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.…

Samantha Richards

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.…

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. 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.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Music & Performing Arts Examiner, Syllabus Contributor at RSL Awards
November 1, 2015 - Present
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 at Various Schools
September 1, 2011 - December 31, 2022
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.
Digital Creator & Founder at She Who Stands & Rat Race Rebels
January 1, 2024 - Present
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.

Education

PGCE Secondary Music with QTS at Manchester Metropolitan University
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2009
BMus (Hons) Music at Lancaster University
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2008
BTEC National Diploma in Music Practice at Bury College
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2005

Qualifications

Master Performance Certificate
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services
    paper Television Performer – Starstruck (ITV, 2023) – Team Diana Ross

    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

    paper Lead Vocalist (Deputy – Diana Ross) – Endless Love Touring Theatre Show

    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

    paper Lead Vocalist - Lost In Music Touring Theatre Show (Entertainers)

    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

    paper AI Voice Model Trainer - Vocalist (Smule)

    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.