Susan Legg
Always to inspire and to be positive. Singing in public demands great confidence and bravery and the best results are only to be gained by encouraging and nurturing!
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?
If they don’t leave feeling encouraged and optimistic about their musical endeavours then it’s time for me to give up!
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?Having had years of practical and teaching experience I find each student will have different strengths and weaknesses so the challenge is to target these and build constructively.
What inspires your own work?A great love of music and poetry and a genuine desire to communicate with an audience.
Where can students see examples of your work?In recordings with ASV (Lutoslawski chamber Music with pianist Ann Martin-Davis), in recital and in many award-winning computer games and film projects. This year I’ll be recording a disc of new English songs with Ann Martin-Davis for Nimbus. Further information on my musical activities be found on my website.
Where did you gain your training/experience?Having had inspirational piano lessons from Clifford Benson, I went on to the Royal College of Music, studying piano and singing as joint first studies with Phyllis Sellick and Margaret Kingsley. I learned a lot from competing in major competitions and was fortunate to win the National Mozart Singing Competition and to compete in the finals of the Kathleen Ferrier Awards and Belvedere international Singing Competition in Vienna. After winning a place to the National Opera Studio I gained further experience at Glyndebourne, Wexford and Bayreuth Opera Houses, giving performances in major festivals and venues such as the Wigmore Hall and Purcell Room; extensive touring abroad followed and broadcasting for BBC TV and Radio 3 as a soloist and with the BBC Singers.
What teaching experience have you had?I am currently Head of Voice at University of Chichester. I have given masterclasses and directed summer schools in the UK and abroad and continue to enjoy my work at West Dean as a short course tutor.
Do you belong to any professional groups/societies?Incorporated Society of Musicians. PPL