Meet The Member - Rich of Symons Studio
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We caught up with Symons Studio founder, professional singer, and vocal coach Rich to learn about his journey from a childhood spent singing in Australia to an international performing career, and how those experiences shaped the unique, people-first teaching philosophy behind Symons Studio. From opera stages to the Harpenden community, he shares what inspires his work, how he helps students grow with confidence, and why joy, connection, and kindness sit at the heart of everything he does.
We're happy to have you as part of the We Are Harpenden community! Could you tell us a little about your journey, your background in music and performance, and have you always worked in the music and performance industry, or did you take a different path before creating Symons Studio?
Very happy to be a member of We Are Harpenden! I started singing when I was eight, as a chorister at St. George’s Cathedral in Perth, Western Australia. From there, music became my world. I sang across Australia in opera and musical theatre, even performing for the Queen. Later, I moved to New York to continue performing and became Director of Music at The Browning School.
I’ve always been both a singer and a teacher. In recent years, I’ve balanced touring across the UK, Europe, America, and Africa with my teaching work. But since becoming a husband and father, I’ve focused on staying closer to home — helping others discover their own potential and joy.
Your platform offers a flexible, subscription-based format for learning. What do you find most rewarding about giving students the opportunity to learn at their own pace and in their own space?
I love that it takes away pressure. Singing should feel freeing, not stressful. With Symons Studio, students can learn when they feel ready, whether that’s after school, between rehearsals, or on the sofa in their hoodie. It gives them time to experiment, reflect, and grow confidence on their own terms. Creating something that allows singers to grow their skills, their intrinsic motivation, and their lifelong love of learning is most rewarding part.
What aspects of running Symons Studio in Harpenden do you find most fulfilling, and what makes the local community a great place for your work?
People here genuinely value community, and that sense of encouragement and belonging inspires creativity and invention. I love seeing local businesses thrive and bring joy to peoples’ lives. Actually, that’s really it isn’t it — it’s all about joy and connection that can be found here.
Running a business is about more than just what you do; what’s at the heart of Symons Studio and the approach you take with your students.
At the heart of everything is kindness, growth, and integrity. My teaching philosophy is simple: teach the student before the subject. It’s about meeting each person where they are, building confidence, and helping them move forward step by step. Progress over perfection, always.
Your lessons are designed to support the person behind the voice. Can you share how this student-focused approach has impacted your students’ journeys?
At the core of my teaching is one essential question: how can I help? One student I worked with had a beautiful natural voice but suffered from crippling nerves, and even walking into school was a challenge. Our lessons became about more than singing technique. We built self-belief through small, achievable wins. By the time she graduated, she’d sung a solo in front of the whole school and earned a music scholarship for sixth form. Meeting each student where they are can be genuinely transformative.
With a background in opera and musical theatre, how do you bring your diverse experiences into your teaching methods?
Opera taught me discipline and vocal craft; musical theatre taught me storytelling and heart. I try to bring both into my teaching — helping students sing with technical freedom and emotional honesty. It’s not about sounding like someone else; it’s about discovering what makes your voice unique.
Symons Studio offers personalised feedback through submitted recordings. How does this feature enhance the learning experience for your students?
It gives every student a sense of real connection. They send me recordings, and I reply personally with feedback, demonstrations, and encouragement. It’s like having a teacher in your pocket — that immediacy helps them engage more with the learning process, and become architects of their own learning experience.
Looking ahead, are there any exciting developments or new features you’re planning to introduce to Symons Studio?
Absolutely! We’re expanding our library with over 100 new bite-sized training videos covering everything from breath support to tone and style. We’ve also launched Rising Voices: UK Edition — a free national competition for young singers, judged by leading professionals from the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne, and Westminster School. It’s all about celebrating young voices and giving them a platform to shine.
Many people are exploring online learning options. What makes Symons Studio stand out in the world of online singing tuition?
It’s human, not algorithms or generic advice. Every lesson and resource is built with real students in mind. It’s structured yet flexible, professional yet personal, and everything is rooted in the belief that progress and joy matter more than perfection.
When, you’re not teaching or working on Symons Studio, where’s your favourite place in Harpenden to relax and unwind?
I love to run and I’m always training for one race or another. The Nicky Line is my go-to route, and if I can plan to finish at Silver Palate or Brad & Dills for a coffee, that’s pretty perfect.
Finally, tell us a fun fact about yourself.
My first teaching job was in an orphanage in Fiji