Karen Lillian Stratford*
Principal
A fully qualified teacher of music and an examiner and teacher of LAMDA; Karen started her life long relationship with music and drama when she started learning the piano at the tender age of 4. Throughout her education she studied classical piano, violin, baritone horn, voice and musical theory.
At 'A' level, Karen studied English, Music and Theatre Studies before going on to study a degree in Music and English at university, encompassing creative writing, storytelling, performing and musical theatre.
During this time she busily penned a number of stories, sketches and short scripts whilst continuing to perform in various productions and concerts. Most recently, Karen has performed at the Oxford Playhouse and recorded a number of vocal tracks with the BBC.
Karen continues to enjoy writing sketches, scripts, poems, readings and other pieces for performance along with crafting bespoke pieces for school commissions.
After her degree she taught singing at local theatre schools which lead her to do a PGCE in secondary music. After qualifying she continued to teach singing in local theatre schools which progressively evolved into teaching drama and LAMDA.
Music and performing is Karen’s passion and after leaving the classroom behind to have her first baby, Karen decided to begin her own theatre school. She is also a fully qualified dance teacher for early years which offers another dimension to teaching music & theatre arts.
Karen's aim is to share her love of music and performing with others; to make it accessible to all; to help people realise the wonder of make-believe; to encourage the exploration of the imagination and to develop confidence in all those she teaches.
*PGCE Music, BA Hons Music & English, Early Years Dance, LAMDA examiner & teacher, DBS cleared
Andrew Stratford*
Musical Director
Andrew, having been a Chorister and former Head Chorister of Gloucester Cathedral in his younger years, had the perfect musical upbringing under the guidance of Dr John Sanders and Mark Blatchley.
After he completed his music and teaching degree at Huddersfield University and Oxford University respectively, he went into teaching. After teaching for 9 years at Kennet School, in West Berkshire, the opportunity to become Director of Music at Langley School in Norfolk arose, where he stayed for 6 years before moving back nearer to home and settling between Gloucester and Oxford.
As a gifted composer and arranger, Andrew brings that extra something special to our productions and our beautiful, original backing tracks for our classes.
Click to visit Andrew's website and to learn more about him.
*PGCE Music, BMus, DBS cleared