About
Hi, I’m Dr. Ria Keen and I’m a vocal coach, arranger, writer and therapist working in the field of contemporary vocals.
I have a PhD in contemporary vocals, so I hope I know what I’m on about, but of course the more you know, the more you find there is to know! So although I have qualifications coming out of both ears, I’m still learning on a daily basis, and that’s a good thing 
I am Principal of Voiceworks International Vocal Academy (home study courses for singers and singing teachers), senior lecturer (singing) at a Birmingham drama school, Professor (Contemporay Vocals) at Calamus International University, and owner of a very busy private teaching practise in Worcestershire. I’m also a fully qualified hypnotherapist and aromatherapist, and am currently studying psychotherapy. My Mother tells me I am not talented, merely confused
I’ve been a professional performer for most of my adult life, and have had the privilege of working at a very high level (The London Palladium, Blenheim Palace, West End theatres, regional theatres, several recording deals, TV and radio – there’s much much more but I won’t ramble on!), but these days I’m easing back on that side of things, preferring to educate rather than perform. Truth to tell, I really don’t like performing all that much! This is something that I’ve only recently discovered, after nearly 30 years of doing it However, I’ve just put together a new band with some rather good session players who are nice guys and raving lunatics all at the same time. Nice job.
Offstage and out of the classroom, I’m (bizarrely!) a bit of a homebody who likes a quiet life. Maybe that’s the result of having had such a mad, mad existence for so many years, or maybe I was doing the wrong thing all along. Who knows? Either way up, I find myself much happier now, in my forties, than I ever was in my twenties or thirties.
Meanwhile, I continue to be notoriously lairy and opinionated, and insistent on setting the world to rights, so hence the blog! I hope that it both entertains and provokes, for all the right reasons Should you wish to, you can contact me via my website:
If you’re interested in high-level training, check out:
www.voiceworks-international.com
All the best!
Ria.
