Eleanor Dunn-Sims is a graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) and has 20 years of experience, performing as a professional singer on stage and in recording studios.
Eleanor trains vocalists of all ages and in all genres, using a safe vocal technique, developing breath control, projection, diction and performance skills. She has 30 years of teaching experience.
Her students are successful, both in examinations, in their professional singing careers or when they simply sing for pleasure. But most important of all, they have lots of fun learning!!
Eleanor's career
Operatic Roles
Scottish Opera
- Bellezza (L’Egisto)
- Bertha (world premier Hedda Gabbler
Glyndebourne Festival Opera
- The Little Owl and the Shepherd ( L’Enfant et les Sortileges)
Glyndebourne Touring Opera.
- Annina (La Traviata)
- Feklusa ( Katya Kabanova)
Opera 80
- Valencienne (Merry Widow)
- Mrs. Herring(Albert Herring)
Opera Northern Ireland
- Second Lady ( Magic Flute)
Scottish Opera Go Round
- Mercedes ( Carmen)
Mid Wales Opera
- Zerlina ( Don Giovanni)
English Touring Opera
- Despina ( Cosi fan Tutte)
Castleward Opera, Belfast
- Thisbe ( La Cenerentola)
Canterbury Festival
- Marguerite ( La Damnation of Faust, Berlioz)
Almeida Theatre
- John Cage's Europera III world premier Strasbourg, Berlin, Paris and London
Norwich Playhouse
- Kate (Kiss Me Kate)
Citizens Theatre
- The Blue Fairy (Pinocchio)
- Cilla (Blind Date) in Glasgow, London and Pisa.
Concert and Studio Work
Concert repertoire
Extensive concert repertoire ranges from 16th century composers, performed with the Scottish Early Music Consort both in the UK and abroad, to works by John Cage.
Ensemble Work
As well as her solo career, Eleanor has been a member a several world class ensembles, including the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and English National Opera.
Recording Work
At Abbey Road with London Voices, Eleanor has recorded many notable film scores including the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, with composer Howard Shore and worked with John Williams on the first three Harry Potter films and Star Wars “The Phantom Menace.”
Teaching
Bridgwater and Taunton College.
- Level 4 UAL Foundation Degree Course, University of Somerset
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
At Bridgwater College, Eleanor was Head of Singing on the Performing Arts Courses for over 7 years. She took the lead in choosing repertoire for all courses, assessing and marking units. She developed the course material and graded the students’ work. Eleanor also auditioned, prepared and taught the students the music for their Final Major Performance each year. The shows she worked on were, “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, “Half a Sixpence”, “Side Show” and “Chicago” and in 2020, the show was to be “Bring It On”.This show was cancelled due to the pandemic. The shows at Bridgwater College are performed in the McMillan Theatre.
In addition to this, Eleanor ran a Show Choir at college which was open to all students. Places were limited and students auditioned for these places. They performed musical theatre numbers and contemporary songs, mostly acapella, in concerts throughout the Academic year. The Bridgwater College Show Choir has won several Choral Competitions in the South West.
Eleanor works at The Downs Preparatory School in Wraxall , Bristol. Here, she teaches individual lessons and leads various choirs, conducting them in concerts throughout the year, including the Christmas Carol Concert in Bristol Cathedral.
Eleanor has also taught extensively, both privately and for the Kingston-on-Thames Music Service in London
Testimonials
"I was lucky enough to be taught by Eleanor prior to starting my career in the industry. Her extensive knowledge of the voice allowed for her teaching to be not only effective, but also educational. She is an excellent teacher with years of experience and a huge CV - I was and still am massively grateful for her mentorship at the beginning of my training!"
Teddy Hinde, West End performer, currently Mike Teavea in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, UK tour
“Eleanor’s attention to detail when teaching an ensemble is exemplary, and the development and progress of her students is astounding, both for singers brand new to using their voice, or ones who are already highly trained. As well as focussing on technical ability she also is wonderful at matching this to the needs of a theatrical performance such as a musical, where the marriage of vocal technique, lyrical analysis, acting and performance is crucial and each discipline should inform and support the other. On top of this she is a delight to work with!"
Harry Haden-Brown, Musical Director:
Sister Act, Hammersmith Apollo and UK & Ireland tour, Bedknobs and Broomsticks UK & Ireland tour, Phantom of the Opera UK & Ireland tour, Les Misérables West End & tour. With Eleanor: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Half a Sixpence, Sideshow, Chicago
"Eleanor is a very dedicated teacher who possesses a great passion and love for singing and music. She is an experienced teacher of voice and Choral Director at The Downs Prep School and is excellent in her approach to teaching children in the safe and happy environment she creates during lessons. Eleanor is an approachable woman and develops good relationships with her students, helping them to overcome any difficulties they might be facing in their lessons.
Eleanor is able to teach at all levels, from the complete beginner to the more experienced student, using her professional singing background to ensure that all lessons are pitched correctly and progress is made.
Eleanor is not just a one to one teacher. She is also an excellent choir leader and has many years of experience in which she has achieved outstanding standards of performance in various genres of music.
She makes her lessons fun and has a superb record of accomplishment in her ABRSM examination results, securing many Distinction passes."
Mark Weaver, Director of Music, The Downs Preparatory School, Wraxall
Kate: Mum
"Eleanor is a wonderful teacher, full of kindness, enthusiasm and encouragement. My daughter was really shy to sing before she started lessons with Eleanor but now she never stops! She is learning not only techniques and skills but a true love of music is being imparted to her through Eleanor's sheer joy."
From Felicity: Aged 9
"When I had my first singing lesson I was really nervous but Eleanor was so welcoming, I forgot all about it and now Tuesday is my favourite day of the week because I get to go to singing lessons!"
Kate and Felicity, Portishead, current pupil
"I really enjoyed my time being taught by Eleanor. She is such a supportive mentor regardless of what your singing goals are. Having worked and studied as a professional singer herself she has so much wonderful advice and insight to share. She teaches in a way that always feels safe and grounded in care but is also constructive and honest. Without Eleanor’s guidance I may not be where I am now. I’m currently in my final year at the Royal Academy of music studying classical singing."
Harriet Cameron, final year student, Royal Academy of Music, BA(Hons) Music (Classical Singing)
"I had been lucky to have been attending singing lessons for a few years before I joined college, having Eleanor as my vocal tutor was my opportunity to really help develop my voice to a new level. She taught me so much about my voice and vocal health and my improvement was fantastic. I've now moved on to Uni but the skills and techniques taught by Eleanor has made my journey so much more positive."
Alice Wilson-Hunt, final year student, University of Brighton, BA(Hons) Musical Theatre
“I always look forward to my lessons with Eleanor because it’s great fun. I have learnt so much about breathing and projecting my voice and learning how to make the best sound I possibly can and we have a laugh every week!!”
Lizzie, GCSE Music student, Year 10
