Samantha Richards

Available to hire

I'm a versatile educator with over 15 years' experience in curriculum design, teaching, pastoral care, and national examining across the UK sector.

About

I’m a versatile educator with over 15 years’ experience in curriculum design, teaching, pastoral care, and national examining across the UK sector. Combining my passion for education with my parallel career as a professional singer, I’ve developed a creative and adaptable approach to learning and communication. Born and raised in the UK, I bring deep cultural and educational insights and challenge traditional education models through my work in home education and EdTech.

I create learner-centered tools to make education more flexible and accessible, focusing on empowerment, innovation, and making learning feel more human. Currently, I am seeking flexible, remote opportunities that align with these values and allow me to contribute my skills in digital learning and AI.

  • Joined July 2025

Industry experience

  • Education
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Software & Internet
  • Non-Profit Organization
  • Professional Services

Projects · 4

Appeared as part of Team Diana Ross on ITV’s Starstruck, a prime-time television talent competition. Performed live on national television in full costume and styling, delivering lead vocals and harmonies while embodying the vocal style and stage persona of Diana Ross. Collaborated closely with a team of performers to create a cohesive group performance under studio conditions, including camera rehearsal, direction, and live broadcast pressure. Successfully adapted to the unique demands of televised performance.

Key Skills:
Live vocal performance under broadcast conditions
Ability to emulate Diana Ross’s vocal style and stage presence
Team collaboration & synchronisation with multiple performers
Experience with camera blocking & studio direction
Stage presence & confidence in high-pressure environments
Professionalism and resilience in televised productions

Stepped into the leading role of Diana Ross in a touring theatre production celebrating the music of Diana Ross and Lionel Richie. Performed iconic solo numbers and duets with live band accompaniment, capturing the vocal style and stage presence of the original artist while bringing fresh energy to the role. Managed quick and numerous costume changes while maintaining performance flow, adapting seamlessly to the demands of live theatre. Collaborated with fellow cast members, dancers, and musicians to deliver polished, high-impact performances across large theatre venues, often with limited rehearsal turnaround.

Key Skills:
Vocal performance in the style of Diana Ross
Lead role cover & fast role adaptation
Confidence in high-pressure performance environments
Stage presence & audience engagement
Duet and harmony work with fellow cast
Collaboration with live musicians & dancers
Quick and efficient costume/stage transitions
Professionalism & reliability in touring productions
Flexibility and rapid learning of choreography and staging

Performed in a high-energy touring production celebrating disco and soul classics, alongside a 12-piece live band and professional cast. Delivered dynamic solo performances, harmonies, and group numbers while incorporating choreographed dance routines and audience interaction. Toured major theatre venues across the UK, adapting to diverse stage environments and maintaining vocal excellence under demanding schedules. Collaborated closely with musicians, dancers, and fellow vocalists to deliver a cohesive, engaging production night after night.

Key Skills:
Live performance & stage presence
Vocal versatility (lead & harmonies)
Dance and movement integration
Team collaboration & ensemble work
Audience engagement & interaction
Adaptability in touring environments
Professionalism under demanding schedules
Strong communication & interpersonal skills

Selected as one of a small cohort of professional vocalists to participate in a cutting-edge voice AI training project for Smule, a leading social singing app with over 50 million users worldwide.

Key responsibilities:

Recording a large dataset of high-quality vocal performances across various styles and vocal techniques to help train machine learning models.
Following precise recording specifications to ensure consistency, accuracy, and usability of the data for AI voice synthesis.
Collaborating with researchers and developers by providing feedback on vocal takes, phrasing, and tonal delivery to support the refinement of synthetic voice technology.
Leveraging years of professional studio experience to deliver clean, nuanced vocal recordings efficiently and to a high standard.
This role combined creative performance with technical precision to support the development of next-generation voice technologies in the music and AI space.

Work experience

Digital Creator & Founder · She Who Stands & Rat Race RebelsJan 2024 – Present · 2 yrs 11 mos

Created a suite of digital products including AI prompt guides, family court navigation tools, and self-development resources for home educators and mothers. Designed and managed online stores on Gumroad, marketed via social media (TikTok and Instagram), and engaged a growing community of parents. Applied knowledge of educational models and communication strategies to produce user-friendly, inclusive, and empowering digital content. Researched and implemented accessible learning support via AI tools such as ChatGPT.

Music & Performing Arts Examiner, Syllabus Contributor · RSL AwardsNov 2015 – Present · 11 yrs 1 mo

Examined live and recorded performances for graded music and performing arts qualifications across the UK. Wrote clear, concise, learner-focused exam reports with detailed feedback and accurate grading. Contributed to the design and evaluation of new syllabus content for music and musical theatre disciplines. Ensured assessment consistency while adapting feedback for a range of learner abilities and needs.

Music Teacher & Curriculum Lead · Various SchoolsSep 2011 – Dec 2022 · 11 yrs 4 mos

Designed and delivered tailored music curriculums aligned with the National Curriculum, incorporating child-led and inclusive learning methods. Organised concerts, productions, and school trips, managing logistics, liaising with parents and venues, and ensuring safeguarding and health and safety compliance. Directed group and solo performances, led vocal and instrumental ensembles, and supported technical production. Held responsibility for pastoral support, working with vulnerable students and leading interventions for behavioural and emotional needs. Led departmental Teaching & Learning meetings focused on curriculum development, student engagement, and teaching strategies. Mentored GCSE pupils during work experience placements, immersing them in the professional music industry through own work as a touring and recording singer.

Education

PGCE Secondary Music with QTS · Manchester Metropolitan University2008 – 2009
BMus (Hons) Music · Lancaster University2004 – 2008
BTEC National Diploma in Music Practice · Bury College2003 – 2005

Certifications and awards

Master Performance Certificate2010

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