Rob Cates


All Professionals, London, UK

Rob is a certified Vocal Habilitation Professional and one of only a handful of elite vocal professionals accredited by Vocology in Practice in the UK. “To habilitate is to make able, to help the out-of-sync singer find synergy once more and to work in such a way with clients that realigns, builds and strengthens body, mind and voice. There are no quick fixes, this work is slow and steady.” This is proven vocal coaching at its very best, providing effective bespoke coaching to clients who may be concerned about their vocal health or may be experiencing difficulties, or who have returned to singing after a period of illness and rehabilitation. This work is not only effective for those who have voice concerns but for all singers. It’s the way voice work should be: professional, evidence-based, informed, empathetic, and personal to you.

Rob is the founder of Naked Voice Academy, an online training platform specializing in not only helping singers overcome confidence and anxiety issues but also providing a structured program of development for technique and artistry. Naked Voice includes up to three live teaching, coaching, and mentoring sessions per month.

Rob combines his professional work as a vocal coach with itinerant Christian ministry. Rob has a thriving private vocal coaching practice in London and online, and regularly holds workshops, training events, and coaches various choirs. In October 2019 Rob was a guest speaker at the Association of Teachers of Singing Autumn Conference where he presented on authenticity and blockages to free and present singing including performance anxiety. Rob’s own journey out of depression and anxiety affords him unique insights that hold many singers back.

Rob is a seminar presenter and the author of several articles for Vocology in Practice's EdHub. In order to facilitate the increased growth of his private voice studio and travel for ministry Rob has recently relinquished his role as the first study voice tutor for the BA in Theology, Music & Worship at London School of Theology where he taught for five years, and tutor in technical voice in the MA in Musical Theatre at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.

He is passionate about the connection between spirit, soul, and body in voice. Wellness begins on the inside and breaking free from limiting beliefs, mindsets, and negative self-talk is essential in the journey to achieving abundance in every area of life.

Credentials:

BMus (Hons), MA, PGCE, QTS, CLT, FCoT, FCollT, CFP, VHP, MISM

Rob holds degrees in music from City University and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (BMus Hons, piano), University of York (MA), and Institute of Education (PGCE). In 2010 he was made a Fellow of the College of Teachers and awarded Chartered London Teacher Status. In 2017 he achieved Estill Voice International’s Certificate in Figure Proficiency and a distinction for VoiceWorkshop UK’s Certificate in Advanced Anatomy for Voice Professionals. He specializes in coaching singers of contemporary commercial music genres, musical theatre, and contemporary Christian music. In 2021, Rob qualified as a certified Vocal Health First Aider and subsequently was awarded qualified as a Vocal Habilitation Professional with distinction! Continuing professional development is fundamental to Rob’s cutting-edge coaching. 

ViP is a global network of elite voice professionals, including singing teachers, vocal coaches, songwriters, producers, music industry professionals, speech and language practitioners, ENT’s and laryngologists.