Suzanne Hillier

Born in 1960, I began to sing from day one – where there is life there is song.
  
At the age of 10 I discovered the clarinet and fell in love with the warm sound of the instrument. Bustling along with the sounds of life, it wasn't until my mid-twenties that I began to listen to opera. I became fascinated with the human voice and the drama of it all.

How lucky I have been to be guided by some wonderful teachers: Elizabeth Hawes (Trinity College London), Penny Price-Jones (my CTABRSM mentor), and more recently, Rosa Mannion (Royal College of Music), a true source of inspiration.

Over the years I have performed in recitals, small opera groups and musical theatre companies, both in London and Bath. My particular favourites are Carmen, Cherubino (Marriage of Figaro) and The Spanish Lady (Samuel Barab).

Whilst raising my family two boys, Ben (a drummer), Charlie (a pianist), and husband (guitar/bass), the musical ideas continued to flow . 

During this time I taught as a primary school teacher with all the fun and challenges of directing the school musicals.

In 2000 I founded 'Vibrant Voices'.This is a group of young singers between the ages of 8-18 years who sing music from many genres including Musical Theatre, Classical and Jazz.

In 2005 I founded 'The Cappucino Singers' a lively group of classically trained adult singers who perform songs and arias ranging from Handel and Mozart to Cole Porter and Fascinating Aida.

I have worked as a Music Teacher for BANES (Bath and North East Somerset) Music Service since 2005. Now based in Lyme Regis, I also teach in schools in Dorset and at my own private studio 'Lyme Music Room'.

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I am a freelance facilitator for Musica ( Music for Health and Well Being )
In 2015 I published my first book of poems and short stories;

'Soul of a Rose'
Beautifully illustrated by award winning Canadian artist Martin Springett.
Stories from the book can be performed as music/dance/theatre productions.

Lyme ArtsFest 2015
'Mr.October's Sweetshop' and 'Ryo Wo, Dragon King of the Sea'
Two stories performed as music, song and dance .

Young Suzanne

The Spanish Lady

The Marriage of Figaro

The Classic Cappucino Singers

Vibrant Voices