Nicki Allan

Nicki teaches on the BA (Hons) Popular Music Studies degree and the ND Jazz course. Nicki is a well-known face at Leeds College of Music where she has been a voice teacher for many years. Nicki recently won the prestigious Jazz Yorkshire award for Best Vocalist of the Year 2010.

Nicki's musical ability was apparent from an early age. Initially learning the piano as a child she then went on to study as a classical pianist at Leeds College of Music gaining a first class degree in Jazz and Contemporary Music.

It was whilst on the Jazz course that Nicki discovered her vocal talents, an ability that was immediately obvious and was to pave the way for her later success. As a second study Double Bass player, constantly changing roles between the Double bass section in the College Symphony Orchestra and an up-right jazz bass player in an all-girl Dixieland band, the opportunity to sing and play presented itself, introducing Nicki to the world of professional gigs and live audiences.

Nicki was largely self taught throughout her early performing career, then sought opera training from Jane Anthony of Opera North and has gained a wide experience of teaching both jazz and popular vocal styles & techniques.

Nicki ran Leeds College of Music's Gospel Choir for over four years. The Nicki Allan singers, an off-shoot of the Gospel Choir, can often be found doing community gigs in and around Leeds, particularly during the Christmas period.

Nicki has a busy private teaching practice away from the College. She gives pop/jazz singing lessons from her home in Leeds and has worked as a vocal coach for the Billy Elliot Academy based in London.

Nicki performs with her own Jazz Sextet and is featured vocalist for many jazz groups and big bands including the Manhattan Sound Big Band.

Further information about Nicki can be found at www.nickiallan.com