Singing Escapes
I have worked with and taught many people who have a passion for singing but don’t get to do it as often as they would like to.
I have seen first-hand how energising and uplifting singing with others can be and what a bonding and therapeutic experience it is. Singing away from home without the usual distractions can really help to free inhibitions and this holiday course aims to send you home feeling rejuvenated and inspired...
Nova Hughes, Founder
About Us
Nova Hughes
Nova is currently head of Musical Theatre at Colchester Institute, where she lectures in voice, singing and music theatre, along with leading the choir and directing the final productions and showcases. She has also lectured at The Urdang Academy in London and the University of Venice (IUAV).
Nova has coached artists in the West End and artists with RCA Records and Sony Music UK.
Nova is a Certified teacher in Estill Voice Training (EMT) and teaches and interns on Estill Courses and introductory courses.
Nova trained at Mountview Theatre School on the three year acting and musical theatre course. Her theatre credits include: Oliver! London Palladium (West End) Showboat, Prince Edward Theatre,
A small green space (English National Opera with the Lilian Baylis programme, Gypsy, Girlfriends, West Side Story, and The Wiz (Judi Dench Theatre)and behind the scenes in Oklahoma at the Lyceum Theatre as Hugh Jackmans dresser !
Nova was one of the lead production singers for Celebrity Cruises for five years and then a Cruise Director and Headliner for The exclusive Yachts of Seabourn. Upon returning to land then sang with various small jazz ensembles in London and around the UK.
Nova also leads a community choir in Essex called Raise your Voice and teaches many people on a freelance basis. You can find out more about private coaching at novahughes.com.
Nova is patient, kind and incredibly nurturing when it comes to singing. She's given me confidence I haven't had since I was a five year old singing in the school assembly. A fabulous teacher and leader.
Donna Hill
Guest Tutor
Robert Miles
Rob is a musical director, vocal coach, composer and arranger and is currently the Head of Singing at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. In addition to this role, he also presides as the Course Director for the Conservatoire’s Foundation in Acting programme. Rob runs a private vocal practice, training and coaching clients for theatre and television productions as well as coaching people for acting and musical theatre auditions for drama school entry. Previously, Rob was the musical director and singing specialist for Ruthie Henshall’s Essex-based stage school. In 2010, he established his own prestigious vocal ensemble, which has enjoyed great success performing across a wide variety of venues. As Musical Director and vocal arranger, Rob’s work has most recently been heard in West End venues including The Other Palace, Leicester Square Theatre and The Arts Theatre, in addition to on-board London’s celebrated cabaret venue, The Battersea Barge and also at the Brighton Fringe Festival. He has worked as MD on touring productions across the UK. As a composer, Rob has written original material for Sky Television and Paramount Comedy and has had work premiered at several leading venues, including Covent Garden Opera House.
