Classical musician and performer Samantha Lewis is born and bred in Oswestry and talks to us about her career as a Mezzo Soprano and how she is helping students achieve their performance dreams in singing.
Samantha specialises in classical singing, particularly opera and has performed many roles across the country and abroad. She completed her studies at The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on their Masters of Vocal Performance Course and Advanced Postgraduate diploma and finished with distinction.
Samantha took us through how she works with her students and her why she loves singing so much. “My specialism is solo opera which has been over the last 6 years. I do teach a variety of styles though and by teaching classical technique, this encourages learning to use the voice safely to achieve whatever the student wants to pursue.
“I have sung all of my life; a chorister since I was 7 at St. Oswalds in Oswestry but even before that with my nan and my aunty. I am 28 now, so, a long time! My nan won all of the Eisteddfods and competitions with her wonderful voice (I was lucky enough to get through to the Semi-finals of the Pendine International voice of the Future at the Llangollen’s International Eisteddfod this year).
“Nan passed her talent for singing down to my dad who is a rock musician. I fondly remember the Friday nights when I was little, falling asleep in the music room to dad and his band practicing and being taken to all the late-night gigs. So, I have always been surrounded with music, although a different genre.”
It seems working in music is what Samantha was destined to do! “Music is more than a job for me, or a hobby for someone else – it is a way of life. We learn a lot about ourselves through music; it grows confidence, and it helps people become at peace with who they really are.”
And that is why she does what she does. Samantha has been working as a private vocal teacher since 2018. Teaching students the skills of how to sing healthily, alongside the discipline required for opera, ultimately helps them to pursue their own dreams in their chosen genre. The industry paves a hard road but by setting realistic goals, Samantha says you will get to where you want to be. Showing up and being dedicated to creating sound is how you will get there – achieving your truly unique voice!
Giving advice to anyone wanting a career as a classical singer Samantha said, “You cannot have the dream without the practice and even then, there is a lot of rejection which can be disheartening. But hang in there, trust me, it will be worth it when you start to see progress. All you need is that one yes to shine and prove yourself.”
Samantha also sings at a lot of private events such as oratorios, weddings, funerals and charity functions. This is also other work that that provides income as a professional performer. However, most of her time is spent performing in Opera productions and recitals, which usually takes place over a period of time on a contract. So, there are so many ways you can build your career as a classical singer.
For more information about Samantha and to get in touch, visit samanthalewismezzosoprano.com,
email samanthalewismezzosoprano@gmail.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram: @samanthalewismezzosoprano
