Voice tutors

Sarah began her singing career as lead singer in a rock band (Fatal Charm), performing in New York and touring the UK in the 80s and 90s supporting major acts, recording numerous sessions for Radio One and appearing live on Channel 4's ground-breaking show 'The Tube' several times.

She then decided to concentrate more on her classical technique and trained with Pamela Cook MBE whilst gaining a degree in Music at the University of Nottingham.

A 3-year stint with the renowned a cappella group 'The Swingle Singers' followed, during which she toured the world performing with top class conductors and orchestras in some of the most prestigious venues including La Scala, Milan.

As a session singer, she has recorded many film soundtracks at Abbey Road Studios in London including Star Wars, Harry Potter and Shrek. She also performed in L.A and France with renowned contemporary vocal group 'Synergy' and sang backing vocals for Jarvis Cocker at the Royal Festival Hall in London. In 2013, she shared the stage with Oscar and Bafta award-winning actress Olivia Colman CBE on a production of 'The Snow Queen' at London's Cadogan Hall. In 2015, she sang backing vocals for Anna Calvi at the David Byrne-curated Meltdown Festival on the South Bank in London.

She continues to perform classical recitals, pop/rock/jazz and big band gigs and teaches singing privately and at the University of Nottingham. She is available to teach non-music students from the University.

For more information, please visit her website www.simplysinging.co.uk  or email sarah@simplysinging.co.uk.

Sarah believes that a firm grounding in vocal technique from the start, and continued training throughout her career, has meant that she is able to successfully sing in a wide variety of styles. It is her mission to keep well informed of all the latest developments in the field of voice and to pass on her expertise to her students.

Contact email: sarah@simplysinging.co.uk

Please note that Music Department facilities can only be used for lessons by members of the University of Nottingham. While some of the tutors do offer tuition to members of the public, these are private arrangements and University facilities cannot be used. 

Julie Unwin studied at The Guildhall School of Music & Drama and at The National Opera Studio sponsored by the Royal Opera House. Some of her most distinguished awards include The John Christie Award and the Esso Singer Prize from Glyndebourne, as well as The Rosenthal Opera Award. 

As well as a successful career on the concert platform in the UK and abroad, Julie has won critical acclaim for her many roles including her portrayal of Madamma Butterfly (Holland Park), Tosca, (ETO & St John Smiths Square), Mimi – La Boheme (Opera Zuid Holland), The Countess, Marriage of Figaro (Glyndebourne & Holland Park), Anna Bolena (ETO), Tatyana, Eugene Onegin (Holland Park and Stowe), Nancy in Silas Marner – Graham Vick Birmingham Touring Opera, Alice, Falstaff (ETO), DonnaAnna (Glyndebourne), Pamina Magic Flute (ENO), Donna Elvira (Iford), Micaela, Carmen (Royal Albert Hall & (WNO), Giorgetta in Puccini’s Il Tabarro (ETO), Lady Billows Albert Herring (Opera de Bauge France) Euridice, Orpheus & Euridice (ENO), and Suor Angelica & Giorgetta (with Antonio Pappano at ROH). 

Julie is a soprano/vocal coach/speech & drama /presentation.

To contact her: 07931 558 757 OR j.unwin@icloud.com 

Richard Howarth was born and educated in London. A chorister at Chelsea Parish Church of St. Luke, he eventually became sub-organist, until was offered a place at the Guildhall School of Music to pursue his vocal studies. His teacher there was Llewelyn John and he studied opera with Vilem Tausky. During his final year he was receiving invitations to sing at such diverse venues as Salisbury Cathedral and aboard the Q.E.2. On leaving G.S.M. he joined Kent Opera. Richard has performed in oratorio, opera and given recitals in most of the major towns and cities in the U.K., and has toured the U.S.A. and Canada, singing the principal baritone roles in the Savoy Operas. He has also appeared with John Ogdon in an opera for piano and singers composed by the great pianist himself and, more recently, as guest soloist with The English Sinfonia, The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Broadcasts include Pooh Bah in a live transmission of The Mikado from The Royal Albert Hall for Radio 2, High Priest in Gluck's Iphigenie with Kent Opera for Radio 3, Messiah for Classic FM and Stainer's Crucifixion for Radio Nottingham. He has been visiting teacher of singing at Loughborough University and conducted the University choir from 1997 to 2002. In 1997 he was appointed visiting teacher of singing at the University of Nottingham, since when, many of his students have gone on to study at some of the country’s leading conservatoires, and continue so to do. From 1989 to 2009 he was musical director of the Radcliffe on Trent Male Voice Choir, and took them from being a small village choir, to a group of some 60 singers who earned the respect of audiences, not only in this country, but in France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, South Africa and Wales. He also directed the choir in five recordings. He is a regular adjudicator for Nottingham Young Musician of the Year. His dear late wife, Pauline Wales, was formerly principal soubrette with D’oyly Carte Opera Company.