Louisa strachan - founder & director

Louisa is the founder of The Song School, a singer/songwriter, an actor and a qualified vocal coach, with a higher diploma in Contemporary singing from The Voice College. Louisa set up The Song School in 2018, to create a space in Southend for budding young Musicians to come together outside of School to create, play and perform music and meet other musically minded young people - something she didn’t have access to locally when she was growing up in the area.

Louisa coaches singing in Contemporary Music Styles such as Pop, RnB, Soul, Indie and Musical Theatre. Under Louisa's guidance, students have gained the confidence to perform, been given the opportunity to write, record and release their own songs; some have gained places at institutions such as The BRIT School, BIMM, ICMPi, Italia Conti, Tring Park, Mountview Academy (to name a few) and a handful have gone on to a career in music.

Louisa began singing at the tender age of nine, when a teacher discovered she could hold a tune. Her own vocal training started pretty much from then on and she has been lucky enough to have been coached by some of the best in the business. Her path of music discovery started in Musical Theatre and landed on a more contemporary sound that led her to pen her own songs, join a gospel choir and subsequently set-up The Tempo Collective - a Southend based choir, focussing on dance floor anthems, paired with Gospel inspired harmonies.

Outside of The Song School, Louisa continues her work as a vocal artist. She has worked as a lead singer and backing vocalist, fronting originals and cover bands; her own debut album was released in 2008 which were followed by some high profile support slots, gigs and shows in mainland Europe, with several high profile support slots with artists such as Bastille, Bang Bang Romeo and Andy Bell (Erasure). The Times described her as having ‘…..gorgeous gymnastic vocals’.

Right now you’ll mainly find Louisa closer to home as she takes The Song School into its next phase. She can also be found performing a night of acoustic Fleetwood Mac with local legend Darren Jones and singing with The Tempo Collective.

NEIL THOMPSON - NON-EXECUTIVE DIrECTOR

Neil has been a member of an eclectic mix of music projects. He gained a publication deal as lead guitarist of Aristocrats; an indie band compared to Bloc Party and The Cure. He also played Synths in The Vanity Clause; an electronic band from Southend - where he met The Song School’s founder, Louisa. Continuing on his musical journey; Neil is currently learning drums.

In his day job Neil is a Director at Atkins; a renowned engineering consultancy. Neil is also chair of the Built Environment at the Institute of Engineering & Technology; plus he is an Honorary Associate Professor at The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction at University College London. In addition, Neil is a cohost on the Digital Twin Fan Club podcast!

Asked why he wanted to get involved at The Song School, Neil says;

“I am inspired by the mission of The Song School. I didn’t pick up a musical instrument until I was 19. Not through disinterest, but due to the lack of access to instruments and I was put off by the formal structure of learning.

I’m here to help build a community and a platform so ALL young people can have access to a community that enables a new and innovative approach to musicianship.”

carla marshall - non-executive director

Carla is a qualified accountant with over 30 years experience. She is the Owner of CJM Accounting Solutions, her own bespoke accounting firm where she provides all accountancy and business services for the small business.

As a newly formed CIC, Carla’s expertise in financial management and accounting ensures we are making robust decisions and reinvesting our funds wisely to future proof our organisation to enable us to provide more music making opportunities for Children & Young People.

Asked why she wanted to get involved at The Song School, Carla says;

“As a huge music fan myself, I was delighted to be asked to get involved as it’s an opportunity to bring together my personal and professional passions. And as someone from a working class background, I would have jumped at the opportunity to get involved if this was around when I was growing up and feel I can offer some useful insights as a result.”

HAYLEY HILL - non-executive director

Hayley Hill is an experienced professional with a broad set of transferable skills within the Creative Arts, Events Industry and Education sector.

Currently, Hayley is the is a label and artist manager for Cool Thing Records; she provides artist consultancy for new music releases; works as a Festival Manager, Production Manager, Site Manager, Stage Manager and Artist Liaison Manager for events & festivals, some of which have included: BBC Introducing Live, Crooked House Festival, Village Green Festival, Leigh Folk Festival, Coppafeel Festival, London Ceremonies 2022 (OLB), Terence Higgins Trust 40th Anniversary, and is the Venue Event Manager for Twenty One, here in Southend. 

In Hayley’s earlier career she was the Manager for Music & Performing Arts at South Essex College and a peripatetic Vocal Teacher. Because of her varied experience across the industry, Hayley brings a truly unique and creative perspective to the board. 

We’re thrilled to have her on board to help advise and build the future of The Song School. 

TRIGGER BLISS - Non-executive director & SPOKEN WORD

TriggerBliss (@triggeryourbliss) is a multi creative who uses spoken word as an avenue to connect to the individual, to inspire healing, conscious thought, and conversation. This is achieved by incorporating spoken word into visuals, imagery, quotes, music, as well as performing live. TriggerBliss harnesses her creativity to spread mental health awareness, love, unity and encourage the authentic self. 

As an artist in her own right, Trigger has performed at events such as Time 2 Shine hosted by CEO of the South Essex African Caribbean Association, Hamlet Court Road in Harmony Festival, and Stand Up for Diversity hosted by Essex Cultural Diversity Project, amongst others. She can be seen this summer, hosting a stage at Leigh Folk Festival. TriggerBliss has participated in the Focal Point Gallery commission ‘Relay’ and played ‘Robin Hood’ in the 2023 pantomime ‘Robin Hood’ by Rachel Dingle. She volunteers, hosts/emcees, has featured on several podcasts and was a guest speaker on ‘Artist Philosophies’ with Ja’Anubis on London Hott Radio

As a mentor, TriggerBliss has worked on countless creative projects including; ATS Creative Academy CIC and Elevator Arts CIC. At The Song School, she works with our Saturday Songwriters, including our mini musos, juniors and those aged 11-15 to find ways to access their voice and identity through their songs.