Christine has been deeply involved with voices as a
coach, accompanist and
teacher thoughout her career. She has received individual
vocal training
from a number of teachers, including Derek Hammond Stroud, and has also
learnt
much from working with a large number of vocal specialists in
the choral field and from
the many, many singing lessons and coaching sessions which she has
accompanied
in the earlier stages of her career. She is currently studying with Ghislaine Morgan and has attended classes with Ron Morris. This rich experience has led
Christine to
a deep fascination with voices which she explores professionally in a
number of
ways:
Workshops
Christine
runs a range of workshops for
singers
focusing on various aspects of voice production, solo
and group
singing and musicianship as well as choral workshops on
a particular piece.
A very popular workshop is Find your Voice, which Christine has run
many times, offering
the opportunity for those who doubt their
ability to sing (at all, sometimes!) to taste the joy of singing and of
making music with others. In May 2008, together with
Frances Quintrell, Christine set up Arbutus
Music
with the main aim of providing opportunities and encouragment for
people who are new to singing or would like to gain confidence in group
singing. Arbutus is already branching out into new areas,
including the provision of singers for weddings, memorials and other
occasions.
Choral
Training
Choral tone and voice
production have a very prominent place in
Christine's choral training, with warm-ups and vocal hints featuring in
rehearsals and workshops. Whilst sometimes greeted with
surprise, groups
- and their audiences - quickly latch on to the benefit!
Christine is often
asked to run guest
workshop sessions
for choirs or other vocal groups to focus specifically on matters of
tone and
range and she has also been engaged to offer individual and small group
tuition
to members of a London church choir, which broadcasts frequently.
Coaching
& Teaching
Vocal coaching and teaching form
a considerable part of Christine's
freelance activity; her students range from adult beginners to
experienced
members of choirs and operatic groups.