I am a self-employed vocalist and vocal coach. I have been teaching since 2004. I work with all age groups – adults and young people. I teach from my home based studio and I also work with other companies. See below.
I teach all contemporary musical genres including Jazz, Gospel, RnB and Pop. My lessons are structured around singing technique, vocal dynamics, performance skills and improvisational skills. My aim is to assess the student’s voice, understand the aspirations of my students and work with them to build excellent vocal health and technique so that their voice can reach its full potential. I also aim to provide a supportive learning environment to facilitate vocal experimentation and performance dynamics.
I am also a Choir Director, arranging voices and songs for a community choir which I run.
In addition to teaching vocal skills I offer the Rockschool syllabus grades 1-4.
My own singing & performance experience is in RnB, Jazz and Gospel. I perform as a solo artist and with various groups and choirs and also am experienced in studio recording/session work.
Please go to www.soundcloud.com/sara-conrad for an example of my singing/songwriting
MUSIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Music theory grades 1-6
Certificate in teaching music to adults (CMTA) – Goldsmiths College 2003
Keyboard/pianist.
I am currently studying for an MA in Vocal Pedagogy at Cardiff University. September 2015-July 2016
I have a current DBS check
I belong to the MU through which I have full public liability insurance
Cont/……
In addition to running my own business I work with the following organisations:
North London Music Centre, 226-228 Baker St, Enfield, Middlesex EN1 3JY – August 2015 to present
I am employed on a freelance basis working for this company where I teach vocal skills to adults and children, ranging in ages from 7 to 65. I teach half hourly and one hourly sessions. Some of my students are also studying Rockschool syllabus.
Community Focus, Friary House, Friary Park, Friary Road, Friern Barnet, London N20 0NR –May 2014 to present
I ran a singing/songwriting course in May 2014 working with young people with varying special needs.
I lead a group singing session for people in residential homes with various degrees of dementia.
RockUnited.co.uk S: October 2012- October 2013
Rock United provides after school workshop for young musicians and singers to train together to sing as a band, perform and record. We teach years 5 & 6 in after school music workshop sessions. I work with 18-20 singers, developing their vocal skills and performing confidence. The music is rock/pop. We perform in school assemblies/concerts.
Helen Astrid Singing Academy www.helenastridsingingacademy.com - Ongoing work
I run small groups offering tuition to adults developing Gospel, Jazz and RnB styles. Levels are beginners to intermediate singers. I work with Helen offering Staff Development Seminars/workshops to companies, using singing and vocal coaching as the medium for challenging groups of employees to develop a new skill. I also work with Helen Astrid providing corporate training singing workshops.
Four Hills Music , www.fourhillsmusic.co.uk, 2011 -2012
Contact Martyn Stogden Tel: 020 8366 0657.
I coached a choir, small group and individuals. Students are beginners to advanced. Music genre Jazz, RnB. Working to improve breathing techniques, tones, developing harmony skills, general singing confidence.
Barnet Music Services –2005-2006
I am registered with Barnet as a freelance teacher.
I worked at Friern Barnet School running a lunchtime gospel choir (2005)
I was employed by Barnet to run a week long singing course at their Borough recording facility on their summer programme for children. A large percentage of these children (aged between 10-16) had special needs.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Singing is a wonderful conduit for developing self confidence and to provide a medium for self expression. The experience of singing, performing and conveying a message via lyrics and musical interaction is fantastic for adults and children. I derive great professional satisfaction from seeing my students develop vocally. I hope that my love of music and singing can inspire others to develop their singing confidence. I always structure my lessons to encourage students to ‘listen’ to as much music as possible.