Sophie Richings

Principal & Musical Director

ALCM, DipLCM (TD),
Vocal Balance Level 3 Accredited Teacher, Vocal Health First Aider (NCFE)

Sophie Richings is a vocal coach and musical director with over 20 years of teaching experience in the performing arts. As Principal and Musical Director of Everybody Sing in Wiltshire, she helps singers of all abilities develop their technique, confidence and performance skills, with vocal health at the heart of her teaching.

A Vocal Balance Level 3 Accredited Teacher and qualified Vocal Health First Aider, Sophie combines specialist training with practical experience as a teacher, performer and choir director. She is currently studying towards a master’s degree, continuing her commitment to developing her knowledge and teaching practice.

Alongside Everybody Sing!, Sophie teaches singing on the degree and diploma courses at Wilkes Academy, supporting students in professional performing arts training.

Sophie has directed her choirs at events including Downton Abbey Live at Highclere Castle and on tours with artists including Marisha Wallace, Collabro, The Kingdom Choir and The Voice finalist Nadine Eide. Her achievements also include RWB Choir of the Year 2017 and directing and producing shows at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023 and 2026. Everybody Sing! is an approved London College of Music examination centre, where her students have achieved a 100% examination pass rate.

Sophie’s own performance experience includes dancing for the BBC’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles and participating in professional tours of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Additionally, she has contributed backing vocals to the music of artist Rob Richings, whose work is available on platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music. In November 2024, Sophie successfully auditioned and performed as part of the Barricade Choir for the Beyond the Barricade 25th Anniversary Tour at the prestigious Symphony Hall, Birmingham—a remarkable opportunity to showcase her vocal skills on such a significant stage.

Sophie’s passion for music, performance, and nurturing talent continues to shape the vibrant arts community in Wiltshire, The Cotswolds and beyond, inspiring her students and audiences alike.

 

Awards & Qualifications

  • Vocal Balance Level 3 Accredited Teacher

  • ALCM in Musical Theatre

  • Dip LCM (TD)

  • Vocal Health First Aider (NCFE)

  • Level 4 Certificate in Teaching Inclusively

  • ABRSM Grades 1-8 in Singing

  • ISTD DDE Ballet, Tap, Modern, and National

  • Enhanced DBS Licence

  • Maureen Nolan

    PATRON

    Everybody Sing were delighted back in 2015 when Maureen Nolan, of the Nolan sisters agreed to be Patron of the School. The Nolans, famous for they iconic song ‘I’m in the Mood for Dancing’ were formed in Blackpool in 1974 and have often been referred to as Ireland’s First Family of Music. Maureen is an accomplished singer and actress. She is well known for her role in playing Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers (both on West End and in theatres around the country). Maureen has toured the UK playing various shows and musicals including ‘Girls Behind, Mum’s the Word, Footloose, Naked Truth and Menopause the Musical. Since taking on the role of Patron for Everybody Sing, Maureen has held and supported with workshops where she has passed on her many talents and tips to students. We look forward to many more visits from Maureen in the coming years.

  • Kerry Richings

    DIRECTOR

    As a Director of Everybody Sing, Kerry has been instrumental in our success of establishing links with our Patron, Maureen Nolan. Being self-motivated and with a confident and a positive approach, Kerry uses her excellent organisational skills to organise and manage the school on a day to day basis. Kerry co-ordinates many events and some past events include the heading up of a team to arrange and organise the visit of Elaine Paige OBE to Ireland and for two consecutive years, the visit of the Kentwood Show Choir to perform in Ireland. Kerry managed the organisation of the Press, Publicity, travel, accommodation, hospitality and various trips out. She has organised several trips for students and friends to attend Theatres to have a personal pre show Meet & Greet with Maureen Nolan and the cast of Blood Brothers as well as organising our first ESMA - Everybody Sing Music Awards which was a huge success. The school also undertook Stars in Your Eyes and Everybody Sing's Got Talent along with many more successful events.

  • Geoff Walters

    PIANO ACCOMPANIST

    Geoff Walters is a highly accomplished pianist in Wiltshire. We’re extremely fortunate at Everybody Sing to have Geoff play for our classes, competitions, exams and shows. Geoff is also the chairman of the Swindon Music Festival and accompanies many choirs and groups throughout Swindon.