TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Karen is currently based in the artistic city of Adelaide, South Australia. She holds a Masters Degree in Popular Vocals (Distinction). She spent 15 years based in London, UK, teaching and writing vocal courses for pop vocal schools such as Tech Music Schools, West London University.She is the Head of vocals for The Academy of Music and Sound, having written the majority of their vocal courses. Her musical influences come from an eclectic mix of artists such as Seal, KD Lang, David Hykes, Alanis Morissette, Tibetan chant, Kate Bush, Nitin Sawhney, Tori Amos, Fleetwood Mac, Jazz, Soul & Blues, Joni Mitchell. With over 15 years experience as a voice teacher, performer and songwriter, Karen has written voice courses, run masterclasses and workshops around the UK. She has taught privately and in schools and universities throughout Australia, England and Scotland.
Karen writes, arranges, records and produces her own music and she can assist singer/songwriters in developing their style of songswriting by co-writing with them, or coaching them through the recording and refining process when producing albums or demos for them.
FURTHER TRAINING AND INFLUENCES
Karen has studied various popular voice teaching methods which have influenced her own personal teaching style. She draws from a large range of vocal exercises and 'tricks' to help free the voice with ease and confidence. Below are some of the influences.
Alexander Technique
Estill Voice Training System
Speech Level Singing
Various Yoga traditions, Ki Gong, Tai Chi
Meditation/Awareness practices
Acting and Improvisation skills training
Comprehensive knowledge of healthy living, nutrition etc.
Colour training as Aura Soma practitioner
Sound Therapy Training
Kinesiology
Emotional Freedom Technique (EMF)
PRIVATE TUITION
Everybody can sing, and everybody can learn to sing better. Lessons go from beginner level through to advanced professionals. Lessons take place at the keyboard, and all musical styles except Opera are taught, from Pop to Metal, from light Jazz to R&B, from Punk to Musicals, from Rock to New Age, From Blues to Dance. Backing tracks are also supplied for stylistic and repertoire training.
Singing lessons cover all aspects of voice development, depending on student's needs, such as:
- vocal health
- beginner to advanced techniques
- breath control
- protection
- singing with power
- developing vocal range
- developing vocal agility
- vocal anatomy
- stylistic development
- timing, rhythm and phrasing
- improvisation skills
- posture for optimal singing
- pitch control
- tone improvement
- release of tension
- sight singing skills (if desired)
- repertoire building
Students can also opt to learn the following additional skills: songwriting, keyboard playing, sight singing, midi skills, general theory and musicianship.
LIVE & STUDIO EXPERIENCE
Karen has worked in most areas of the music industry. Her vocal style is distinctive but versatile, and she can sing in many different genres including: pop, rock, jazz, musical theatre, new age, soul, disco, R&B, blues, experimental, dance, indie, light classical, choral, funk etc.
