After completing an undergraduate degree in music, Abigail decided to train as a nurse. She remained in the profession for 10 years, working with people with dementia, special and palliative needs. This experience has informed her way of teaching, and she provides a kind, safe space to for people to explore using their voices, and enjoy the benefits of music.
Abigail then completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Vocal and Opera Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, a Masters Degree in Voice, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Concert Singing from the University of London. She was also selected to take part in the inaugural year of English National Opera's Operaworks, working with fantastic directors and actors such as Toby Jones, Selena Kaye and Harriet Walters.
Aida, Opera Holland Park, 2015
Abigail was awarded the Eva Turner Award for Sopranos, and the Emmanuel prize for her performance of Handel's Gloria and her professional career includes working for Opera Holland Park, Manchester Camerata, English Touring Opera, London Symphony Orchestra, and the BBC Singers. She was a young artist for Mid Wales Opera, Clonter Opera and has performed at Sadler’s Wells, the Royal Opera House, the Hall for Cornwall, and was a frequent guest artist at Finchcocks Piano Museum, with her colleagues at the John Kerr Award for English Song. She has even appeared in a film, starring with Jenny Agutter.
Abigail has been promoting music as a well-being, life bringing and inclusive activity since 2013, working with community groups and charities, and individual families. She is delighted to be working for Soundabout and the Amber Trust, to bring the joy of music to people living with profound learning difficulties, and is learning more about how to support those living with the effects of trauma and PTSD through integrated voice work and yoga body work.
Professional Qualifications
Master of Music, specialising in the singing of Handel’s Opera and Oratorio - Goldsmiths College, University of London
Post Graduate Diploma in Vocal and Opera Studies - Royal Northern College of Music
Post Graduate Diploma in Singing - Birkbeck College, University of London
Diploma in Nursing Studies, RGN Qualification - City University and St Bartholomew’s Hospital
I am a member of the Musicians Union, I have a current DBS and have completed level 2 Safeguarding for Adults and Children