House Music Judge: Seonaid Bowers

When were you at Langley School?

Sept 2004 – June 2008

What did you take at A Level?

Music

Drama

Psychology

Did you know what career you wanted to follow when you were at Langley?

Yes – Music

Which extra-curricular activities/societies/sports teams/trips were you involved with whilst at Langley?

I spent most of my time in the music department doing as much music activities as I could.

Linking to the above, do you think any extra activities you took part in have been useful within your career and given you transferable skills

Definitely, I felt my best and gave my best to the music department. I knew that I was going to be involved in the music industry somehow.

Drama gave me the training I needed to present myself confidently during gigs, workshops and in my private vocal coaching sessions.

I’ve always had an interest in the psychology behind learning and performing. I continuously develop my understanding on the mind and use different techniques in all aspects of my business.

Did you go to university and if so what did you study?

Yes, I went to Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts where I studied Performing Arts (Song) Then I transferred to The Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford and completed the undergraduate degree in Contemporary Music Performance.

How did your career begin?

Stepping into the real world was a big leap. I gained my first few jobs through the contacts made at ACM. I joined a professional choir, function band and worked in an events company. I did all this whilst working as a shop assistant in Clarks. My manager at was very understanding of my music career. I would find myself in his office asking for yet another swop in shifts because of gigs or quietly memorizing lyrics whilst putting stock away. The lessons I learnt during this time of my life were endless. My can-do attitude forced me to learn smarter, be braver and truly appreciate the generosity of the musicians around me.

Where are you now in your career and what have been the highlights?

Since those initial years, I have been fortunate enough to sing alongside some incredible voices, including Beverley Knight, The Shires, Oh Wonder and Ariana Grande. I have also managed to perform at Windsor Castle, Wembley Stadium, Royal Albert Hall and numerous European Stages.

I absolutely love teaching and have done since I graduated. My students have performed on professional films, stage productions and events such as the London Marathon, Sports Relief and The Ideal Home Show. I now run a successful vocal coaching business where I mainly teach 1 to 1 lessons.

As you can probably tell, I absolutely love my job. There are tough times, but the fact that I can be a small part in making someone’s day a little easier why I do what I do.

On reflection, did your time at Langley School help inform your career choices and your attitude to your career progression?

I am so grateful for those at Langley School who encouraged me to go with my heart and create a career that provides me with so much joy, connection and purpose in the world.

Is there any advice you would like to give to students currently considering whether to join Langley, choose/start their A Levels and their career choices?

Throughout my school life I struggled with academia. Langley provided me with the right education and life skills required to build a successful business in one of the most unstable industries.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The move from Zimbabwe was made a lot easier with the community I found in Langley School. I made life-long friends and who have helped me through the toughest times in my life.