Our Teachers
Helen Lyle
Helen Lyle has been teaching Purple Cats since the choir began in 2001. She also founded Body of Sound women's choir in 1997, and led the group for 16 years. Other groups she has worked with include Calder Valley Voices in Hebden Bridge, and Steel Valley Beacon Arts in Stocksbridge. In the past Helen taught WEA singing groups for many years and tutored the Vocal Studies programme at Sheffield University's Institute for Lifelong Learning. She currently offers individual singing lessons with a particular focus on new singers beginning to explore their voices.
Helen Lyle has been teaching Purple Cats since the choir began in 2001. She also founded Body of Sound women's choir in 1997, and led the group for 16 years. Other groups she has worked with include Calder Valley Voices in Hebden Bridge, and Steel Valley Beacon Arts in Stocksbridge. In the past Helen taught WEA singing groups for many years and tutored the Vocal Studies programme at Sheffield University's Institute for Lifelong Learning. She currently offers individual singing lessons with a particular focus on new singers beginning to explore their voices.
Kate Thomas
Kate Thomas has been teaching Purple Cats since 2002. She has also taught a weekly WEA class for adults - "Confidence through Singing" in the NE of the city since 2001. Kate has introduced the natural voice approach to groups of singers in numerous health and social care settings through short courses organised by, e.g. The Sheffield Carers Centre and Haven House Women’s Refuge.
Kate Thomas has been teaching Purple Cats since 2002. She has also taught a weekly WEA class for adults - "Confidence through Singing" in the NE of the city since 2001. Kate has introduced the natural voice approach to groups of singers in numerous health and social care settings through short courses organised by, e.g. The Sheffield Carers Centre and Haven House Women’s Refuge.
Together, Helen and Kate have set up and led ongoing singing workshops for women with mental health needs in Burngreave, under the umbrella of SAGE Greenfingers, a local mental health charity. They also sing and play together in ‘The Top Shelalas’ with fellow NVPN member Rose Hodgson, and have recently released their debut album, "Just Around the Corner". They are both known for their relaxed and accessible teaching style and for their ability to inspire confidence in those who are new to singing.