As teachers and singers well know, it takes a unique type of person to be a vocal animateur. Called upon to inspire and motivate choirs of all age-ranges and levels of experience, the vocal workshop leader never really knows what to expect when they enter the classroom or rehearsal venue! Creativity, adaptability, leadership, imagination, powerful communication and insight – not to mention a mastery of vocal technique – are therefore essential skills of the job. Anyone who has ever experienced a session with Brenda Rattray will recognise that she has these skills in abundance.

Brenda has worked extensively in all areas of the community including primary, secondary and special schools, prisons (from Brixton to Bandu Bandu in Australia), mental institutions, with travellers, in women’s refuges, with detainees and in Universities. She has worked for the English National Opera, the Guildhall school of Music and Drama, the Royal National Institute for the Blind and with Orchestras including the London Philharmonic, the BBC Concert and Symphony Orchestras. She has also run numerous training programmes for teachers as part of the Sing up manifesto heralded by Howard Goodall.

Brenda specialises in many aspects of singing including taking the fear out of singing and the joy of freedom of expression through voice. She is also gifted at opening doors for clients to express themselves in new unexpected ways bringing new heights to their freedom in singing. She enjoys building a singing community working with African songs, the blues, Spirituals – Gospel. She also uses pop, jazz, or any music that fuels or inspires her as part of her workshop process.

If you would like to find out more about hosting a workshop with Brenda, please contact herthrough the Marketing Department.

Brenda's book, the Joy of Singing, is available from the Faber Music Store.