We are pleased to announce several new appointments to our Instrumental & Vocal Tutor Faculty.
Emily Francis
The Music Department at Royal Holloway has a well-established national and international reputation in musical performance.
It has nurtured the talents of musicians who have subsequently occupied a distinguished position in musical life both in the United Kingdom and abroad. The Department hosts 31 expert instrumental and vocal tutors to teach and support our students.
Joining the Department of Music in October 2024 are the following instrumental and vocal tutors:
Emily Francis Visiting Tutor in Jazz Piano
Keyboardist Emily Francis is an in-demand session musician, playing for several independent and signed artists as well as being an artist in her own right with contemporary prog-jazz group the Emily Francis Trio. Making her mark very much as a keyboard player and “sound-smith”, her work has been featured in the UK’s largest jazz magazine “Jazzwise” and played on the likes of Jazz FM and BBC Radio. Her critically acclaimed album “LUMA” was also awarded “Jazz Album of the Week” by Snarky Puppy manager Mike Chadwick for soulandjazz.com.
Gwen Howard Visiting Vocal Tutor in Popular music
Gwen Howard is a multi-disciplinary artist who brings a refreshingly authentic approach to their craft. Originally from the creative nexus of Los Angeles, Gwen now calls the vibrant city of London home. With a singer-songwriter's soul at their core, Gwen crafts heartfelt compositions that resonate deeply. Their emotive songs have made their mark, from being snapped up for licensing by powerhouse companies like Saint Rogue (Sony/ATV) to providing the emotional backdrop for major TV hits like "Married at First Sight." But music is just one string to Gwen's creative bow.
James Spilling Visiting Vocal Tutor in Music Theatre
James studied music (violin and voice) at Manchester University followed by postgraduate studies at Royal Academy of Music in London. He currently teaches singing at The Royal Academy of Music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Arts Educational Schools, London. He was a vocal coach on the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody and the seasonal movie Last Christmas. As an actor and singer, James has appeared in a number of West End Musicals and National Tours including Man of La Mancha, Sweeney Todd, The Woman in White, The Phantom of the Opera and Chess. He has sung on many radio broadcasts for BBC Radio 2 and is a regular soloist with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and London Concert Orchestra.
Daisy Vatalaro Visiting Tutor in Cello
Daisy studied at Clare College, Cambridge and then with Steven Doane at the Eastman School of Music, New York. She also studied with Louise Hopkins and David Waterman and has taken masterclasses with William Pleeth and Frans Helmerson.For five years Daisy was cellist of the Bronte Quartet. Prize winners at the 8th International String Quartet Competition in Cremona and winners of the Royal Overseas League Chamber Music prize, they performed repeatedly at the Wigmore Hall, Southbank Centre, on BBC Radio 3 and at festivals including Cheltenham and Edinburgh.
