Animateur

Rebecca's musical development was greatly influenced by being a member of Live Culture, the first youth group to be started by English National Opera's outreach department, The Baylis Programme. Consequently, her work as a professional musician has always been complemented by her practice as a vocal animateur and a commitment to participatory arts.

Sing Up/Glyndebourne at Newhaven Fort

Korasong Radio singing and looping workshop

Musical Director for "Atalanta Forever" (2022), Chichester University Musical Theatre Triple Threat BA

Vocal consultant/arranger/composer for Chichester University Musical Theatre third year undergraduate immersive theatre commissions "Cosmoville" (2021), "7.7 Billion" (2020), "Miscreant" (2019) and "Moonlight Club" (2018)

Musical Director at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, for undergraduate outdoor shows "A Dickens Dictionary" (2017) and "Who the Dickens?" (2016)

Co-director of Goal-mouth and Hidden Gems Choral Adventures (since 2010)

Freelance vocal animateur for Surrey Arts (since 2016)

Visiting lecturer at the National Film and Television School (since 2008) and Chichester University (since 2012)

Associate artist and lead vocal tutor at Glyndebourne Education (2008-2013)

Choral director of Whispering Woods a capella outdoor choir (2011-2021).

Vocal tutor at Farlington School (since 2012)

Freelance animateur (since 1992) for The Science Museum, The National Portrait Gallery, the London Gay Men’s Chorus, The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the Nordorff Robbins Institute of Music Therapy, The Academy of St Martin’s in the Field, The Baylis Programme at English National Opera, the Handel House Museum, the City of London Sinfonia, Hackney Music Service and Childrens Music Workshop.

Testimonials

Rebecca is an exceptional musician and vocalist with an active performance schedule, and at the same time she is an unusually gifted vocal teacher. Her workshops are engaging and fun and she is able to get singers of all levels of ability performing to high standards. More importantly, Rebecca encourages people’s confidence in their own voice and a love of singing. Her workshops are full of laughter and hard work that doesn’t feel like hard work. In a national evaluation of Sing Up, Rebecca’s work was highlighted by an external evaluator as some of the best in the country.

Nancy Gillio-Terry, Sing Up Seahaven (Glyndebourne) Project Manager

...15 attractive songs, this time delivered with far more confidence, with Rebecca Askew as the evidently inspiring Musical Director.

Michael Tanner, The Spectator

"Rebecca was superb! Full of life and enthusiasm -

I feel inspired!!”

Mike Fairclough,

Head of West Rise Junior School

Dear Rebecca

I wanted to write to thank you from us all for a day and experience we will never forget!! And for the best reasons! Your Create-An-Opera was the highlight of our CPD week - participants bubbling over about it for days after and still now after a holiday break!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! All good wishes and here’s to a return visit…!

Sare Gibson, The Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Centre

Rebecca was a really positive and encouraging musical director. She lead us in a way that was fun, experimental and exciting. Rebecca has an incredible musical talent, pays attention to detail and displays true versatility and creativity in all she does. Her bubbly personality makes everyone feel at ease and her laughter is infectious!

Lissie Allsopp, student RCCSD

I’ve absolutely loved working with Rebecca. She’s been a shining, guiding light of positivity throughout the whole process. I’ve learnt so much from her, developed so many skills, and regained a passion for music. Rebecca is incredibly patient and supportive, and always fantastic at explaining and adapting tasks, so as to facilitate different learning styles, confidence, and ability.

Chloe Phillips-Bartlett, student RCCSD

“Thank you so much for you wonderful session...I loved it so much ...I was singing all the way home in the car with a big smile on my face. I really just wanted to say that you have a wonderful way of including everyone and making people feel really at ease.”

Nicola Robertson, Rotherfield Primary School