Jonathan Parkin

Owner/Singing/Piano

Jonathan has been passionate about singing, performing and music from a very early age. Throughout his school life he was involved in numerous shows, bands, orchestras and concerts and this is where his love for singing was nurtured.

When he was eighteen, he was awarded a scholarship to train at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Here he played roles such as Frederick in 'The Pirates of Penzance' and Ron in 'Hair'. Jonathan was then lucky enough to go on to work professionally playing the title role in 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat' as well as creating the role of Bernado in the musical 'Carrots'. Jonathan also worked alongside many TV personalities for Christmas seasons in Pantomine.

Jonathan set up Forte Vocal Coaching in 2010 with one student on the books. Fast forward to today and we now have our own fully spec'd teaching studio’s with over 150 clients on our books, taking lessons in singing, piano, guitar, music theory, acting and vocal recording.

If you are an experienced singer or somebody just starting out, no matter what your age, we would love to work with you.

Laura Jepp

Singing/LAMDA

Laura May has been singing her whole life. She has been performing on the stage since the age of three and has been professionally singing for 15 years.

Laura trained in Musical Theatre at 'Itali Conti Theatre Arts Academy in London', Laura also had the amazing experience of studying professional musicianship at the 'Brighton Institute of Modern Music' where she completed her BA hons Degree. As well as teaching, Laura is also, currently, singing on radio jingles for 'Simon Cowell's Global Radio' and performing around the world with her band and cabaret shows.

Laura thoroughly enjoys teaching and has been teaching one to one and class sessions for the last 7 years at different theatre schools and privately.

Kathryn Anne

Singing

Kathryn has been singing professionally and coaching for two decades. Her singing journey began at the ‘British Academy of new Music’ where she was awarded a Diploma for ‘Vocal Artist’. She furthered her training in recent years on a Musical Theatre Diploma Course.

In her career to date, Kathryn has performed alongside global superstar ‘Stormzy’, support act for ‘Billy Ocean’ and featured vocals on both Disney’s Lion King and The Colour Purple soundtrack.

Kathryn strives to achieve a high standard of vocal training for all ages and abilities with a positive inclusive approach. Musical styles covered by Kathryn are Pop/Rock, R&B/Soul and Musical Theatre.

Kathryn’s mission is to inspire her students to believe in the power of their own voice and most importantly learn to trust it.

Jill Parkin

Singing/Piano/Music Theory

Jill hails from Doncaster but has lived in Chelmsford for more than 40 years. She began her music teaching career in 1979 in Kettering and upon moving to Chelmsford took up a post at The Boswells School where she became Head of Music. After having her two sons she moved to Chelmer Valley High School where she was Head of Music and Director of External Relations on the governing body.

At Chelmer Valley she ran numerous ensembles including choirs, orchestras a wind band and a string quartet. Whilst under her musical directorship the school became renowned for its excellent productions. Shows such as The Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, Joseph and Les Miserables (School Edition) were always highlights of the year.

In 2006 Jill changed age ranges and went to teach at Elm Green Prep School where she discovered the musical potential of younger children. She was also a mentor for students entering the teaching profession.

Jill retired from the classroom two years ago and now teaches piano, is Director of Music and Organist at St Mary’s Church Broomfield and is the chair of The Chelmsford Festival of Music, Speech and Drama.

Jill is delighted to be on the teaching team at Forte Vocal Coaching and loves to nurture young talent.