ABOUT THE MAGNIFICENT SINGER
More than singing lessons.
For singers who want more than just a better voice. More style, musicianship, artistic direction and a more interesting future for their singing.
What is a good singer anyway?
Singing is a funny old game. It’s one of the most human of instincts and now a well-studied art. What we consider a ‘good’ singer is highly subjective. It can be a complicated mix of technical control, personal taste, life experience, cultural influences, current trends and a general willingness to open up to sharing.
So where does that leave you in all that? Getting stuck in is often the answer. Work at your technique; sing with others; develop your skills; study other great singers; write music. Most importantly of all, listen to and nurture your creative heart. It’s such an easy thing to neglect when you’re dazzled by those further on in their journey than you but, in truth, that’s the bit that’s truly individually yours. Your instincts are golden. Pay close attention.
The mysteries of singing are many and unravelling them is a fascinating process. Doing it brings fulfilling moments and challenging moments in equal measure — yet deep down every singer knows it’s one of the most meaningful things in life and well worth the journey.
Where the Magnificent Singer comes from.
I’ve been singing ever since I can remember. As a little girl, my choral-mistress mother would take me to rehearsals and I was gathered into the fold. I had a choice: sit in the corner and read, or take a copy of the score and join the sopranos. It was a wonderful way to learn and I was fortunate to come from a background where music was a very normal thing to do. Which I completely took for granted, of course.
Singing didn’t take centre stage for a while though. As a teenager, I reluctantly sawed my way through various cello exams before taking a last-minute swerve onto bass guitar to study jazz at music college.
It took me a very, very long time to move from the classical-world formality of reading music from the page to the creative freedom of groove-based pop, funk, jazz and Latin music. I was — and I say this without any exaggeration for narrative excitement — absolutely terrible for years before progressing to being okay-ish.
Gradually things came together and I now sing and play piano professionally. The combination is the sweet spot for me.
I love the freedom of singing; there’s nothing quite like being able to express yourself in the moment. Equally, I love locking into harmony and groove at the piano, and I’m grateful for the different perspective that came from spending time on other instruments too.
Alongside performing, I've spent much of my working life teaching singing. I was Head of Vocals at the London College of Contemporary Music for fifteen years, a visiting lecturer at Westminster University for ten, and taught at BRIT Kids for fifteen years, including a spell as acting director.
Working with singers from so many different musical backgrounds has been a fascinating education in itself.
Over the years, I've become increasingly interested in what singers choose to do with their abilities. Technique matters enormously, of course, but so do musical judgement, repertoire, arrangements, personal taste and knowing what sort of singer you actually want to be.
The Magnificent Singer grew from a belief that singing becomes far more interesting when technique, musicianship, individuality and artistic curiosity all develop together.
“I love the freedom of singing. There’s nothing quite like being able to express yourself in the moment".
A few things we think are important
1. Your singing choices are just that: yours
As long as you’re not hurting yourself, how you choose to express yourself with your voice is up to you. The ideal is for an audience to find meaning in what you do. And that starts with winning yourself over first.
2. Create well-crafted stuff
Thanks to technology, it’s fairly easy to throw something together that sounds credible on first listen. But it’s more satisfying to create art with depth and quality – whether it’s a simple yet highly meaningful interpretation of a well-known song, or a year-long effort to pull together an E.P.
3. It should all be enjoyable
That doesn’t necessarily mean easy. But the process is where you will spend most of your time. The elation of achieving a goal is gone in a nanosecond. So if you’re not enjoying at least some of the practice, the rehearsing, the writing, it defeats the purpose. Might as well have fun along the way.
Where could your singing go next?
You don't need to have the whole thing worked out.
Here are a few places to start.
Singing Guides
Take the Singing Check-In. Get your free guide to help you decide what to explore next.
Join The Magnifier
Ideas for singing with more style, musicality and possibility.
Explore 1:1 singing
Individual singing work in Central London and online.
