Voice coach
Peter Moody
31
Peter Moody, 31, from Kent, initially worked as a cabaret singer and children's entertainer to supplement his income. He is now an established voice coach and has trained West End performers and X-Factor stars.
"I've coached some X-Factor stars. And I’m afraid I’m not allowed to tell you who they are, so don’t even ask!"
Hometown
Walderslade, Kent
What do you do?
Self-employed voice coach
How long have you been at it?
Eleven years – although during the early part of my career I had to take other jobs to supplement my income. These included cabaret singer, children’s entertainer and security guard
What was your very first role in the theatre?
Sound engineer at the Magic Circle Theatre, London
So, what have you done in the theatre?
I’ve coached many West End performers and even some X-Factor stars. And I’m afraid I’m not allowed to tell you who they are, so don’t even ask!
Have you got qualifications?
I’ve got a degree in popular music studies from Bretton Hall (now closed)
What did you do before you worked in theatre?
I spent a short period in a telesales office and used it as an experience to really understand the way voices work. You can tell so much about people by the way they speak rather than what they say.
How did you start working in theatre?
I coached my peers or school plays and was teaching professionally by the time I was at university. From here I built my client base through word of mouth and very little advertising. I have been very lucky because most of my clients approach me and I rarely need to go out looking for work.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A pop star
What do you do all day?
I work seven days a week. Most weekdays I have a combination of private clients (I teach from my home studio) and also lecture at various workshops. Some of the workshops are for theatre/performing arts schools and some are for companies who wish to improve staff verbal communication skills. Speech and singing are very similar. During the evenings I teach individual clients until around 10pm. At weekends I work away from home at a theatre school and on Sunday evening I work with a new girl-band.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Showing people that they can achieve things they previously thought were impossible
And the worst?
I would like to spend more time with my family
What’s your dream job in theatre?
I think I’ve got it!
Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
Lots of people say that any performing arts career is all about luck. I believe the harder you work the luckier you get! If you are interested in becoming a voice coach, make sure you understand as many schools of thought on the subject as possible. No matter how much you know, there are still others that know more so don’t ever stop developing new skills and opening you mind to new methods. Voice coaches are always judged on current results so make sure every voice you work with benefits in some way from your input and always be politely honest with clients.
