Claire was born in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire and began singing from a very early age. She trained as a dancer/singer at The Patterson's Academy of Drama and Dance, Coventry appearing in Panto with Frank Infield, Ken Goodwin and Reg Dixon. At aged 18 she began her vocal studies as a mezzo-soprano at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.
She was invited to tour Germany with a Welsh Brass Band representing Wales as their no 1 singer. She continued her studies in London with Covent Garden principal Josephine Veasey, changing to the soprano repertoire.
Returning to the Midlands, Claire was asked if she was able to offer singing and piano lessons. From then on she has always combined teaching and performing.
In 1987 Claire worked a summer season as a Bluecoat/Pianist/Singer, changing her vocal style for Pontins, Broadreeds, Selsey on Sea, she returned home to continue her vocal training with American vocal coach/repetiteur Stuart Smith from Leamington Spa. At this time she met her future husband John, they formed a duo Johnny& Claire performing in the Midlands/Northern clubs gaining the reputation as Nottingham` s no1 duo.
Claire and John moved to Spain in 1992 and began performing on the Costa del Sol, winning Best Duet and Overall Performance at an International Eisteddfod, with their rendition of the duet `The Phantom of the Opera`. That evening they were approached by an agent to work a summer season in Cyprus. At this time Claire was working at the only English Speaking Theatre on the coast The Salon de Varieties Fuengirola, as a Sound Technician and teaching singing/piano.
On returning from Cyprus, Claire was introduced to Marbella`s newest resident South African Soprano/Impresario Denny Dayviss, whom she studied with for 3 yrs. With Covent Garden Chorus Master/Accompanist Nina Walker, Claire embarked on a series of recitals and concerts in Southern Spain and Gibraltar with Denny Dayviss as Producer/Director. At this time she also performed with Welsh Baritone Ivor Immanuel, Lonnie Donigan, son Peter, The Platters, and pop singer Yazz with a 10 piece Gospel Choir and band.
In 1999 Claire made her operatic debut in Bordeaux France at the L`Athenee Municipal with 3 French opera singers. She also gave a series of recitals with the celebrated pianist Brian Stanborough in France.
Returning to Spain, Claire began working and performing with Austrian Tenor, and (ex Vienna boys Choir) Peter Illvasky. They performed concerts in Malaga and Granada singing German operetta and Italian opera duets. At this time she met Sergio Montero (repetiteur/pianist for The Malaga Opera Chorus. Claire appeared in various Operas and Concerts with the company.
Claire has been vocal co-ordinator for The Tivoli World Shows in Benalmadena, Costa del Sol and was Musical Director/Producer/Singer in her own show, the highly successful Its Showtime songs from the West End and Broadway in Southern Spain.
Claire returned to the UK with her husband John 5yrs ago. she has met a young Russian Concert Pianist, Tanya Hilton and they have been performing together in theatres, and as guest artists for choirs. Claire also performs with her husband John and sister Georgie most weekends in clubs, holiday resorts, and corporate events, restaurants in the Midlands, North and South of England, with their self-contained Variety Show Blast from the Past.
Claire has always loved combining her love of performing and teaching. Training singers in different vocal styles from musical theatre, pop, rock to opera comes from her vast experience, whether they are total beginners, dancers, actors or professional cabaret singers who might be having some vocal problems, she has worked with them all. Some of Claire`s students have appeared in lead roles in The Phantom of the Opera, City of Angels, Boogie Nights, and Saturday Night fever in the Westend, others have gone on to have sucessful careers in the pop and rock industry.
Working and training with some of the best in the business, Claire is able to pass on her own experiences and knowledge to others. She is currently an Associate teacher with www.vocaltutor.co.uk and an offical judge for www.live&unsigned.co.uk.com and www.festival4stars.com and a vocal/keyboard/piano tutor for Birmingham Adult Education Services www.bgfl.org/services/ae/default.htm