Wolds
Music
We are a husband and wife team of music professionals based in Claxby, Lincolnshire. We have worked as performers, conductors, teachers and accompanists and each have 30 years' experience in the music industry.
We offer accompanist services and individual lessons in singing and piano, training towards auditions and performances, and we run several choirs including Claxby Community Choir.
We work across a range of musical styles: everything from classical music to pop, jazz, and music theatre.
What We Do
Music Lessons
We offer individual music tuition to students of all ages and experience levels. While Karen specialises primarily in classical music, David has a great deal of experience in Music Theatre and Pop Vocals, having taught at some of the UK's most prestigious Drama Colleges. Many former pupils have gone on to study music in further education, and many are now working in the music profession or in the West End.
We offer lessons in the following areas: Voice (classical, music theatre, pop); Piano (classical, jazz, music theatre); Oboe; Recorder; Music Theory.
Auditions & Exams
We have supported and directed countless students in preparation for Music College/Drama Schools auditions, live performances and Music examinations (GCSE Level, A-Level, & Accredited Music Examinations).
We offer years of experience in selecting appropriate repertoire, coaching and supporting students in preparation for exams, auditions and performances.
Accompanist
We both have extensive experience accompanying musicians in all manner of exams, performances and other events.
We can provide piano or keyboard accompaniment in a variety of styles, particularly for GCSE Music exams, A Level Music exams, music Grades 1-8 and Diplomas, Music College/Drama Schools auditions, other live events and choral societies.
Weddings & Special Events
Karen is available to play for your wedding – providing organ or piano music for a traditional service, and light classical piano music, show tunes or popular songs as background music for your reception.
The set list can be entirely your choice, but we are happy to help you choose the music if needed. We can provide our own piano.
Call to discuss rates for a full day at your wedding.
Claxby Community Choir
Claxby Community Choir currently comprises 50 singers who learn and perform a wide variety of songs in 4-part harmony.
Singers of all abilities, from non readers to experienced choral singers, are welcome. It is not necessary to be able to read music.
The choir rehearses weekly and has a full concert programme for the coming year, raising funds for the local community.
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"Many thanks Karen for putting on the [students' showcase] and giving the children the opportunity to take part. It was a lovely afternoon, and much appreciated by the children and the audience. What a talented group of young people, a great reflection on the excellent teaching you provide."
Sara, parent
About Us
Karen Beer
Karen studied oboe, piano and singing at the Royal College of Music, London, and subsequently obtained a PGCE teaching certificate at Roehampton University.
After becoming Head of Music in a Middle School in Stanmore she moved to Bedfordshire and taught and performed there for 20 years.
Having recently moved to Lincolnshire she is fast establishing herself on the musical scene in the area while maintaining links with the south. She recently took up the post of Chorus Master at Grimsby Philharmonic Society.
Karen continues to be Musical Director of Biggleswade Choral Society, which she has conducted for 10 years.
Karen regularly plays oboe in orchestras in Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire, Saffron Walden and Huntingdon; she also sings with Lydian Chamber Choir.
She is particularly sought after as a teacher of classical singing and piano and currently has over 100 students, with a long waiting list. She also teaches oboe, theory of music, and recorder.
Many of her students have gone on to study at top universities and gained music scholarships.
Karen is a qualified Vocal Health First Aider. This means that she has:
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An understanding of vocal health and the factors that can affect vocal wellbeing
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Practical skills to spot the signs of a range of vocal dysfunction and imbalance
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Knowledge to help someone towards recovery by
guiding them in self-management, or
passing them on to further support, whether that is specialist vocal rehabilitation coaching or clinical treatment -
An understanding of how to prevent vocal health issues from occurring in the workplace.
David Beer
David Beer trained as a pianist and conductor, and after a brief career in school teaching, forged a full-time career in theatre, TV and film. Over a 30-year career he has conducted many West End productions and international tours of shows including We Will Rock You, Cats, Me and My Girl, Guys and Dolls, Hello Dolly, Jesus Christ Superstar, Aspects of Love, Joseph and Fame and recorded 3 Original Cast Albums. He has also made many radio and TV appearances.
He is a prolific musical arranger for many artists.
He travels the country as an adjudicator for music festivals and an examiner for London College of Music, specializing in Music Theatre, Pop Music Vocals and piano. He was recently awarded an FLCM for professional achievement.
Throughout his conducting career, he has continued to be involved in education. He has been a vocal coach at many leading drama colleges, (GSA, Guildhall, Italia Conti, RADA, Stella Mann, EDA) and Musical Director at Arts Educational Schools and Chichester University.
He was Director of Music at the BRIT school for Performing Arts where Leona Lewis and Katie Melua were among his students.
While living in Bedfordshire, David founded East Bedfordshire Chamber Choir and conducted the choir for several years. He also conducted St Mary’s Singers in Potton, Locrian Chamber Choir, The Military Wives Choir of Chicksands, and was accompanist and deputy conductor for Leighton Buzzard Festival Singers. He is currently accompanist for Grimsby Philharmonic Choir and deputy conductor and deputy accompanist of Biggleswade Choral Society.
His professional experience has led him to form a busy teaching practice, specializing in coaching students who wish to train to audition for drama college to study Music Theatre, and also students aiming for GCSE or A level performance.