Clara Serra

I have 7 years’ experience in music education working as a vocal and music tutor for individual private students, in schools and as part of community projects. I have very advanced experience teaching students from multiple levels and backgrounds, working with groups, choirs and individuals from all age groups. I have acquired an excellent reputation and have strong professional relationships with my superiors as well as the Heads of Music Departments in the different schools I have taught.

My own music education and professional experience has lead me to have excellent knowledge in a diversity of styles and genres (jazz, rnb, latin, soul, musical theatre…). I have specialised in jazz and contemporary singing, with 5 years of Musical Theatre studies and 3 years of Classical Singing training as well as 10 years of Classical Violin. I also play the piano well and can accompany my students. 

My key goal is for students to fall in love with singing and music as well as build discipline through nurturing their drive to learn. I work on teaching plans unique to each student, looking at all the aspects that will help them reach their potential: musicianship, performance, vocal health, technique, aural studies and music theory. Furthermore I have guided students through examination boards such as the LCM Musical Theatre Exams, Trinity Jazz and Rock Exams and ABRSM Classical exams, gaining merits and distinctions. I approach assessments and exams as a tool to motivate and inspire students looking for the best type of exam and if it will be useful for them at different stages of their musical and personal development. 

Teaching activities:

• September 2016 – present: Peripatetic vocal tutor with Haringey Music Service, teaching one to one vocals, piano and violin as well as choir.
• April 2016 – present: One to one private music teacher focusing on technique, vocal health, performance, musicianship, song writing, composition, improvisation and theory. 
• April 2021 – present: Educator at Lauderdale House (Archway, London) for their community outreach program headed by Skanda Sabbagh. 
• September 2017 –  June 2019: Choir leader and vocal tutor with Everyone’s Climbing Tree community project. 

Artistic Work:

• Currently working on my debut album with drummer and producer Jake Long (Maisha, Gary Bartz, Nubya García). The project is supported by Help Musicians and has received the Peter Whittingham Development Jazz Award. 
• Vocalist for New Movement Ensemble, debut album released December 2021 and new album to be recorded in August at Total Refreshment Studios. Performances in venues including Queen Elisabeth Hall, Jazz Café, Colour’s Factory, Total Refreshment Centre…
• Frequent collaborator with producers such as Chiminyo (Gearbox Records, Jazz Fm Digital Award), KMODO, iZem (Soundway, Elis Records), Huw Marc Benett (Albert’s Favourites).
• Band leader and composer from 2013 – 2020 of my own project under my own name performing at venues such as Southbank, Rich Mix, Spice of Life, Wilderness Festival…
• Soloist for NYJO 2014 - 2016 performing around the UK and Europe. Performances included Ronnie Scott’s, UniCredit Pavilion (Milan), Barbican Hall alongside members of The Lincoln Centre. 

Education:

Music:

• September 2012 – June 2016: B(Mus) Hons in Jazz Performance at The Guildhall School specialising in vocals. One to One jazz vocal lessons with Brigitte Beraha, Lianne Caroll, Ian Shaw, Lee Gibson and classical voice lessons with Linda Hutchinson. Classes in composition, arrangement, jazz piano, harmony, jazz band, choir…Masterclasses with Kurt Elling, Marcus Miller…
• July 2011 – June 2012: One to One classical voice lessons with Mireia Pintó.
• September 2009 – July 2011: Musical Theatre studies at Coco Comin. Classes in theatre, ballet, jazz, tap dance and voice. 
• March 2009 – June 2012: One to One musical theatre lessons with Kirby Navarro.
• September 2001 – December 2008: Weekend School at the Sage Gateshead. One to One lessons in violin, piano and voice. Classes in chamber music, theory, ear training as well as being a member of the Young Sinfonia and Quay Voices (choir).