My Story
A journey of finding what it means to be a ‘singer’
Growing up, I was ‘the singer.’ In my early twenties, a teacher I really looked up to told me I didn’t have what it took to be a singer. I was devastated. I lost my voice, and all the joy was gone. It took me a long time to build my confidence back up, and reclaim my identify as a singer. Now I know my voice is my own and I get to choose what I do with it. The definition of what sounds ‘good’ is up to me to decide for myself.
A fresh start
I moved to France not long after that experience, partly to get away but mostly to join my then-boyfriend. I arrived speaking the language thanks to my French degree, but I didn’t know anyone, and had no clear idea of what I wanted to do. Initially, I studied singing privately, which did help me discover new things about my voice, but after a year I realised that my priorities had changed and I no longer wanted to be a professional singer…and that perhaps that had never been MY dream at all.
Part of me was missing
I stopped singing completely and took a side step into a different career path. I learned lots of skills that I now use as a business owner, but I felt like a part of me was missing. Through the support of my partner and some wonderful friends and teachers, I came to the realisation that helping other people discover confidence in their own voices was my next step.
Founding GGVS
In 2017 I opened Georgia Gray Voice Studio (GGVS), and in 2018 it became my full-time job. I worked with expat children and adults in Paris, and had some really fun projects like workshops with Rock U Paris, the Sondheim in Song workshop series with International Players, and teaching LAMDA Musical Theatre classes with Harriet Phillimore.
Going online
When transport strikes, and then the pandemic, made teaching in person impossible, I moved my studio online. People said it couldn’t be done, but I’m a problem-solver at heart and we made it possible! I started working with clients in other countries, which I loved, and ran group classes with my Voices in Flight programme. We learned how to do online recitals, karaoke parties, and master classes, and I adapted my studio model more and more to my clients. Ironically, having an online studio brought the studio community closer together!
Growing and expanding
I decided to stay online as it suited my life stage, and in 2022 I had my first baby. My clients did a 6-month DIY programme called ‘Flying Solo’ while I was on maternity leave. Our concert at the end of the programme, with a baby on my knees, listening to my students reflect on what they had learned, and what they still needed support on, was such a proud moment!
Welcome to GL Voice
Now six years in, in 2023 I rebranded as GL Voice, ready to expand my work and bring more of my expertise under the umbrella of the studio. GL Voice is about putting the singer at the centre of everything: celebrating the music you love, coaching you in the way that works best for your brain and lifestyle, on any given day. I am proud to have students who stay for years, and become an integral part of our community, and leave because they don’t need me anymore – they’re ready to fly solo!
My Story
My Story A journey of finding what it means to be a ‘singer’ Growing up, I was ‘the singer.’ In my early twenties, a teacher I really looked up to told me I didn’t have what it took to be a singer. I was devastated. I lost my voice, and all the joy was gone. It took me a long time to build my confidence back up, and reclaim my […]
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Create a custom warm up for singing
Do you feel like you don’t really know how to warm up your voice to sing and so you generally skip a warm up? Like, you know you should probably do something, like some hums or sirens, but you’re not sure what to do? You know your singing practice goes better when you are warmed up first, but you don’t know how to do it by yourself? Let me help! […]
