Paula Sides
I was born in Cookeville, Tennesee, graduating with a BA Magna Cum Laude in music from Columbus State University Schwob School of Music. I obtained a post graduate diploma with distinction and studied on the opera course at the Royal College of Music, where I received the Tagor Gold Medal. Other prizes included the Karaviotis Prize at the Les Azuriales International Competition, the Coutts & Co. Award and the Sir Thomas Allen Scholarship, supported by a Clayton Award.
I am also a voice clinic teacher for the NHS. I have been working with Mr Smelt, a ENT voice surgeon as a voice teacher consultant since 2015, assisting the recuperation and rehabilitation of singers who are recovering from vocal damage including vocal strain, nodules, and partial paralysis. Working in the voice clinic for the NHS has been hugely important to my growing knowledge of teaching techniques and methods to aid in healthy singing.
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I have been teaching privately for over 10 years and have worked with children from the ages of 6 to adults in there 80's, with wide ranging abilities and experience, always trying to help each of my students reach their potential and enjoy their love for singing. Singing in a healthy way and always keeping in mind what each student wants to achieve through their singing is of absolute importance; whether it be taking exams or preparing for college auditions; professionals making sure bad habits are not becoming a hinderance to their performing ability; or simply having a great time singing. Every lesson gives a chance for my students to grow in confidence and develop as musicians, performers, and technically secure singers.
Ben Williamson
I have always been fascinated with singing technique. It's an amazingly simple thing to produce a sung note, but our bodies and minds can interfere with the process in an extremely varied and complex way! I was drawn to teaching singing while studying at the Royal College of Music, and I found it hugely rewarding to share and improve my expertise. Since then, it has grown into a rich significant part of my career. Many of my pupils have gone on to Music College, and I have organised workshops, masterclasses, online seminars and filmed mock auditions, which is now formalised as CAPS. I also teach several enthusiastic amateur singers, largely drawn from Sloane Square Choral Society, which I cofounded, and where I lead the lower voices and teach the Choral Scholars. Since January 2021, I have been teaching the extremely talented choristers of Temple Church Choir, London.
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Having been on the journey from choral scholar to opera singer, I am very well acquainted with the challenges and technical difficulties that arise from choral singing! My teaching methods are scientifically informed, and I employ effective physical and psychological exercises to develop efficient vocal habits. I have attended various courses including 'Training in Classical Voice' with Janice Chapman, 'Exploring Breathing Methodology" with Ron Morris, and 'Tension Release' with the British Voice Association.
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I believe that the purpose of acquiring a good technique is to empower the singer to communicate in a powerfully honest way, with an instrument capable of a full range of expression.
Benjamin was a Choral Scholar at King’s College, Cambridge before training at the Royal College of Music. He won the Nei Stëmmen International Singing Competition in Luxembourg, and operatic roles include Anführer in Toshio Hosokawa’s Erdbeben Träume with Opera
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Stuttgart, Seraphim 3 in John Adams’ The Gospel According to the Other Mary with Theater Bonn and Tolomeo in Handel’s Giulio Cesare with English Touring Opera.
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Concert highlights include Handel’s Brockes Passion with Stephen Cleobury and King’s College Choir on BBC Radio 3, the World Premiere of Jonathan Dove’s Arion and the Dolphin, Purcell & Leveridge with Irish Baroque Orchestra in Dublin, Purcell’s The Fairy Queen with Matthew Halls at Wigmore Hall, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms with Edward Higginbottom in Italy, Purcell’s Hail, Bright Cecilia with Josef Wallnig in St Petersburg and Handel’s Messiah in Poland and Qatar.