Biographical summary

Sarah was born and raised in the Black Country.  Having first trained as a pianist and vocalist, Sarah completed her graded music examinations at an early age.  She began performing on stage in musicals at professional venues and then moved to the orchestra pit.  As conductor, arranger and musical director, Sarah has worked extensively with a number of orchestras and operatic societies in and around the region.

Sarah began her teaching career in secondary schools and sixth forms, teaching A Level Music and Performance Studies, in addition to helping schools achieve full Arts College status.  She has been responsible for the creation of numerous Musical Theatre courses; both at level three and Foundation Degree level.  Previously, she successfully managed a large Performing Arts department in the Further Education sector.

In 2008, Sarah worked in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton to author a Foundation Degree in Musical Theatre.  She is now Course Leader for the brand new BA Hons Musical Theatre course. Sarah is currently undertaking PhD study at the University of Winchester.

Teaching Responsibilities

BA Hons Musical Theatre Course Leader

BA Musical Theatre Module Leader for:

• Musical Theatre Practice,
• Roots of Musical Theatre,
• Politics, Popular Performance and Musical Theatre,
• Creating Musical Theatre,
• Contemporary Context of Musical Theatre
• Musical Theatre Production.

Non-teaching Responsibilities

Marketing Committee Member

Research Interests

• Oklahoma and the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein
• Feminist and Post-Colonial approaches to Musical Theatre
• American musical theatre of the 1960s.

Qualifications

PGCE Secondary Music, University of Central England

BA Hons Music, University of Wolverhampton

Employment History

• Aug 2012 – Senior Lecturer of Musical Theatre, University of Wolverhampton
• Sep 2004 – July 2012 – Centre Manager: Performing Arts and Media, Dudley College
• 2002-2004 – A Level Music Co-ordinator, Coppice Performing Arts School
• 2000-2002 – Musical Theatre Lecturer, Sandwell College
• 1998-2000 – A Level Music Co-ordinator, Thorns Arts College