage Milton Keynes, a post which she has held for the last 3 years, teaches yoga and tutors privately. Her speciality in instilling confidence through solid technique has led to a number of her students performing on the West End and national tours.
Gráinne Gillis is a professional opera singer and voiceover artist who trained at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Performing credits include working with the Helios Collective (supported by ENO), Opera della Luna, English Pocket Opera, Grimeborn at the Arcola Theatre several times, Theatre Royal Bath on a tour of As You Like It in the USA (directed by Sir Peter Hall), the ROH. She is regularly engaged with Pavilion Opera (opera in education and stately homes tours of opera in original language) and Music in Hospitals, performing concerts in care homes across the UK.
As a teacher, Gráinne has over 15 years teaching experience, and has worked with organisations like Stagecoach UK, the Betty Ann Norton School (Dublin), University College Cork, Jigsaw Arts, Kingston College, Eastside Educational, Scott and Wiseman Performing Arts, Italia Conti and the Urdang Academy as a singing, voice and drama teacher, as well as teaching privately. Currently she works at CentreStage Milton Keynes, a post which she has held for the last 3 years, teaches yoga and tutors privately. Her speciality in instilling confidence through solid technique has led to a number of her students performing on the West End and national tours.
Melissa Bayern - Singing
Melissa is from New York City and studied at Oberlin College where she got her Bachelors in Theatre. She moved to the UK to pursue her Masters Degree at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama where she studied Musical Theatre and Estill Vocal Technique under Tim Richards (Certified Master Teacher). She has been working in the industry for 20 years. She is still a working professional and has performed leading roles on both sides of the Atlantic. She loves to teach and lend her expertise to those looking to improve. Extra emphasis is always placed on acting through song, as that is definitely her specialty! The voice, body, and mind should all work together to create the perfect performance, and that is what she hopes to bring out in her students.
Melissa is from New York City and studied at Oberlin College where she got her Bachelors in Theatre. She moved to the UK to pursue her Masters Degree at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama where she studied Musical Theatre and Estill Vocal Technique under Tim Richards (Certified Master Teacher). She has been working in the industry for 20 years. She is still a working professional and has performed leading roles on both sides of the Atlantic. She loves to teach and lend her expertise to those looking to improve. Extra emphasis is always placed on acting through song, as that is definitely her specialty! The voice, body, and mind should all work together to create the perfect performance, and that is what she hopes to bring out in her students.
Stephanie Schamlzle - Singing and Piano
Stephanie Schmalzle is a trained singer and actor, having studied at the Royal College of Music, The Crane School of Music (in New York), and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. As a singing teacher, she has furthered her education by studying vocal pedagogy and the Kodaly Method, which she implements in all her teaching. She has taught for 8 years including private tuition, group singing, choral, and classroom music for pupils of all ages. In addition to her music teaching, Stephanie continues to perform and teaches comprehensive musical theatre classes with acting and dancing.
Stephanie Schmalzle is a trained singer and actor, having studied at the Royal College of Music, The Crane School of Music (in New York), and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. As a singing teacher, she has furthered her education by studying vocal pedagogy and the Kodaly Method, which she implements in all her teaching. She has taught for 8 years including private tuition, group singing, choral, and classroom music for pupils of all ages. In addition to her music teaching, Stephanie continues to perform and teaches comprehensive musical theatre classes with acting and dancing.
Charlie Cole - Violin
Charlie Cole's performing career has taken him all over the globe and through most different genres of music.
Graduating the Royal Northern College of Music in 2012 Charlie established himself as a working musician in London and afar, performing in string quartets, rock bands, orchestras, pit bands and comedy acts. This included all different venues and situations involving concerts, shows, weddings, corporate events, television and cruise ships.
As a teacher Charlie has taught children, teenagers and adults privately and for music services, with a reputation of making music fun (sometimes funny!) and enjoyable to learn.
Charlie Cole's performing career has taken him all over the globe and through most different genres of music.
Graduating the Royal Northern College of Music in 2012 Charlie established himself as a working musician in London and afar, performing in string quartets, rock bands, orchestras, pit bands and comedy acts. This included all different venues and situations involving concerts, shows, weddings, corporate events, television and cruise ships.
As a teacher Charlie has taught children, teenagers and adults privately and for music services, with a reputation of making music fun (sometimes funny!) and enjoyable to learn.
