Biography
With almost 20 years worth of training and professional experience, Shóna has become an extremely versatile and dexterous performer. Her vocal skills are matched by her consummate professionalism and musicianship making Shóna a vocal powerhouse.
Shóna has worked with some of Ireland and the UK’s most prominent and sought after musicians and bands, supporting acts such as Janelle Monáe, The Farm, The Overtones, Fatboy Slim and The Christians in that time. As well as studio work, various radio broadcasts and televised performances, Shóna has played at major events including Boomtown, UK and Electric Picnic, Ireland. She has also performed on the distinguished stages of The Hootenanny, Brixton, Aviva Stadium, Dublin and The Ulster Hall, Belfast, to name a few. Most recently, Shóna has been appointed Lecturer in Vocal Studies at LMA Liverpool (Robbie Williams) and Assistant Music Lecturer in Popular Music at LIPA (Paul McCartney). This will also be Shóna's second year as Associate Vocal Tutor at Edge Hill University, where she works on both their Musical Theatre and Music Industry courses.
Education & Training
Shóna's training began at age 7 with the Royal Irish Academy of Music, where she studied classical piano; a skill that she has used to greatly enhance her aural skills and musicianship. Receiving her first A.I.M.S nomination at age 8 for her portrayal of the title role in 'Annie', it was clear that Shóna was destined for a life on the stage. At this point, she commenced training in classical voice under the R.I.A.M.. By the age of 17, Shóna held her Bronze, Silver and Gold medals for vocal performance. Alongside Shóna's institutionalised training, she studied privately under Rebecca Storm, Ireland's first lady of musical theatre.
With classical and musical theatre genres firmly under her belt, Shóna claimed a place at University College Cork in 2010. She graduated with a First Class Hons. BMus, majoring in pop vocals and arrangement, receiving the highest overall mark in practical performance that year. In 2016, Shóna moved to London where she completed her studies at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, working under some of the West Ends most prolific names. In 2017, she was awarded an MA in Musical Theatre Performance; an achievement she worked towards since she was 16 years old.
In early 2020, Shóna became part of the worldwide Vocalzone family as one of their Officially Endorsed Artists. Vocalzone Throat Care is over 100 years old and is the leading name in vocal health care products. Celebrity users include multi-award winning artists Sir Tom Jones, Katherine Jenkins and Michael Ball OBE.
V.H.F.A.
As a fully qualified Vocal Health First Aider, Shóna has the knowledge to spot the signs of vocal dysfunction and imbalance. She will be able to help you on the road to recovery by guiding you through self management or pointing you towards the relevant rehabilitation specialist or clinical treatment. To book a appointment with Shóna click here.
SOVT Straw Affiliate
Shóna is a newly appointed affiliate of the OB1 SOVT Straw, a tool specifically engineered to improve vocal health, stamina, range and flexibility.
To purchase your straw click here and remember, all of Shóna's students get an extra 15% off! Make sure to contact Shóna before you purchase for your discount code.
Vocal Tuition & Masterclasses
One-to-One Tuition
From October 2020, Shóna will work exclusively with professionals and professionals in training.
No two voices are the same and so every lesson is tailored to suit the needs of the individual. Below are just some of the areas you can expect to cover in these one-to-one sessions:
vocal health and stamina
mindset and physicality
expanding range
transitioning from chest to head voice
musicianship/music theory
I.P.A. (International Phonetic Alphabet)
exploring narrative, connecting to the text
audition/performance preparation and repertoire choices
Sessions range from 30-60 minutes.
To book, click here.
Masterclasses & Industry Talks
Over the coming months, Shóna has been invited to speak at 2nd and 3rd level institutions across the U.K. and Ireland. These events will cover various topics ranging from specific aspects of vocal health and technique, to more general discussions on establishing a portfolio career. If you would like to book Shóna for one of these events, please click here.
Testimonials
