WHY DO YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN THE SWAP'RA RETREAT?

I truly lost my confidence and did not see my self fit for the cut throat world of the opera stage. In my final stages of opera school and my primative career, I suffered from serious anxiety, truly believing I wasn’t good enough. I had won many wonderful awards, sang some very notable parts in great places and was deemed as a rare mezzo coloratura. Yet I continued to suffer from now, as I understand it, imposter syndrome. Then on top of it all, having 2 children and gaining a midriff, I had banked all of my hopes and dreams of singing anywhere but my bathroom. However, during Covid I regained contact with my wonderful teacher and now life long friend Jane Irwin, who had taught me in my RSAMD days. She was so gracious and was more than happy to pick up where we had left off. Still claiming I was one of the best singers she had ever taught! It was her that mentioned this course, but unfortunately at that point my youngest (at the time) was too old to enable me to be able to do the course. But as fate would have it, after 2 years of online lessons with Jane, and a very big surprise, I feel pregnant with our youngest Emi, who is now 5 months. I feel like this course would be the second chance I’ve dreamt of for 15 years. I have come through so much physically and mentally in that time. I would be thrilled and honoured to be given back the opportunity to share my creativity with others again. To gain insight on the more modern understandings of the mind and how to take it in its vulnerable state and use it as a power to perform with authenticity and beauty. To work with professionals that fully understand and that will partner with you in the process.

DESCRIBE YOUR PRESENT LIFE AS AN ARTIST AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE:

I am currently a full time singing teacher for inverclyde council and part time for west college Scotland (on maternity leave!) I have rekindled contact with Duncan williams who has said he would coach me again. I haven’t applied for any other courses, however doing this course would encourage me to step out and do more as my maternity leave ends. I think doing something like this would be courage me to really go for it and apply to do everything and anything I could to get everything back on track. The sky is the limit.

DO YOU ENVISAGE BRINGING YOUR CHILDREN WITH YOU ON THE COURSE?

Emi would be one in May. If it’s possible she may join us. I am hopeful by this point she will be settling with my husband and her Gran if not.