THE ACADEMY
The Catherine Victoria Academy was founded by Catherine Kimmance; a singer, pianist and music tutor whose professional experience began in 2001 after many years of training in music, drama and dance.
The academy offers quality tuition in singing, piano and music theory, and is recognised as a Children's University learning destination.
Academy students can work towards examinations gaining UCAS points along the way; Catherine has a 100% pass rate for all students who have taken exams under her tutelage. Previous students of Catherine have gained places at the top UK music conservatoires, universities, colleges and stage schools and have proceeded to successfully work in the industry. Participation in regular performance at the academy is encouraged - but not mandatory. We also have many students who just come for fun and confidence building!
Principal Catherine Victoria is a fully qualified tutor, with over 20 years of professional industry and teaching experience. Catherine holds an enhanced DBS check, public liabilty insurance and is certified in first aid training. Full risk assessments and safeguarding policies can be viewed upon request.
As well as managing the Catherine Victoria Academy, Catherine is also a lecturer of vocal studies in higher education. Here is a little more about Catherine's career so far...
Catherine Victoria Kimmance MA, BA Hons, ALCM, AVCM Hons MISM, AOTOS, BVA, AVHE
Catherine has a former background as a 'triple threat' performer and has worked internationally as a lead singer, actress and dancer, securing leading roles such as Cinderella, Ariel and Alice in Wonderland at Disneyland Paris, and performing for stars such as Beyonce, Britney Spears & Bruce Willis. Reluctantly hanging up her dance shoes in 2008 due to a serious injury, Catherine then focused on singing as her main discipline, and went on to perform extensively as a vocalist to audiences as big as 66,000 people.
Prior to her professional career, Catherine attained associate diplomas in singing and piano with the London College of Music and after many years on tour, she returned to the North West to continue her music education, gaining a first class degree in music from the University of Liverpool; upon graduation, she was awarded the Evans Memorial Prize for excellence. Alongside her study, she performed with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir in many concerts and live radio broadcasts. She later progressed to studying an MA in Professional Practice (Voice Pedagogy) dedicating her main research to peer learning, music performance anxiety, and vocal health for musical theatre students.
Nowadays, Catherine works as a singing teacher and vocal coach within tertiary education institutions and is Head of Singing at Liverpool Theatre School. As a keen choral director Catherine also works with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic children's choirs. Notable performances with her own award winning youth choir include performances at ITV, SKY SPORTS and Disneyland Paris.
Catherine is a certified vocal first aider and a member of the British Voice Association, Association of Teachers of Singing, Vocal Health Education and Independent Society of Musicians . She continues her professional development, attending regular courses with leading practitioners in the field of voice to ensure the delivery of up to date knowledge within her practice.