Singer Overcomes Stage Fright Through Gospel Course
July 2009
 An Erdington mother has spoken of how a course in Gospel Music has set her free from crippling stage fright and enable her to enjoy her life-long love of music.
Sonia Thompson, 46, was one of two-dozen students who signed up for an accredited year-long course in Gospel Performance and Music Technology in September 2008. During the course, offered by Birmingham’s emerging , Sonia and her fellow adult learners were schooled on key elements of vocal performance, including breathing techniques, how to hold a microphone and understand musical keys.
“Before I would never sing in front of a crowd,” confessed Sonia, the owner of a care home for special needs adults in Erdington, Birmingham. “I knew I had a good voice but just didn’t know how to bring it across. I would sing the wrong notes and this knocked my confidence and made it even harder to pluck up the courage to sing and the cycle went on.”
Ms Thompson caught wind of the Academy’s courses when searching for activities for her residents. “I always wanted to develop my voice and I thought the Academy would help and it really has. Now the fear is gone and for the last several months there is hardly a week when I haven’t been booked to sing at a concert somewhere in the UK, either as part of a choir or even singing solos!”
Recommend
 There is a more personal reason for Sonia’s joy: “I am so happy that so many of my family have been able to see the new me on stage: even some that are atheists and non-believers are happy to come to Gospel concerts to support and have said how much I have improved. For so long I was feeling really stagnant with my music but now I have so much confidence. I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to develop and even discover his or her musical abilities and ministries.”
Gospel Express Academy runs a series of accredited courses in conjunction with local and national agencies to provide training, education and employment. The Academy has diversified its services to also offer additional courses, OFSTED-registered after school activities and a church/ worship centre (Ecclesia Ministries).
The academy is now enrolling students for courses in Counselling Skills, Christian Studies, Gospel Performance & Music Technology, which will be taught at the Community Fire Station in Handsworth, Birmingham. Academy founderand former Church of God of Prophecy pastor, Rev Deborah Harrison, (pictured with Sonia) comments: “When Sonia joined the course, it was evident she has a good singing voice, but lacking in power of delivery. She, however, being driven through dedication and commitment, followed her dream. Taking on board all the skills taught Sonia emerged with full confidence and good stage presence.
”We are committed to help others like Sonia to follow their dream. We are able to identify hidden talents, skills and abilities and to bring them to the forefront, giving personal confidence, confidence in God and inspiration to others. Anyone who may have recognised their gifts for singing and need help to bring this out are encouraged to join us. There's a world waiting to be inspired by your gift, so get ready to share it!"
Not content to rest on her laurels, Ms Thompson is preparing to take on her next musical goal – to master the saxophone!
Further enquiries:
For more information about Gospel Express Academy, call 0121 523 5297, visit their or email
If this story has got you thinking about God, faith or other issues and you would like to speak to someone in confidence via text, phone, email or in person, contact and we will put you in touch with a qualified person.
Christian Media Services works to engage Christian churches and organisations with the media and to increase the coverage of Christ-related news stories. If you have a story, testimony or upcoming event to publicise or would like media/ public relations advice, please for details on how to contact us.
Previous Story | Back to CMS page
|