vocal course tutors

We are proud to have the best vocal department anywhere in the world. From show tunes to extreme metal you will be taken through a comprehensive approach to modern vocal technique. Some of the UK's most respected vocal coaches and artists will push you to your performance limits in an atmosphere of total support. You will be asked to take your singing as seriously as we do. Take a look at our rooster of singing tutors!

		Sarah Jay (Massive Attack) - Head of Vocals Sarah has over 20 years experience in many aspects of the music industry. Predominantly a prolific songwriter whose sultry vocals have been enjoyed on numerous deep house and techno releases across the globe. Sarah has seven international tours to her name including Massive Attack with whom she collaborated on the album Mezzanine. Sarahs’ songs and voice have been featured in blockbuster movies “The Matrix”, “The Jackal”, and “Welcome to Sarajevo” and many more TV, radio and Independent film scores. Other collaborators include Shara Nelson, Charles Webster, Warp records and plenty more. Sarah believes, “The language of music is universal and is my biggest inspiration and passion. Sharing all my experience and knowledge with those hungry to learn gives me tremendous satisfaction. I loved teaching the masterclasses at Bristol and Brighton schools and am excited and honoured to be involved with BIMM as a new team member this year.”

		Kelle Bryan (Eternal) - Vocal Development Coach Chart-topping artist Kelle Bryan, singer with hit band Eternal, has an impressive catalogue of industry experience. In her five years as part of the band, Kelle notched up an incredible fifteen top fifteen singles (including the classic number one hit ‘I Wanna Be The Only One’), four top ten albums and global sales in excess of nine million, helping Kelle cement her place in the record books by being part of Britain’s most successful R&B group of all time. After starting her media company Red Hot Entertainment in 2000, Kelle created a bespoke style of professional artistic development (called PAD) which she hopes will aid her coaching at BIMM.

		Carleen Anderson (Solo Artist/Brand New Heavies) - Vocal Tutor - Visiting Faculty Carleen is a true star and has a talent, pedigree and charisma that is totally unique. Originally Carleen shot to fame as lead singer with the Young Disciples and later Brand New Heavies. Subsequent solo albums with Paul Weller on production duties whilst work with Bryan Ferry and Dr John, confirmed her status as the queen of British Soul. Amazingly she is also the God-Daughter of "The Godfather Of Soul" James Brown. Carleen continues her successful solo career whilst being totally committed to teaching - we are privileged to have her with us!

		Kate Cameron (Freak Power) - Vocal Tutor A professional session singer for 15 years, Kate has sung on several gold albums including Ministry of Sound’s Ibiza ’99. Kate also enjoyed great success with Norman Cook’s band Freak Power and their amazing album ’Drive through Booty’. As well as being signed to MCA/Universal she has collaborated on several tracks charting in the UK Top 40. Kate’s collaborative partners include the likes of Judge Jules, Boy George, Tim Westwood, Danny Rampling and Paul Oakenfold.

		Billie Godfrey (Beverley Knight) - Vocal Tutor - Visiting Faculty Currently working as a much-in-demand session singer, and recording her own solo album, Billie manages to fit in teaching at BIMM into her hectic schedule. With experience that ranges from Grade 6 Opera, Piano and guitar qualifications, Billie has a unique range of musical experience. Her credits also include singing with the likes of Beverley Knight (where she supported Prince at the O2, culminating in two after show jams with Prince and his band at the after show parties!), Sting, Lionel Ritchie, Texas, Kylie Minogue, Chaka Khan, Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and INXS.

		Kirk Brandon (Theatre of Hate/Spear of Destiny) - Vocal Tutor Kirk started his musical career in seminal Post-Punk band Theatre Of Hate in 1980. His first album ’Westworld’ was produced by Mick Jones of The Clash. Kirk then went on to form Spear of Destiny in 1983, whereby he recorded and toured extensively worldwide. Kirk recently released Spear of Destiny’s new album, ’Imperial Prototype’ in February 2008. Kirk is also a member of Dead Men Walking. The band consists of Captain Sensible (The Damned), Slim Jim Phantom (Stray Cats) and Mike Peters (The Alarm). Theatre Of Hate recently reunited and toured extensively with various dates in the U.K. and Europe.

		Elliot May (Basement Jaxx) - Vocal Tutor Elliot May has been in many bands since the eighties, both as a lead and a backing vocalist, working with artists such as The Brand New Heavies, Stan Campbell and Gavin Rossdale. She fronted the jazz funk band Pushmipullyou and toured extensively in Europe in the mid 90’s before working with ambient drum and bass DJ LTJ Bookham. Her most well known track as lead vocalist is on ‘Do your thing ..’ by Basement Jaxx that reached no. 24 in the UK top 40, 2005 and is still heard on film, TV and radio frequently today. She’s currently working with a collective of established artists called ROAD, touring and recording. Her vast body of work includes Radio 2 idents for the Jonathan Ross show and many other adverts around the world.

		Chip Jenkins (Solo Artist) - Vocal Tutor Chip is a vocalist who runs her own funky jazz band Chip Jenkins Jazz, Performers Agency and has a solo career. Her industry experience is extensive and she also teaches at Chichester University. Her onstage charisma and seductive appeal have not gone unnoticed by HRH Prince Albert of Monaco and Roger Moore; she’s had them on the edge of their seats! Her musical and visual style has been influenced by several years living in Paris and Monaco. Chip is surrounded by truly exceptional musicians from the London Jazz scene. Having recorded at London’s 606 club; Chip has also performed at venues such as Claridges, The Dorchester, The Savoy and The Natural History Museum, London. In January 2008 she was featured in The Moscow Times for playing for Ex-President Gorbachev!

		Julie-Alanah Marquez (Jamie Cullum/The Foundations) - Vocal Tutor Julie-Alanah has a career which has covered many aspects of the industry. As an actress, she has starred in the West-End as the original Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, with Robert Lindsay in Oliver and sharing the run of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s one-woman show Tell Me On A Sunday with Denise Van-Outen. On TV, she’s worked with the likes of Paul Whitehouse and Kelsey Grammer. As a singer, she has been a guest vocalist for some years for the Kitsch Lounge Riot at The Café de Paris in Piccadilly, singing alongside Sam Brown, Clare Teal, Jamie Cullum and The Foundations. She has also sung backing vocals for jazz singer Oliver Darley when he supported Tom Jones at the Route of Kings concert in Hyde Park.

		Sue Richardson (BBC) - Vocal Tutor Sue has a varied musical past - she began performing from an early age, playing with big bands by the age of 16. Following a classical music degree at Goldsmiths Sue spent many years touring the world, gigging in hotels, jazz clubs and on cruise ships. She has worked for the BBC, performing at The Last Night of The Proms and gaining a Blue Peter badge for her singing! A rising star of the UK jazz scene she has recently recorded with Ian Shaw and played Ronnie Scott’s. She regularly guests with the Humphrey Lyttelton Band.