"Vicky started singing with Elisa two years ago. It was a conscious decision on her part to break away from singing in a choir to branching out in to the world of solo singing. With it came a determination to succeed but also an incredible shyness.

Within a year, and several master classes later, we saw a transformation from a self-conscious little girl singing songs like ‘My Favourite Things’ and ‘Pocahontas’ to a confident student unafraid to tackle show songs like ‘Hey Big Spender’ with gusto and ballads like ‘Out here on my own’ with feeling.

With Elisa’s coaching and encouragement, Vicky has gone from strength to strength. She has entertained family and friends; she has recorded and performed to a wide range of audiences.

Singing is not just a question of learning the music to a tune or the lyrics to a song. It involves feeling and emotion, and above all, the ability to engage and entertain your audience. Ensuring that her pupils have the necessary performance skills to do just that is where Elisa comes in.

Many of Elisa’s pupils, like Vicky, are just setting out in life and music, therefore, plays a key role in their personal development. It helps to develop their self confidence, their self-esteem and their powers of concentration.

Elisa has the skills to bring out the vocal talents of her pupils and to motivate them to achieve their musical potential, whilst at the same time also assuming the role of a mentor, recognising that these are somewhat turbulent and emotional times for Vicky and her peers in their transition from childhood, to adolescence and to adulthood.

Vicky thoroughly enjoys her singing, which is, of course, the most important thing of all, and she is gradually building up a wide repertoire of songs. Whilst at this stage, Vicky does not see herself going to Performing Arts College, this would be an option open to her, should she so wish. For the time being, it is sufficient that Vicky’s singing is therapeutic to her, providing a very necessary escape from the stresses of school life. Her family, who never tire of listening to her, simply marvel at her talent.

Our thanks go to Elisa for bringing out and nurturing this talent. We wish them both every success for the future."

Jane Clarke