YOUR TEAM

LONDON

12-16 February 2024

Biographies

Charlotte Xerri EMT/EMCI-ATP SD

BA (hons) Music, MA (vocal performance), PCGE, LLCM (TD)

Estill Master Trainer / Estill Mentor & Course Instructor with Advanced Testing Privileges & Service Distinction

Charlotte enjoys sharing her many years of performance, teaching and training experience with voice and the Estill Model working with singers and musical directors as well as voice/singing teachers from the major institutions and vocal health professionals.

Alongside her husband Marcel, they are Directors of Voice Your Potential® Ltd producing voice related training & events. These include annual Level I & II courses, in London and internationally in both Poland and Finland, Estill Figure Proficiency (EFP) and Estill Master Trainer (EMT) Certification Pathways and other courses attracting participants from the UK, Europe and globally. Charlotte is also available for ONE2ONE coaching sessions in central London and online video coaching.

Charlotte has Advanced Testing Privileges to examine for Estill Voice International. As President of the Estill International Certification Advisory Board her contribution to the Estill Voice Training® Certification Manual led to updates in both terminology and procedures.

She’s had a varied career in performance and music/vocal education. Performing professionally in opera and extensively as a session singer and an oratorio soloist.

As a voice educator, clients include CPL Productions for Sky TV, Native/19 Entertainment, Map Entertainment, Jimmy Hogarth/Kid Gloves, Royal Bank of Scotland, GlaxoSmithKline, Goldsmiths College London, Brighton University, Urdang Academy & Toastmasters, BRICTT (Brighton Academy of Contemporary Theatre Training), The World Voice Expo.I & II in Poland, Chichester Conservatoire, & NorthONE2ONE bookingampton University.

Always eager to build upon our understanding of vocal function, Charlotte has collaborated both in the UK and abroad with speech & Language specialists including Sue Jones, Consultant SLT in Professional Voice Rehabilitation and author of Laryngeal Endoscopy & Voice Therapy A Clinical Guide.

As part of research teams Charlotte took part in exploring new and exciting research using state of the art technology at The Ohio State University USA and at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust UK, continuing to build upon our understanding of vocal function.

Sarah Stephenson EMT

Sarah has over 25 years of experience working as a professional vocal coach at some of the leading colleges and universities in the UK, working with actors, singers, singer-songwriters and dancers.

She trained at the Royal Northern College of Music as a classical pianist and worked for the first 10 years of her professional career as a classical accompanist, vocal coach and opera repetiteur.

She later studied the Estill voice training system and qualified as a Certified Master Estill Teacher. She has worked as an intern and masterclass pianist for almost 20 years on Estill courses in the UK, Europe, Scandinavia and was privileged to be part of the team delivering the first Estill course in Africa in 2017.

She currently teaches singing at Goldsmiths and Mountview, as well as running her private practise in London and East Sussex.

Sarah has been a qualified Sound Healing Practitioner since 2012 and is also a Tutor for the College of Sound Healing. She runs the Sound Healing Practitioner Training Course with the voice, sound meditations and Sound Healing workshops in the UK.

Sarah is an Estill Master Trainer

Alex Dengate EMT

Alex is a Musical Director, Conductor and Arranger. He is a singer, pianist, organist, drummer/percussionist and saxophonist.

He is passionate about singing, voice and in particular the Estill Model and its application for performers, singers and speakers across the globe.

Alex has ‘MD'd’ and performed in a significant amount of Theatre and Musical Theatre for The RSC, West End, UK Tours, Warner Leisure etc. He has worked in show/function/jazz/pit bands and ensembles across the UK and Europe including cruises, tours, festivals, pantomime as an accompanist/repetiteur and as a vocalist for the BBC on both radio and television platforms.

As an educator Alex was the principal lecturer in Musical Theatre, Singing and Voice at Stratford-upon-Avon College for over 17 years. He is currently a member of the singing faculty at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and is an Associate Lecturer at Northampton University. He is the Director of Music at Knowle Parish Church in the Diocese of Birmingham.

Alex is a co-founder of ‘mtda’ (a Performing Arts training provider) and is co-director of ‘Crystal Gospel Choir’ with his lovely wife Louise.

Alongside Charlotte, Alex has been involved as part of a research team for the department of Speech, Voice and Swallowing at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

Later this year Alex is looking forward to taking his Estill Introductory Course to Finland, working with Tanja Torvikoski (EMT).

Alex is an Estill Master Trainer

Sarah Vaughan EMT

Sarah studied at the National University of Ireland graduating with a BA (hons) in Music, specialising in opera, whilst training under some of the top vocal coaches in the US, UK & Ireland. She currently teaches singing to degree students at various drama schools and institutions across London alongside her private clients and is musical director for the City Academy musical theatre companies.

