Alana Shirley is one of the UK’s most sought-after vocal coaches - a certified voice expert, award-winning performer, and the visionary behind Midlands Voice Academy & Clinic. Known for her transformative results, deep technical knowledge, and warm, empowering teaching style, Alana leads a team of expert coaches who carry forward her ethos of excellence, empathy, and vocal freedom.

 

Alana holds a First-Class Honours Degree in Singing Performance & Education from Bird College, alongside a Diploma in Musical Theatre from the London College of Music. She is a certified Vocal Health First Aider, and an advanced practitioner of Estill Voice Training, with Levels 1 & 2, Estill for Singing Teachers, and the prestigious Advanced Estill Certificate awarded in Helsinki, Finland.

 

Her accolades include the BBC Fame Academy Musical Theatre Award and VLUK Tutor of the Year 2020.

 

Her first venture, ASA Theatre Arts, was founded in 2010 and built entirely from scratch into a highly successful sixth-form performing arts centre, known for its rigorous training and outstanding student outcomes. In 2025, ASA was proudly acquired by new owners, cementing Alana’s legacy as a trailblazer in performance education.

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As a coach, Alana has helped hundreds of students secure places at elite institutions including ArtsEd, GSA, Bird, Laine, Mountview, Urdang, Central, East 15, Performers, Masters, and more. Her private coaching and full-time courses have transformed singers of all ages - from aspiring beginners to seasoned professionals - with a focus on longevity, technique, and expressive freedom.

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A passionate advocate for mental health and inclusivity, Alana is also the proud patron of the nationally acclaimed anti-bullying charity Cheer Up Charlie, supporting young people across the UK through advocacy and performance-led outreach.

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Alongside her teaching career, Alana maintains an active professional performance portfolio. She has travelled to six continents with her voice, and has headlined international tours, cruise productions, and arena-scale concerts. Her notable credits include:

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• Singer - The D-Day Darlings - Britain’s Got Talent (ITV), Jubilee Special, Good Morning Britain, Heart FM with Amanda Holden & Jamie Theakston, Good Morning Britain, Saturday Kitchen, Channel 5 News, The Great Escape Concert at the Eventim Apollo Theatre

• Lead Singer - Dancing Queen 2025 - Chinese National Tour

• Soloist - BBC Proms: Sondheim at 80 - Royal Albert Hall, alongside Dame Judi Dench, Bryn Terfel, and Maria Friedman

• Lead Singer - Man in the Mirror - Niagara Falls, Canada

• Lead Singer - Broadway Christmas Wonderland - Mississippi, USA & West Coast National Tour

• Lead Singer - Dancing Queen - Monte Carlo Sporting Club, Monaco

• Lead Singer - Dancing Queen - Norwegian National Tour

• Lead Singer - Dancing Queen - Chinese National Tour 2013

• Soloist - Performances for the England Cricket Board Awards, Rolex Masters, Wentworth Golf Club.

• Interviewed Guest - Cruising with the Stars - Sky Holiday Channel

• Featured Vocalist - SiNG PARTY (Nintendo Wii U – FreeStyle Games/Activision)

• Dance Chart Vocalist - Ministry of Sound’s Till We Meet Again - BBC Radio 1, Pete Tong Essential Selections Chart (Number 1)

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As a proud core member of The D-Day Darlings, Alana has toured nationally at hundreds of various events, recorded a UK Top 5 album (Sony Records), and championed causes close to the groups heart as an ambassador for the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity. The group have performed for Princess Anne, Prince Albert of Monaco and Amanda Holden.

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Today, Midlands Voice Academy is the heart of Alana’s work - a thriving vocal hub where singers come to be heard, understood, and expertly guided. Whether you're preparing for auditions, building professional-level technique, recovering from vocal health challenges, or simply rediscovering your love of singing, Alana’s mission is simple: to help every student leave the room stronger, more skilled, more confident, and inspired.