About Ria

Ria Keen

Contemporary Vocal Coach

Performance credits include concert appearances at The London Palladium, Blenheim Palace, Lincoln Castle, various West End theatres, countless regional theatres - and much more besides!

Her favourite performance memory is of touring with Elvis Presley's legendary backing vocalists The Sweet Inspirations, who christened her "The Ria Deal". High praise from some genuine legends!

In the last year, she has performed nationwide in ‘The Best of the West End’, ‘Musical Mania’ (produced by legendary composer David Lloyd-Price), ‘Swing It On Broadway’, ‘From Bacharach to Broadway’, and with 60s legends Billie Davis, Jet Harris and Bruce Welch.

She has done extensive radio work, talking about the field of education in contemporary vocals, and is currently writing her first book - "Contemporary Vocals - The Singer's Handbook". Additionally, she is a regular contributor to a number of print and online publications, and has been known to wax lyrical on any number of subjects!

In addition to being a qualified and experienced teacher, and a performer at the highest levels, Ria is also trained in Hypnotherapy, Aromatherapy and Psychotherapy, and uses these additional skills to help vocalists to attain their full potential.

Ria is a member of The Vocal Coach Association and V-Tass.

Dr. Ria Keen is one of the most highly qualified and experienced vocal coaches in the country, holding a PhD as well as a Master's Degree in contemporary vocals.

Ria lectures at the highest levels, being Associate Professor at Calamus International University and Director of Education for Voiceworks International Vocal Academy. She has also lectured and /or mentored at The Musicians' Academy, Dartington College of Arts and The Birmingham Theatre School.

She has been teaching for 23 years, and has amassed a vast amount of experience in that time. She is now a leading specialist in contemporary vocals, applying expert knowledge in all aspects of vocal training, including how to manage damaged or failing voices.

Ria has coached many students from leading West End musicals including Miss Saigon, Chicago, Joseph, Les Misérables, Blood Brothers, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Phantom of the Opera, Lord of the Rings, Me and My Girl, Chicago, Fiddler on the Roof and Elvis the Musical.

She also works extensively with pop and rock singers, and is pleased to have countless current and former students working in the industry, worldwide.

Ria Keen, PhD, MFA, B.Phil (Hons), Cert.Ed, SNHS (Arom, Hyp), C.VCA, F.WGMSC