As a performer Sarah performs regularly both at home and abroad with international classical crossover group ‘Ida’ including Noosa Alive Festival (Australia), Windsor Castle, The Other Palace (London), Andrew Neil Show (BBC), Westend Live (London), Walk the Line (ITV).

Credits include: Cinderella in Cinderella (Milton Keynes Theatre, New Victoria Theatre, Plymouth Theatre Royal, Wycombe Swan & Venue Cymru); Nicola in Everything After (Texture), Ripper Street (BBC), Buckingham Palace, Princess Apricot/Jill in Jack & the Beanstalk (Alhambra Theatre & Wolverhampton Grand), Wom in Exceptional Wom (Josh Nolan), Anne Shelton in The Code (Little Glass Pictures), Women of Ireland (lead singer, US/Canada Tour), Young Sally in Follies, Belle in Beauty & the Beast, Whiskey in the Jar – the Musical (World Premiere), Helen in Here Comes Love (World Premiere), Brenda Blossom in Hollywood Pinafore, Mabel in Pirates of Penzance, Yum-Yum in Hot Mikado, Belle in A Christmas Carol, Cunégonde in Candide, The Magic Flute, Norma, L’elisir d’Amore and La Traviata.

Recordings include: Take It With Me (Cavalier Records), The Lark (Cavalier Records), Pass on the Rainbow-NHS (The Rainbow Collective), The Forget Me Not Song (Alzheimer’s Society), Eileen (New World Records), Molly Bloom in Songs of Rejoicing (East Coast FM), Believe (Ida).

Sarah is an Estill Master Trainer

Tom Reade EMT-C

Tom Elliot Reade graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in Musical Theatre and has been working on the West End and internationally as an actor-musician, singer and actor in shows such as The Commitments (UK & Ireland Tour), Judy! (Arts Theatre West End) and The Choir of Man (European and Australian tours).

Alongside this Tom is a working vocal coach and musical director at the Royal Academy of Music, Italia Conti, London Studio Centre and Mountview as well as privately from London to local and international clients. He also works as a musical director with credits including NewsRevue (Canal Cafe Theatre), Putting it Together (Stephen Sondheim) and Company (Stephen Sondheim) as well as providing workshops and masterclasses through his company Permission to Play.

Tom is an Estill Master Trainer Candidate (EMT-C) on Phase 2 of
Voice Your Potentials Certification Pathway with Mentor Charlotte Xerri.

Maple Yu EMT-C

Maple was born in Hong Kong. Her musical journey started at Chetham’s School of Music where she began studying classical singing. She is a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in vocal studies.
Maple was first introduced to the working of Estill Voice Training when she attended Paul Farrington’s Masterclass during her studies at the RCS, which made an impact on her. She attended her first Level 1&2 course in 2021 online with Charlotte and has found that EVT, not only bridges the gap in her knowledge of vocal functions but also gives her a valuable toolbox as a teacher to aid her students in their artistic interpretation.

Maple is an Estill Master Trainer Candidate (EMT-C) on Phase 2 of
Voice Your Potentials Certification Pathway with Mentor Charlotte Xerri.

Ellie Thompson EMT-C

Ellie has been a professional singer for fifteen years. She is also an accomplished songwriter and singing teacher based on the south coast of Sussex in the UK.

She studied on the Higher Diploma in Vocals course at ICMP (London) in 2012, completing the course with the ‘Best Vocals’ Award. In 2015 she then went on to graduate with a BA First Class Honours in Song writing.

Ellie has had her compositions played on BBC Radio and performed at numerous festivals across the country. Her Estill Voice Training journey started in 2018 when she attended her first Level 1 & 2 course in London with Charlotte. Since then, Ellie has been fascinated with the application of Estill for improving her own voice and that of her students and cannot wait to become an EMT.

Ellie is an Estill Master Trainer Candidate (EMT-C) on Phase 2 of
Voice Your Potentials Certification Pathway with Mentor Charlotte Xerri.

Sarah Brickel EMT-C

Sarah is a professional singer, songwriter & singing teacher. She gained a degree in Performing Arts (Music) at The Liverpool Institute For Performing Arts (LIPA). Here under the guidance of Helen Rowson & Sarah Stephenson her Estill journey began.

Sarah has performed globally in musical shows & with her jazz band, supporting artists such as Jamie Cullum, Geoff Gascoine and Spyro Gyra. Highlights include The Dubai International Jazz Festival, PizzaExpress Jazz Club (Soho) & The Stables (Wavendon).

Theatre/TV credits include lead singer/dancer – P&O Cruising Musicals Consortium, María Elena Holly – Buddy & Mad About The Musicals (UK & Ireland tour). Cinderella – Cinderella (Welwyn Garden City). Session vocalist/backing singer – The Royal (ITV). ‘You give me something’ & ‘Music Box’ album launch & performances – (YTV).

