Hello Razzamataz readers!
As we speak, I have just touched down from sunny Spain and after plenty of relaxing and good food, I’m straight back home and into ‘work mode’. Since watching your performance on the 28th March, I am more excited than ever to join the Razzamataz Durham team and help the students to thrive and grow as performers and singers during the summer term.
I am currently studying for a PGCE in Primary Education at Cumbria University. Prior to this, I studied Popular Music and Music Technology at Derby University where I achieved a 2:1 (hons) degree. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, getting heavily involved with ‘Team Derby,’ which lead me to compete in the England Dodgeball trials where I was captain of the uni’s team. I have also recently been involved in a visit from two volleyball players from the GB Olympic team in my school.
My musical background is quite extensive and my journey began with piano lessons at age six. I have gained grade eight in piano and voice, grade four in trumpet and grade three in saxophone. Voice is my ultimate favourite which lead me to join a Musical Theatre group where I’ve played lead roles including Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Barbara in Summer Holiday. I loved this experience and it was actually my first ‘go’ at acting alongside singing.
I have been employed as a singer at Lumley Castle’s Elizabethan Banquets since the age of 16, you might have seen me perform there! This role has given me a great understanding of how to control nerves in front of large audiences. I hope to help our children and young people grow in confidence and work through any stage freight they may experience.
In the final year of my degree I set myself the challenge of raising £2,650 for Childreach International and part of the fundraising involved climbing of Mount Kilimanjaro. I am pleased to say that I was successful and reached the top of the Mountain. This is an achievement that I am especially proud of as it was very tough!
William Arthur Ward once said, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” I strive to be that great teacher Ward spoke of and wish to inspire our children by using all the skills and techniques I have acquired over the years in classical, Musical Theatre and popular music. I want to encourage our children to enjoy music and singing by creating an encouraging environment where they feel safe and comfortable to sing confidently, maybe even taking on a solo!
Looking forward to meeting you all on Saturday!
Nichol Martin
