How do you land a job in a higher education music institution? And what do they actually look for in a singing teacher? This week, Alexa sits down with Trudy Kerr, Head of Vocals at London College of Contemporary Music (LCCM), to uncover the reality of teaching at this level. From the application process to lesson structures, student challenges, and even salary expectations, Trudy offers an insight to what it takes to make it in higher education.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
2:57 What qualifications or experiences do I need?
6:42 What is the interview process like?
8:27 Do I need to teach any particular methodology?
9:42 What might I earn?
13:45 What common vocal challenges do the singers experience?
21:40 What is a typical scheme of work at LCCM?
27:20 How can teachers fulfil both assessment and singer needs?
31:59 What to consider when writing singing curriculum
34:32 Private Vs institution teaching
38:26 Do I have to be a proficient pianist?
About the presenter click HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
Artists Mentioned: Raye; Laufey; Daydreamers
Linda Hutchison
Email Trudy directly: tkerr@lccm.org.uk
ABOUT THE GUEST
Born in Australia, Trudy moved to the UK in the 90’s to pursue a career in music. She got her big break when Ronnie Scott heard her sing and immediately booked her for a week long date at his club. She has performed at many major venues and festivals in the UK, most notably Glastonbury, and Buckingham Palace.
Trudy has recorded 13 albums as a leader, her most recent project ‘Take 5 – The Music of Paul Desmond’ is a celebration of the music of alto saxophonist Paul Desmond. Trudy has collaborated both live and in the studio with world class musicians including Mulgrew Miller, Jan Lundgren, Georgie Fame, Bob Dorough, Jukka Perko, Michael Garrick, Acker Bilk and Jamie Cullum.
Trudy holds a PG Cert in Jazz Studies from The Guildhall School of Music and Drama and has recently completed an MA at Trinity Laban on the Teaching Musician programme. She is a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy and is currently Head of Vocals at London College of Contemporary Music having previously held teaching posts at Trinity Laban, Guildhall and Chichester University.
Trudy has presented at the International Jazz Voice Conference in Finland and in 2018 was an adjudicator on the UNISA International Jazz Voice Competition in South Africa. For several years she co-hosted BBC southern counties Jazz hour with Roger Day and is co-owner of the Jazzizit Record label.
Trudy’s CPD:
Linda Hutchison – City Lit course Fundamentals of the Singing Voice 1 & 2
Member of the British Voice Association attending many Weekend conferences.
Vocal Process – Webinars and Teacher training weekend.
Jeanie LoVetri – Somatic Voice Level 1,2,3
Trineice Robinson Martin When Science Meets Soul Level 1 and 2
Various CPD courses with the Voice Study Centre.
Kim Chandlers – Break down on Contemporary Singing Curriculum.
Favourite Book – The Musicians Mind – by Lynne Helding
Website: trudykerr.com
