I'm not really big on the blowing of my own trumpet but when choosing a singing teacher, some people like to know that other people have got positive things to say. With that in mind, please find below a selection of testimonials from bods various - some very well known, some 'ordinary' folks who have come to lessons for their own personal growth, others whom I've taught at drama school, in VU or at VIDLA.
My thanks to everyone who has ever taken the time to write a testimonial, recommendation or a nice review. Biggest thanks of all to my students, all the many thousands of them, each of whom has taught me something.
My thanks to everyone who has ever taken the time to write a testimonial, recommendation or a nice review. Biggest thanks of all to my students, all the many thousands of them, each of whom has taught me something.
"Ria is the greatest vocal coach I've ever seen, and I trained in the Hollywood studios in the 50s! No-one can do what she can do - she can make people sing who think they can't."
P.J. Proby, 60s legend
"I am honoured to be a part of Ria's vision. Her commitment to voice, singing, the mechanics and technique of being the best that you can be is something that resonates with me deeply. I wish her the very best and thank her for sharing her knowledge with us.
Steve Balsamo, singer-songwriter & musical theatre star (writing about his position as Patron of VIDLA)
"Ria is an exceptional performer, musician of voice and excels in everything she does. Proficient in many different styles of music with a natural flair and great style. We have had the pleasure of working alongside each other and, since starting a production company, have had no qualms in hiring her for stage and recording work."
Alex Weatherhill, Musical Director / Arranger / Vocal Coach / Session Singer/ Composer
"It is a great pleasure to be involved with a programme committed to helping people be the best that they can be. That's a philosophy I share. Ria's dedication to getting the best out of her students is second to none.”
John Owen Jones, musical theatre star (writing about his position as Patron of VIDLA)
“Ria has been - and still is - a great source of inspiration to me. She is a true professional, and a genuine expert in her field. A superb vocalist, Ria has the ability to transmit her love of singing to all who are fortunate enough to work with her, and be taught by her. She is a wonderful facilitator, with the unique ability to diagnose and give excellent assessment and corrective advice to would - be singers. But above all, Ria has a wonderful human touch. She is empathetic and encouraging to the singers in her care, and in this way is able to coax the very best from those she teaches. And on a personal note, Ria has instilled me with a great deal of confidence during my time at Birmingham Theatre School. This is something for which I will always remember her....”
Nicholas Tulloch, actor & author
"Ria has never professed to work miracles but she certainly does work wonders. When I started drama school I was no less than petrified of singing, now I am a confident singing actor, need I say more? Only that through Ria's thorough training I can not only sing and hold a note, I know how my voice is working, when it is working to its maximum potential and perhaps most importantly what to do when it is under par."
Hope Woods, actress
"It is my pleasure to recommend Ria with complete confidence as an experienced, professional singing vocal coach and performer. Ria has a no-nonsense, encouraging approach, which brings the very best out in every individual on whom she bestows her thorough knowledge. Ria is extremely committed, focused and diligent, with a fabulous voice and range of her own. She is also inspiring, breeding self belief and confidence in one's own ability."
Linda Allen, actress and drama coach
"Thanks to VIDLA my whole musical career had a 360 degree turn-around. I started out wondering if there was a institute like this anywhere in the world, found VIDLA and ended 2010 - my first year as a vocal trainer - with 38 new students. I am now able to make an impact, empower and motivate others through the wonderful international language called music - I would not even have dreamt of starting what I am now doing WITHOUT VIDLA, THEIR FANTASTIC TEAM and their extreme positive attitude towards me. I am soon continuing my studies and I thank you!"
Franky Lekas, vocal coach, South Africa
“Not coming from a musical background. I was more than nervous about taking singing lessons, but Ria gave me the confidence & courage to start singing in the very first singing lesson. Ria uses her experience gained from the professional musical world & years of tutoring, to take me through the complexities of music, showing me different ways to achieve what I once thought would be impossible. If you are looking for an old worn out music teacher, wearing a twin set & sitting behind a piano…Ria is not for you, however if you are looking a diverse, forward thinking vocal coach, who can take your voice somewhere it has never been…Ria's the one for you!”
Tony Catchpowle, private student, Worcester
P.J. Proby, 60s legend
"I am honoured to be a part of Ria's vision. Her commitment to voice, singing, the mechanics and technique of being the best that you can be is something that resonates with me deeply. I wish her the very best and thank her for sharing her knowledge with us.
Steve Balsamo, singer-songwriter & musical theatre star (writing about his position as Patron of VIDLA)
"Ria is an exceptional performer, musician of voice and excels in everything she does. Proficient in many different styles of music with a natural flair and great style. We have had the pleasure of working alongside each other and, since starting a production company, have had no qualms in hiring her for stage and recording work."
Alex Weatherhill, Musical Director / Arranger / Vocal Coach / Session Singer/ Composer
"It is a great pleasure to be involved with a programme committed to helping people be the best that they can be. That's a philosophy I share. Ria's dedication to getting the best out of her students is second to none.”
John Owen Jones, musical theatre star (writing about his position as Patron of VIDLA)
“Ria has been - and still is - a great source of inspiration to me. She is a true professional, and a genuine expert in her field. A superb vocalist, Ria has the ability to transmit her love of singing to all who are fortunate enough to work with her, and be taught by her. She is a wonderful facilitator, with the unique ability to diagnose and give excellent assessment and corrective advice to would - be singers. But above all, Ria has a wonderful human touch. She is empathetic and encouraging to the singers in her care, and in this way is able to coax the very best from those she teaches. And on a personal note, Ria has instilled me with a great deal of confidence during my time at Birmingham Theatre School. This is something for which I will always remember her....”
Nicholas Tulloch, actor & author
"Ria has never professed to work miracles but she certainly does work wonders. When I started drama school I was no less than petrified of singing, now I am a confident singing actor, need I say more? Only that through Ria's thorough training I can not only sing and hold a note, I know how my voice is working, when it is working to its maximum potential and perhaps most importantly what to do when it is under par."
Hope Woods, actress
"It is my pleasure to recommend Ria with complete confidence as an experienced, professional singing vocal coach and performer. Ria has a no-nonsense, encouraging approach, which brings the very best out in every individual on whom she bestows her thorough knowledge. Ria is extremely committed, focused and diligent, with a fabulous voice and range of her own. She is also inspiring, breeding self belief and confidence in one's own ability."
Linda Allen, actress and drama coach
"Thanks to VIDLA my whole musical career had a 360 degree turn-around. I started out wondering if there was a institute like this anywhere in the world, found VIDLA and ended 2010 - my first year as a vocal trainer - with 38 new students. I am now able to make an impact, empower and motivate others through the wonderful international language called music - I would not even have dreamt of starting what I am now doing WITHOUT VIDLA, THEIR FANTASTIC TEAM and their extreme positive attitude towards me. I am soon continuing my studies and I thank you!"
Franky Lekas, vocal coach, South Africa
“Not coming from a musical background. I was more than nervous about taking singing lessons, but Ria gave me the confidence & courage to start singing in the very first singing lesson. Ria uses her experience gained from the professional musical world & years of tutoring, to take me through the complexities of music, showing me different ways to achieve what I once thought would be impossible. If you are looking for an old worn out music teacher, wearing a twin set & sitting behind a piano…Ria is not for you, however if you are looking a diverse, forward thinking vocal coach, who can take your voice somewhere it has never been…Ria's the one for you!”
Tony Catchpowle, private student, Worcester
