Learn to Sing with Confidence | Guildhall Graduate Vocal Coach | Jazz, Soul, Pop, musical theatre & Contemporary Styles

Learn more about Jo

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  My voice has always been the instrument I naturally gravitated towards. My mum still has old cassette tapes of me singing Disney songs when I was just four or five years old, so music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.
  As a teenager, I fell in love with soul and neo soul through artists such as Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, Jill Scott and Erykah Badu. Their artistry, emotion and vocal expression continue to inspire me today. In my twenties, I also developed a deep appreciation for jazz, studying the music and drawing inspiration from legendary singers such as Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. Soul remains closest to my heart, while jazz has become an important part of my musical journey as both a performer and a teacher.

• Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  I listen to so many soul, neo soul, R&B and jazz artists that it's hard to choose just one. If I had to pick someone off the top of my head, it would be Donny Hathaway. He has always been one of my musical heroes, and I could listen to his voice endlessly.
  His effortless phrasing, soulful riffs and runs, and the incredible emotion and energy he brought to his live performances continue to inspire me. As a soul singer myself, his artistry has had a profound influence on the way I approach music and storytelling through song.

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  One of the most rewarding courses I can offer is helping singers discover their own artistic identity. Many students come to lessons wanting to sound exactly like their favourite artist, but I believe the most fulfilling journey is learning how to use your own voice with confidence and authenticity.
  I combine advanced vocal technique, including breath support, belting, mixed voice, and riffs and runs, with performance coaching and stage confidence. For students who enjoy writing, I also love introducing songwriting as a way of developing their creativity and musical expression.
  My goal isn't simply to help students sing better. It's to help them become confident, expressive musicians who understand their instrument and feel comfortable sharing their unique voice with the world.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  I believe the human voice is the most complex instrument to master. Unlike a piano or a guitar, there are no keys, strings or buttons to press. We can't see the instrument we're playing, so developing control requires a deep understanding of how the voice works from the inside.
  Singing is also a holistic process. It's not just about the larynx or the vocal folds, but about breath, posture, muscle coordination, resonance, body awareness, and even our emotional state. That's what makes the voice so fascinating. It's an instrument that evolves throughout our lives, and there is always something new to learn.

• What are your keys to success?

  For me, success isn't about being the best in the room. It's about staying curious, never stopping learning, and showing up consistently. No matter how much I learn or how many years I teach, I believe there's always another song to discover, another technique to refine, or another perspective to explore. Music is a lifelong journey, and I think that mindset keeps both my performing and my teaching fresh.
  I also believe that authenticity is essential. The singers who leave the greatest impression aren't necessarily those with the biggest voices or the most impressive technique, but those who communicate honestly and make people feel something. That's the philosophy I bring to both my own music and my teaching.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  Alicia Keys would definitely be one of them. I've always admired her songwriting, her musicianship and the honesty she brings to everything she does. I also respect the way she's remained true to herself in an industry where that isn't always easy. Her confidence, integrity and commitment to her artistry are incredibly inspiring.
  Donny Hathaway would have to be there too. His extraordinary musicianship, unforgettable voice and deeply soulful sound have had a profound influence on me. Every performance feels genuine and emotionally honest, and I could happily spend hours talking to him about music, his gospel influences and creativity.
  Finally, Sarah Vaughan. Her incredible vocal richness, effortless technique, wit and phenomenal scat singing continue to amaze me. I'd love to hear her talk about her approach to improvisation and the artistry behind her unmistakable sound.
  I can only imagine how inspiring that conversation would be.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  One of my most memorable teaching experiences was with a student from Los Angeles who came to me lacking confidence and feeling very anxious about singing in front of others. Although she had a lovely voice, she often doubted herself and was afraid of making mistakes.
  Over time, we worked not only on vocal technique, but also on building her confidence and helping her enjoy performing instead of fearing it. Watching her gradually believe in herself was incredibly rewarding. She later auditioned for musical theatre productions and was cast in leading roles, something she never imagined she could achieve when we first started working together.
  Moments like these remind me that teaching is about much more than developing technique. It's about helping students discover confidence in themselves and giving them the tools to express who they are through music.

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  I believe what sets me apart is the combination of empathy, professional experience, and a personalized approach to teaching. Alongside vocal technique, I place great importance on lyrics interpretation, performance skills, improvisation and helping students discover their 'own authentic voice' instead of simply imitating others. I also particularly enjoy working with anxious students, using practical psychological strategies alongside vocal training to help them feel more relaxed and confident when they perform.
  I see singing as much more than a technical skill. It can be a powerful tool for self-expression, confidence and emotional wellbeing. When students begin to trust their own voice, they're often surprised by how freeing and healing the process can be. My aim is to create a safe, encouraging space where students can grow not only as singers, but also as confident individuals who genuinely enjoy making music.