Laura Stephenson

I trained as a singer initially holding down a job in an office, and performed in all sorts of interesting places and situations! My first professional engagement was with a group of five travelling the UK singing songs from the shows. I progressed into singing Opera, the highlight of which was singing the role of Carmen. I have performed in France every summer for many years, but most of my work has been in England.

The constant has been as a soloist with Music in Hospitals and Care (wwwmihc.org.uk) for over 30 years, and through this important and humbling work I have developed my passion for communication through music, each concert being a community event, and providing welcome distraction for clients, carers and staff.

I have continued to explore vocal expression through lessons, teaching, workshops and performing, and have considerably broadened my musical landscape. I have been directing the acapella group, Treblemakers (www.treblemakerslondon.co.uk) for sixteen years - they perform many times each year in the London area.

I also founded a school singing club in a local primary school, and in January 2019 I joined Surya codirecting the Wilful Choir.

Surya Cooper

I'm Surya Cooper and I teach music and yoga, and put on events, workshops and music courses in the Twickenham and Richmond area.

My first career was as a Teacher of the Deaf, and I worked with many children, young people and adults with special needs.

I started singing before I could talk and then, when given a guitar at the age of nine, there was no stopping me! I have been writing and performing for over 20 years. I have travelled extensively, experiencing different cultures and music, collecting instruments on the way. I incorporate percussion into many of my workshops and groups.

I hold a wide range of creative and wellbeing workshops throughout the country with other experienced tutors.