About Us

Rhapsody artist development is dedicated to creating a vibrant and supportive environment for young people aged 5 to 18 years to explore their passion for singing and performing.

Through weekly classes and a range of performance activities, we aim to foster technical musicality and growth, boost confidence and teach essential musicianship skills.

RAD provides a necessary and exciting alternative for our young performers of tomorrow. Our training is affordable for all families whose children have a passion for music singing and dancing.

Our values are built around the needs of our young people. We nurture and develop young talent in a caring family atmosphere. We give opportunities to young people in an environment that allows them to make friends and thrive.

Group of young girls singing and performing outdoors on a city street, with a crowd watching.

As a registered charity we believe in investing in young people’s music futures and can access support to young people who would not get this opportunity in mainstream education or any other route.

  • "Teddy Treats Childrens Charity love supporting and seeing the great work The RAD team do with young people. Kevin is dedicated to creating opportunities to showcase and develop young talent to do what they love. Fantastic group not only teaching singing skills but creating team spirit and confidence in young people. Well deserved recognition for the work RAD do in the Seaford"

    Brenda Edwards - Teddy Treats Founder

  • "The passion the music teachers have resonates with the children and as well as singing, they form friendships, feel included and motivated but most importantly the support they are given builds confidence. I have witnessed first-hand the effects of this transformation when I have attended showcases and all I can say is WOW!! This is not just a performing arts group for children and young adults, it provides so much more, and it is a privilege to know them and see them grow into confident, happy young adults."

    Viv Reynolds - CEO St James’ Trust (Seaford)

  • "Rhapsody Artistic Development have supported us at a number of our events, from our fundraising gala WoloBall, to WoloFest - the festival we put on for families in Sussex affected by cancer.The coaches are professional, and the singers/musicians themselves are so wonderful. The range of ages and abilities always surpasses our expectations and they always, always put on such a great show! They are well organised, timely and have a wealth of talent between them! They've created a wonderful supportive community with older members inspiring the younger generations through excellent role-modelling, enabling individuals to thrive."

    Fler Wright - Co-Founder Wolo Foundation

We have a dedicated and enthusiastic team of trustees, committee members, fundraisers, registered chaperones and photographers that all support our operations. RAD offers a safe space for young people to develop not only their musicianship skills with highly qualified coaches but also their performance skills and resilience for life as well as self awareness and confidence growth.

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  • LIV NAYLOR

    LIV NAYLOR

    VOCAL COACH

    Liv has a background in RnB/Pop vocals and has lots of experience including performing at the Royal Albert Hall and backing vocals for Cat Burns at the MTS Awards. She recently graduated her music studies at The BRIT School in London. She has previously had her own original material played as a track of the day on BBC Sussex & Surrey.

    “I’m so happy to be a part of the RAD team. To see the young people excel in their passion and to have fun in such a welcoming and inclusive environment.”

  • Young woman waving and holding a guitar, in a music studio with audio equipment in the background.

    CATHERINE JORDAN

    VOCAL COACH

    Catherine is a vocalist, pianist and guitarist with serval years experience composing gigging in and around London, including venues such as Eltham Palace and the Twelve Bar Club. Two of her three children perform with RAD, Most recently she has run music-time at a local playgroup. Catherine is a yoga teacher for both adults and children with awareness of the importance of diaphragmatic strength when singing.

    “Music performance can inspire so much self belief for young people. It is a privilege to support children develop their passion for music and to see them make friends through a shared love of singing.”

  • Woman singing and playing keyboard on stage with guitar in background, microphone, and candlelit lantern in foreground.

    RYLEE THOMSETT

    VOCAL COACH

    Rylee has been singing and performing since she was a small child. She has a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production and is about to start a BA(Hons) in Commercial Music. Rylee has performed as a solo artist and with professional session musicians across the Sussex area.

    “I love how RAD is the thing that I am most looking forward to at the end of the week. It is such a warm, family environment and I know that the RAD family are always there for me.”

  • KAITLYN COOK

    KAITLYN COOK

    ASSISTANT VOCAL COACH

    Kaitlin is a dedicated vocalist and an inspiring role model at RAD where her selflessness and passion for helping others shine brightly. With over half a lifetime of performance experience, she has graced large stages alongside talented session musicians whilst fostering creativity and confidence in our members as they pursue their artistic dreams.

    “I love being part of the RAD team, as every Friday i get to see the faces of young people beam with pride because they are being given the opportunity to do something they love and have so much passion for!!”

  • A middle-aged man singing into a microphone while playing an acoustic guitar. He is wearing a black shirt and a black hat.

    KEV THOMSETT

    FOUNDER

    Kev has a huge wealth of experience in the music industry. He is an experienced acoustic blues musician, playing the blues festival circuits for a number of years. Under the guide of Rich Somers, he has written and released two albums. Kev has a great skill in motivating and coaching young people to fulfil their potential.

    “I am passionate about RAD and get a lot of satisfaction from seeing children and young people walking out of our sessions with more confidence in their own abilities.”

  • A woman with long brown hair smiling in front of a white background.

    TARA BURN

    TRUSTEE

    Tara was one of the founding members of RAD. Originally from a dance background with training from Italia Conti and a degree from the University of Surrey. Tara is a qualified dance teacher and woked as a professional dance for Royal Caribbean before retiring. Tara retrained in education with a PGCE from Greenwich university and is now an Education Manager in the NHS.

    “I am super excited to volunteer my time to supporting young people, its a pleasure to see them grow in confidence, developing skills that will see them through life know matter where they go or whatever they choose to be.”

  • A woman with curly brown hair and sunglasses on her head, smiling in front of a black background, wearing a black T-shirt with a music-themed logo that reads 'Rhapsody Artist Development'.

    SUE HOMER

    TRUSTEE

    Sue first became involved with RAD two years ago, through her two daughters, who are both current members. She is a Senior Assistant Headteacher in a local secondary school and the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Sue brings lots of experience of working with young people to our team.

    “I love volunteering at RAD and it brings me great joy to see the young people grow in confidence and skill. My own daughters have benefitted hugely from their experience and have both grown so much during their time with the group.”

  • A woman outdoors wearing a sleeveless light purple dress, smiling with blonde hair and a bright background.

    DAWN COX

    TRUSTEE

    Dawn joined RAD as a trustee in 2024 after her son had become a member, She is an Associate Assistant Headteacher and Director of English at an East Sussex secondary school. She also has experience volunteering with the Scouts Association.

    “I am passionate about providing young people with a wide range of experiences and opportunities. It is exciting to see the opportunities that RAD is able to provide for its members and I am proud to be able to contribute to this.”