Jack Welch - Flute
Jack Michael Welch was introduced to the flute, at the age of nine and is currently taught by Gareth Davies, Philippa Davies and Christopher Green at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he is studying Classical Flute. Jack has played principal with several orchestras including Neath and Cardiff Sinfonietta, British Sinfonietta, Welsh session orchestra,Sinfonia Cymru, Cardiff Music Festival Orchestra and previously the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. He has toured to France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic, and has performed in the Albert Hall, The Sage Gateshead, Millennium Centre Cardiff and Barbican Centre London. Next year Jack is continuing his studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama as a Masters student. Jack was recently added to the extras list of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Jack Michael Welch was introduced to the flute, at the age of nine and is currently taught by Gareth Davies, Philippa Davies and Christopher Green at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he is studying Classical Flute. Jack has played principal with several orchestras including Neath and Cardiff Sinfonietta, British Sinfonietta, Welsh session orchestra,Sinfonia Cymru, Cardiff Music Festival Orchestra and previously the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. He has toured to France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic, and has performed in the Albert Hall, The Sage Gateshead, Millennium Centre Cardiff and Barbican Centre London. Next year Jack is continuing his studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama as a Masters student. Jack was recently added to the extras list of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Sofia Castillo - Flute
Sofia Castillo is currently studying at the Royal College of Music, London for a Master of Performance as a Doctor Knobel Fund Scholar with Sue Thomas, Celia Chambers and Stuart McIlwham. In 2011 she began studying at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance with Anna Noakes and Margaret Campbell. She has participated in masterclasses with flautists such as Paul Edmund Davies, Karen Jones, Denis Bouriakov or Michael Cox and in 2014 she was awarded a scholarship to attend William Bennett’s International Flute Summer Festival. Sofia has recently won the RCM 1st flute prize and The Edward and Helen Hague Senior Woodwind Prize.
Sofia has performed at many of the major concert halls in London including Cadogan Hall, St John's Smith Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields and St James's Piccadilly. As a soloist she has performed at the Queen’s House, Regent Hall, Morden College, St Alfege Church and Blackheath Halls with pianist Marie Otaka . Sofia has performed with orchestras including YMSO, Royal Orchestral Society, Orion Orchestra, King’s College Chamber Orchestra, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and International Opera Theatre Orchestra of Philadelphia. Working with conductors such as Vladimir Jurowski, Nicholas Collon, Martin Andre, Garry Walker and Stephen Bell. Last Christmas, Sofia performed with the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra in Beirut with the Peace and Prosperty Trust to fundraise and provide musical instruments for displaced Syrian children, culminating in a performance at a refugee school in the Beqaa Valley.
She has premiered and recorded works by various composers and has done numerous recordings for short films and documentaries such as the BBC ‘Horizon’ programme and the audio production/software company ‘Auddict’. Sofia is part of the Astor Trio and Siegfried Camerata, who perform regularly across London.
Sofia Castillo is currently studying at the Royal College of Music, London for a Master of Performance as a Doctor Knobel Fund Scholar with Sue Thomas, Celia Chambers and Stuart McIlwham. In 2011 she began studying at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance with Anna Noakes and Margaret Campbell. She has participated in masterclasses with flautists such as Paul Edmund Davies, Karen Jones, Denis Bouriakov or Michael Cox and in 2014 she was awarded a scholarship to attend William Bennett’s International Flute Summer Festival. Sofia has recently won the RCM 1st flute prize and The Edward and Helen Hague Senior Woodwind Prize.
Sofia has performed at many of the major concert halls in London including Cadogan Hall, St John's Smith Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields and St James's Piccadilly. As a soloist she has performed at the Queen’s House, Regent Hall, Morden College, St Alfege Church and Blackheath Halls with pianist Marie Otaka . Sofia has performed with orchestras including YMSO, Royal Orchestral Society, Orion Orchestra, King’s College Chamber Orchestra, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and International Opera Theatre Orchestra of Philadelphia. Working with conductors such as Vladimir Jurowski, Nicholas Collon, Martin Andre, Garry Walker and Stephen Bell. Last Christmas, Sofia performed with the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra in Beirut with the Peace and Prosperty Trust to fundraise and provide musical instruments for displaced Syrian children, culminating in a performance at a refugee school in the Beqaa Valley.
She has premiered and recorded works by various composers and has done numerous recordings for short films and documentaries such as the BBC ‘Horizon’ programme and the audio production/software company ‘Auddict’. Sofia is part of the Astor Trio and Siegfried Camerata, who perform regularly across London.