Her first album on Candid Records in 2009 ‘You give me something’ won the acclaim of Sir Michael Parkinson. Her second ‘Music Box’ released in 2011 on her own label ‘19b Studio Records’. Sarah’s version of ‘My Favourite Things’ was featured by Virgin Records with her recent release ‘Your Own Way’ on Red Island Productions a collaboration with Mauritian DJ & producer David Jay.

As lead vocalist she has performed for many corporate events with ‘The Sarah Brickel Band’, ‘The Night Jars’ & ‘Al Morrisons Blues Experience’.

Sarah’s experience as a singing teacher specialising in musical theatre, pop & jazz spans 16 years, Working with singers, songwriters, actors & dancers. Current posts include The University of Hull, York College and Mountview Manchester.

Sarah is an Estill Master Trainer Candidate (EMT-C) on Phase 2 of
Voice Your Potentials Certification Pathway with Mentor Charlotte Xerri.

Lizzy Rushby EMT-C

Lizzy is a singer and vocal coach based in Leicester. She studied acting at Birmingham Theatre School and then Demontfort University where she graduated with distinction and won the highest achiever award.

Since 2018 Lizzy has undergone level I and II courses in the Estill voice model and credits it for helping her to develop belt and twang qualities in her own voice where previously there were none!

Lizzy headed Leicester’s CC Gospel Choir and deps for several touring theatre shows.

Lizzy is an Estill Master Trainer Candidate (EMT-C) on Phase 2 of
Voice Your Potentials Certification Pathway with Mentor Charlotte Xerri.

Katy Lees EFP

Katy is a classical singer, teacher and choir leader. She first attended the Estill VoiceTraining Level I&II course looking for help with teaching Pop and Music Theatre repertoire with more confidence and understanding.

She had no idea that the course would also answer questions about her own classical singing. As her children have finished school, she is now returning to begin her studies with Voice your potential in becoming an Estill Master Trainer.

Katy has an Estill Figure Proficiency (EFP) Certificate & is on Phase 1 of
Voice Your Potentials Certification Pathway with Mentor Charlotte Xerri.

Tom Bond EFP

Tom trained at Leeds College of Music, and graduated in 2015 with a BA (Hons) in Music (Jazz). Since graduating, he has worked professionally across the UK and Internationally as a Performer, Musical Director and Teacher at venues including at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Concert Hall Nottingham, Liverpool Echo Arena, Stade Français Paris as well as many other regional clubs and theatres.

Notable professional engagements include: SAGA Ocean Cruises, BBC 2, Evolution Pantomimes, Kristian Thomas Company, Little Wolf Entertainment, Derby LIVE, Sinfonia Viva, The Magic of Motown and England Rugby.Tom has been a member of the singing department at Bird College since 2021. He has also co-founded the Kristian Thomas Company (KTCo), an East Midlands based performance training establishment and production company.

Over the last seven years as both Managing Director and Head of Music at KTCo Tom has acted as Musical Director for over 30 musicals and concerts as well as co-creating the ‘Accelerate Training Programme’, a one-year course aimed at equipping young people for higher education. He is also Assistant Head of Singing & Voice at Bird College.

Alongside his work in education Tom also regularly performs as a member of the Fat Cat Brass Band, who engages in over 120 performances across the UK and Europe each year.

Tom has an Estill Figure Proficiency (EFP) Certificate & is on Phase 1 of
Voice Your Potentials Certification Pathway with Mentor Charlotte Xerri.

Gemma Bourke

Gemma is a performer and Acting & Musical Theatre coach based in Yorkshire. She started her advanced studies at Huddersfield University where she graduated with a BA Theatre (MT speciality) and furthered her training East 15.

In 2019 Gemma began her Estill journey on level I and II courses in the Estill voice model.

Gemma has had a varied professional career in performing in Musical Theatre, TV, Theatre, Concerts and short films as well as being a qualified lawyer.

Gemma has a vast mix of clients including singers, actors, storytellers, barristers & judges.

Gemma also heads up the production and performance company Applause TheatreWorks and is a lead performer in the touring show “West End vs Broadway”.

Gemma is on Phase 1 of
Voice Your Potentials Certification Pathway with Mentor Charlotte Xerri.

Sian Rodd COURSE ASSISTANT

Sian is a musical theatre performer and vocal coach, training in Chichester, West Sussex. She began her studies with a diploma in Musical Theatre Vocal Performance with the University of West London. This led her to further study at the University of Chichester on their BA Musical Theatre (MUSIC) course. While studying she is also taking online diplomas in music therapy, drama therapy and SEN education.

Sian also has an apprenticeship with Chichester Festival Theatre as a young practitioner to become a coach in theatre and music for both children and young adults.

She also teaches 1-1 singing to young children and volunteers as a performer singing in and with those in nursing homes. Working with voice your potential Sian is looking to further her knowledge as a teacher and performer.

Sian (among other things) is currently studying BA Musical Theatre (Music) at Chichester Univerity