A-LEVEL MUSIC

Richard studied Music at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he was also an Academical Clerk (choral scholar), and went on to study for a Postgraduate Performance Diploma at the Royal Academy of Music as a singer. After leaving the Academy, Richard taught singing at Harrow School and Dulwich College Preparatory School and worked as a freelance singer, performing regularly with The Sixteen in Europe and the USA and appearing as a soloist with choral societies around the UK. Richard also enjoys composing and has written many works for school choirs and ensembles. He moved into classroom teaching when his first daughter was born and held the post of Director of Music at New College School, Oxford for 14 years before moving to d’Overbroeck’s in April 2018. Despite receiving a classical training Richard has a very wide-ranging interest in music and is keen to promote and support the students in whichever styles and genres they are drawn to.

Lianne studied piano and singing at Trinity College of Music. She went on to win the Song Prize in the Kathleen Ferrier Competition and to work as a freelance classical singer until the first of her two daughters was born in 2003. She started at d’Overbroeck’s as a peripatetic singing teacher three years later and gradually became more involved with the Music Department over the next few years, conducting and directing several operas and founding the school’s chamber choir, Gaudeamus. Through working more closely with students in ensembles at school she realised that teaching was the career for her and since 2015 she has been a full-time music teacher and has loved every minute of it! Lianne is also the House Co-Ordinator at 7-11 where she organises fun events to bring the students together in their school families.

Rachel read Music at the University of Bristol and returned to Bristol to complete her PGCE in 2016. In between her two degrees, she held a post as a Graduate Residential Assistant at Taunton School International Middle School, where she worked in the boarding houses, taught Music and supported SEND students. Furthermore, she has worked at international summer schools in Taunton, working with students both pastorally and academically. Most recently, Rachel was appointed Key Stage 3 Pastoral Coordinator at 7-11 whereby she oversees the pastoral care and support for students in years 7-9. She is also a Mental Health First Aider.

Rachel studied voice with Angela Hickey during her undergraduate degree and has sung in various choirs around the south-west and in Oxford. She also plays the flute and piano. If Rachel is not doing something musical, she is out running or swimming – and is an avid park runner!