EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Overview

I've been a professional musician for over 30 years. Since studying my music degree at Dartington College of Arts in the early 90's, I initially taught piano and then migrated to singing in various institutions and for all ages whilst regularly updating my voice skills and knowledge. I now teach 1-1 singing, privately from my home in Broadclyst or on Zoom, as well as running my own company (Big Noise Chorus Ltd) which aims to bring the highest quality singing possible to mixed voice, non-auditioned pop choirs in the South West. I also sing in and am Musical Director of a cappella group Birdhouse Singers - a group of 10 seasoned singers who perform pop arrangements in the South west. I'm also certified in Estill Figure Practice with Estill Voice International.

My approach is relaxed, friendly and light-hearted. All abilities are welcome.

To get in contact either use the contact form or email colinreamusic@hotmail.co.uk

Work

experience

Continuing Professional Development

March 2026 - Successfully achieved the Estill Figure Proficiency (EFP) qualification, Estill Voice International's accredited course. This qualification is a demonstration of personal skill in voice craft. To earn this certification, individuals have to develop voice motor control of the Figure exercises in Estill Voice Training Level 1 and 2 courses.

2022-present - Musical Director and tenor for Birdhouse Singers (www.birdhousesingers.com). An auditioned a cappella pop and jazz choir. Highlights include performing at Exeter Phoenix and Exeter Cathedral with Sound of the Sirens - Devon's dynamic contemporary folk duo.

2011-present - Regular training alongside Speech and Language Therapists across the Southwest to ensure that technical and vocal knowledge is up to date.

Musical Director, Big Noise Chorus Ltd, Devon

2009 - present

Musical Director, Big Noise Chorus Ltd, Devon.

Managing and running a small company with 10 team members and over 300 singers. Delivering ensemble and vocal technique sessions to adult choirs (up to 120 at a time) singing pop, rock and musical theatre pieces. As Musical Director, duties include arranging/conducting rehearsals and concerts around the Southwest joining with other ensemble groups, bands and performers. Since humble beginnings (20 singers in the first choir), I now have 4 Big Noise choirs with over 300 singers in total. See www.bignoisechorus.co.uk.

2015 - became involved in a world first study working with Speech and Language Therapist Gillie Stoneham examining whether singing technique could be proven to aid in the feminisation of the voice for transgender clients.

Singing Technique Teacher at Arts Ed Schools, London

2014

Teaching singing technique to undergraduate Musical theatre students in on of the country's leading triple-threat training institutions. Arts Ed regularly supplies performers into the West End and the performing Arts industry. The position requires having a sound and up to date knowledge of singing technique. Primary duties are delivering 1-1 sessions to help students achieve their highest vocal potential, removing strain from the voice through technique to enable sustainable voice use.

Singing Lecturer, Exeter College

2009-2014

Delivering singing modules for Performing Arts students aged 16-18. Duties included MD work for end of year productions, delivering voice technique as well as ensemble work and preparing students for audition.

Self-employed singing teacher

1996-present

Recent work highlights:

Freelance vocal workshops for Cirque Bijou culminating in a performance involving 800 voices - Bromsgrove, Summer 2014.

Choir leading for world premiere of company Extraordinary Bodies and Diverse City's show, Weighting - Exeter, Autumn 2013.

Performed with Exeter Festival Chorus

2005-2013

Sang under the tutelage of Nigel Perrin (previously with the Kings' Singers). Highlights include performing at Carnegie Hall, New York (2009), singing solo at Exeter cathedral in Duke Ellington's Sacred Concert alongside Jacqui Dankworth (2012). Performing in Rennes and Nantes (France), and around the UK.

Singing Teacher, Stagecoach Theatre Arts

1999-2010

Delivering singing technique and ensemble classes for ages 6-18. MD for various local productions as well as preparing children's choirs for the Bill Kenwright tour of Joseph (2007-2013), Evita (2010), and Ellen Kent Touring Opera (2009-2012). Delivered singing summer workshops in Spain, Egypt and Cyprus for ages 6-18 (2006-2010).