I was born in the friendly town of Huddersfield with a thirst for singing and to be the best. A few years passed and domestic issues fuelled a change of scenery; a move to the not-so-friendly London borough of Hackney. Education and extra-curricular activities dominated my time, offering escapism from the peer group insults and further home-life issues that negatively influenced my demeanour. The string of supply teachers I had from years 7-10 had a detrimental effect, I was left struggling to achieve my usual high grades in the subject I deemed most important to my career; music. When my peers realised that karaoke was not on the syllabus, 75% of them dropped out leaving 7 of us to slog it out. I who knew nothing, was left with students who’s private home tuition ensured their success at the subject. No matter how hard I worked, I was unable to excel as the correct guidance just wasn’t there. Thanks to a permanent teacher arriving in year 10, I managed to scrape a C; my lowest grade ever! My drama education on the other hand was amazing, my teacher was consistent, knowledgable and tough, one of the best I have come across; I left with an A*. I still resent the music situation but use it to fuel my passion for excellent teaching as I know first hand, the effect this has had on my future performance.
Despite protesting the label of ‘underprivileged youth’, my social status enabled me to take part in many funded courses where I could further develop my craft. Winning singing competitions and performing all over London helped prove that ‘underprivileged’ youngsters could still shine despite regional setbacks. Growing up in the entertainment industry, I was trained to analyse everything; from the audience’s facial expressions, to the intension concealed within the text of a play. The skills I learnt in stage performance were easily transferable to all aspects of my professional working life. After graduating in Performing Arts with Vocal Teaching, I continued to put my degree to use by teaching others how to sing and use stage performance techniques to enhance their act.
I found a huge interest in coaching and my free time became filled with attending courses and reading books in self-help and personal development. Just as I had trained myself to overcome issues in my past, I also found myself naturally mentoring others to do the same, 5 year old students with shy but explosive tendencies, 40 year old bosses with career struggles, even my own Dad after he suffered a stroke in 2010. These experiences enhanced my ethos of gratitude for all that I have and was a constant reminder that bad situations can be turned around with the right support system and tools. At ScarletWorkshops we aim to be this support and aid people with the tools to not only understand that they can be the best in whatever they chose to do, but to also take action to make that dream a reality, enabling them to look back, just as I do, and know that they have worked hard to become the great person they are today.
Thank you for reading, Love always, Scarlet x
( Originally written November 19, 2014)
Recent Comments