about tracie penwarden

MY JOURNEY FROM SOPRANO TO STUDIO

I’ve never been one to list achievements for their own sake; music has always been about people, not prestige. My journey from performer to teacher has been shaped by curiosity, gratitude, and a love of helping others discover what their own voices can do. What follows isn’t a résumé. It’s simply the story of how I found my voice, and why I’ve spent the last 30 years helping others find theirs.

finding my voice

Originally trained in piano and bassoon, I was offered places at both the Birmingham Conservatoire and the London College of Music, but it was at Trinity College of Music in London that I truly found my voice.

Three years later, I was singing the lead in Kurt Weill’s Knickerbocker Holiday opposite John Nettles at the Barbican, and by the end of my postgraduate year, I’d been awarded the Singing Department Prize.

After graduating, I continued my studies with the internationally renowned tenor Wynford Evans, whose mentorship shaped both my technique and my approach to teaching.

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a career of many stages

My work as a singer has been wonderfully varied, from song-and-dance roles at the Thursford Christmas Spectacular and backing vocals on commercial recordings, to a fulfilling career as a lyric soprano and recitalist.
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While I’ve performed across genres and audiences, it’s my love of oratorio that’s taken me to major venues throughout Europe.

Highlights include:
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• Performing Vaughan Williams’ Sea Symphony at the Royal Albert Hall under Leonard Slatkin.
  
  
• Singing the French premiere of Richard Blackford’s Mirror of Perfection at L’Eglise de la Madeleine, Paris.
  
  
• Appearing with the Mark Morris Dance Group at Sadler’s Wells in Vivaldi’s Gloria.
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• Recording with Square Window on their 10 Songs for Boys and Girls album.

Bringing it home

Since settling in Milnthorpe near Kendal, I’ve channelled my performance experience into helping others find their own voices.
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I established Tracie Penwarden Singing Studio, where I teach everyone from beginners to semi-professionals — blending performance artistry with the science of vocal health.

I’m also proud to:

• Conduct my award-winning vocal group OttoVoce.
  
  
• Serve as Musical Director for Arnside Choral Society and That Face Theatre Company.
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• Lead workshops across Cumbria that combine learning with laughter and confidence building.

my approach to vocal health & coaching

Every voice is unique, living, and always evolving.
My teaching is science-led, empathy-driven, and fully bespoke, built on three decades of experience and Vocal Process accreditation one of only a select few teachers worldwide to hold it.
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Whether you’re learning for joy, preparing for performance, or rebuilding vocal health, I’ll meet you where you are and help you thrive.

Book a Lesson

community

"The magic of singing in a group isn’t just the sound — it’s the feeling of belonging."

I’m proud to lead and collaborate with several local choirs and performance groups — helping singers come together, build confidence, and experience the joy of shared music-making.

To find out more about any of my community projects just get in touch

contact me