Nicholas Sears

MA (Cantab), FRCM

Nicholas Sears has led RCM Vocal and Opera since 2007 during which time the Faculty has enhanced its reputation as one of the finest international centres for the development of young vocal artists. Privileged to collaborate with an exceptional team of vocal, artistic and administrative colleagues his priority for the faculty continues to be the encouragement of outstanding talent within a creative, high-functioning and warm-hearted environment.

Educated at Dulwich College, Nicholas read History at Trinity College, Cambridge before studying at the GSMD as a postgraduate with Rudolph Piernay. Leaving the GSMD he became a member of the BBC Singers for three years after which he enjoyed a successful solo career in the UK and internationally performing roles with Welsh National Opera, Opera North, Scottish Opera, English National Opera, English Touring Opera, Opera Theatre Company Dublin, Tête à Tête, Aldeburgh Festival, Liceu Barcelona, Bilbao, Porto, Lisbon, Lausanne, Antwerp, Ghent, Berlin and Vienna. He performed in concert and recital in the major UK venues including Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room, RFH, RAH, St John’s Smith Square and Aldeburgh with artists including Sir Simon Rattle, Graham Johnson and the Songmakers’ Almanac. He performed internationally in Portugal, Spain, Mexico and Italy with artists including René Jacobs and Rinaldo Alessandrini.

Nicholas ceased his singing career in 2002 in order to concentrate on Artist Management with Intermusica whilst teaching as Senior Lecturer in Voice at the Royal Northern College of Music. As a teacher his focus is on the integration of artistic intention with the expressive, balanced and efficient use of breath and support. Nicholas is currently External Examiner for the Welsh International Academy of Voice and has also been an External at Trinity Laban and the Central School. He leads seminars on auditions and the music profession, has given masterclasses in the UK, Russia and the USA and has participated in international juries in China, South America and the UK.

Faculties / departments: Vocal Studies