Testimonials

Testimonials on 1:1 Coaching

“I have worked with Anthea over a number of years. I originally found Anthea online when searching for a singing teacher who could help me ‘find my voice’. I’d always had an interest in songwriting but lacked confidence in my potential and had never found the time to dedicate to developing my voice. Luckily for me Anthea lived locally and I was able to visit her for in-person lessons. 

Anthea and I had a great rapport from day one, and I felt in a safe space to explore my voice. My lessons were a mix of technical exercises, performance practice and lots of chat about songwriting. I’d always leave feeling inspired and motivated. Over time my confidence grew and Anthea supported me to find some initial performance platforms. 

I now perform regularly and have a lot more confidence in myself as a singer and songwriter. 

After a break from lessons when Anthea relocated to Cornwall, we reconnected during the pandemic for online sessions. We still do a mix of technical and creative work but I'd say our sessions are now more like coaching than teaching. This works perfectly for me. It’s really great to have someone to bring my song ideas to and to work with someone who knows my voice so well and can challenge me to push my boundaries. 

I’d recommend Anthea to those looking to develop their voice, their songwriting or both! I’ve learned a lot from Anthea and I’ve made a great friend too!”

Hannah Turner, singer-songwriter, photographed above by Charlie Cooper
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"Anthea's lessons are a crash course in all things singing! You learn so much about vocal expression, how the vocal cords work, and how your whole body is involved in creating sound.

Her teaching is very personalised, accounting for vocal limitations and desired style, but is equally challenging, encouaging you to experiment beyond your perceived capabilities in a safe way.

Anthea is accommodating to anxiety and low confidence with her holistic approach, starting sessions with a grounding exercise, and allowing me to take my time gaining the confidence to even sing in lessons. Eventually, I was not only able but excited to sing whole songs without a second thought!

Anthea is more than a vocal teacher, she provides a safe space to explore personal expression, and is especially enthusiastic about working on original songs with you. She works hard and genuinely cares about your development. When I was asked by friends and strangers what singing style I was taking lessons in (e.g. classical, soul, pop, rock, etc) I replied 'my own voice!' and that sums up Anthea's focus - we all have a natural style, and Anthea helps you to tap into it.

Thank you, Anthea - your lessons are invaluable 🦋🌟"

​Bethany, singer-songwriter

“Anthea is so amazing and so patient, has so much vocal knowledge and taught me so much! Makes lessons really fun and made my usually anxious self feel comfortable. Highly recommend!”

Charlotte, singer

“Absolutely loved my lessons with Anthea. Discovered and learnt so much about the craft and In so many different ways than the rigid methods I had previously been taught. Really advanced my confidence and skill. Highly recommend.”

Anya, singer-songwriter
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“Anthea is a professional creative teacher with an ability to meet the pupil where they are and confidently build their skills. Highly recommended”

Kaya, singer
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"I'm so pleased I found Anthea! I feel like my singing has come on a long way since I started with her, and I had my first 'vocal breakthrough' as a result of her knowledge, and dedication towards helping me on my learning journey. Anthea truly cares about her students' progress and does everything she can to help them - I regularly receive information from her, that she thinks will help me with whatever singing hurdle I am facing at the time. I can't recommend Anthea highly enough. Thank you so much!!"

Abby, singer
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“Anthea’s warm and really cares about what it is you want from your time with her! Offering great advice and knowledge on all vocal areas. So pleased to have met her and I would highly recommend her. After spending time with Anthea I feel my confidence and ability has really benefited from her vast vocal knowledge. Anthea’s passion for music is infectious and helps you build your best sound”

Nicole, singer-songwriter
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"I have thoroughly enjoyed my singing lessons with you and have already learnt so much, although not necessarily in the way I expected back when we started. I’m usually quite self-conscious, but find that I am able to just relax and enjoy practising during lessons with you. Learning how to use my voice freely during lessons, without worrying about how silly I might sound has been much easier than I would have thought. I have especially enjoyed the voice warm up exercises – not only can I feel the abilities of my vocal abilities being stretched, but the exercises also help me to be more aware of how my voice works, and to understand and consider the voice as a kind of musical apparatus. I have also found practising voice exercises at home between lessons very beneficial – but prefer it when I am in lesson because you’re like having a fitness personal trainer watching over me to make sure I’m exercising my voice in exactly the right way. Funnily enough, I’ve found additional benefits – I have never been able to blow up a balloon in my life – but blew up TWO beach balls the other day, courtesy of all those breathing exercises!!!!! Not only is my singing most definitely improving (and more important, my understanding of how I use my voice to sing), but I’ve had lots of fun, too. Thank you, Anthea x" 

Anita, singer

Some comments from young people Anthea has coached in group projects:

“Anthea has really helped with my performing skills, giving me the confidence to go out on stage and play my own material, as well as mentoring me through just starting out playing guitar and singing to going out in front of a large crowd on my own for the first time. She is so patient and is always willing to help people go the extra mile with their music in whatever they wish to do. I now front two bands, playing all around Reading and I never would of been here without Anthea.”

Helena
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“When I was beginning to really explore playing instruments and songwriting, Anthea was amazingly helpful. She has a gift for guiding people through their own ideas and allowing them to see the potential in their skills; a joy to work with and learn from!”

Hannah
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“Anthea was a very encouraging and inspirational music teacher, always really helpful and always really happy to help!”

Sarah

Testimonials on Anthea’s group sessions and workshops:

“I was privileged to sing under Anthea's leadership of our community choir. She launched us with huge enthusiasm in 2015 and then led us with great humour and sensitivity until her move to Cornwall several years later. Her gentle but professional approach was much appreciated  - especially by those new to singing. She always worked collaboratively and built a community that still loves to sing together to this very day!”

John, Chair of Stoughton Hearts & Voices Community Choir

"I organised the Confidence Building using Lifemusic last week that Anthea led and it was absolutely fantastic! I think it is fair to say that all of the participants could be described as in some way fragile, either emotionally or physically and in some cases both. Anthea created an absolutely amazing supportive and encouraging atmosphere where everyone was included and; valued and given strategies for coping and; building self confidence, with Anthea using her own experience to highlight many of the issues covered. Comments from the feedback included "I've learnt that I can be outside my comfort zone" "I've learnt to take gentle risks" and "I have learnt that I am not alone".

​Alison White, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People
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“Anthea is clearly very passionate about music, a relaxed and happy person who got the best from the young people. Her enthusiasm and attitude worked extremely well engaging all in music making and in just the two sessions she attended she was able to work with groups to help song writing, develop and record their ideas. The group responded well to her and were engaged positively and comfortable with her teaching methods. A pleasure to work with.”

Sean Quinn, Youth Worker
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“Anthea has been visiting The Clubhouse Project, once a month, since September 2013 and during that time we have had some great music sessions. Anthea has helped our group of young adults with learning disabilities make their own “Clubhouse Song”. It was a fantastic project and the young adults got an insight into writing lyrics, composing music and how to record the final product. Throughout the project Anthea conveyed her enthusiasm for the song to the young adults, they have taken ownership of the Clubhouse Song and they love singing it at every opportunity and occasion. Music is a wonderful way of engaging with our young adults on the autistic spectrum and Anthea is excellent at engaging with them.  She makes use of a variety of instruments and she also helps the young adults to use ipads to make sounds and sound patterns. Anthea is very patient, she listens to the young adults’ ideas and she encourages them to be in charge of the music sessions.  The young adults always look forward to Anthea’s visits and they have become a very important part of clubhouse life.” 

Henny Vangsted, Care –Coordinator, The Clubhouse Project
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Photography by Charlie Cooper. Photograph of Hannah Turner.