An inspiring and engaging musical director, Nicola enjoys working with professional and amateur singers of all ages and levels of experience and is known for her encouraging approach, attention to detail and imaginative programming.

Alongside her work with Quinborne Choir, Nicola is Musical Director of Ludlow Choral Society and Quinton Community Choir, which she founded in 2006. She directed the 100-strong boys’ choir at King Edward’s School, Birmingham for 10 years and now teaches Music at Edgbaston High School for Girls.

Nicola also sings with the acclaimed choir Ex Cathedra and enjoys composing and arranging. She remains active as an accompanist and is part of the music team at her local parish church.

Nicola studied Music at Downing College, Cambridge, where she was Organ Scholar and directed the Chapel Choir, before training as a secondary music teacher at Birmingham City University.

Following a career break to raise a young family, Nicola completed a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting at Birmingham Conservatoire, where she received the MMus Course Prize and the Michael Beech Conducting Award. Her principal studies were with Paul Spicer, and she also received vocal coaching from Maureen Brathwaite. During this time, Nicola founded Polaris, an upper voices ensemble specialising in Baltic and Eastern European repertoire.

Outside of music, Nicola is busy with family life and loves walking and cycling in the countryside.