THE STUDIO
Institute Studios is a purpose built vocal studio. A dedicated space for both professional and aspiring vocalists. It is also home to several choirs including the Social Singing Choir, Margate Children’s Choir and professional ensemble Institute Collective
Vocal sessions are available Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10:00am - 6:30pm
HUGHIE GAVIN
Institute Studios Director Hughie Gavin is a composer, arranger, producer and musical director based in Margate. His work has included commissions for the 2019 Turner Prize as well as multiple choral collaborations with Universal Records, Ninja Tune, City Slang, Sub Pop, Moshi Moshi Records, as well as sound artist Yuri Suzuki. From Institute Studios in Margate he leads both a contemporary vocal ensemble Institute Collective and The Social Singing Choir.
Born into a musical family, Hughie’s father is internationally acclaimed opera singer Julian Gavin. He first studied music under his grandmother, composer Val Gavin and was later classically trained as a choral scholar at the London Oratory School. His version of I Could Have Danced All Night was used on the global 2020 Audi advertising campaign. He was also the musical director on the 2019 Christmas advertising campaign for very.com. He recently vocal directed and recorded the choral parts for the score of True Detective Season 4. As well as producing, arranging and choral directing the recent global WWF campaign.
As well as working with singers at Institute Studios, his work with the voice has included MD and vocal coaching for major touring shows, TV shows and advertising campaigns. Hughie was classically trained by his opera singing father Julian Gavin & renowned vocal coach and researcher Janice Chapman. He describes his teaching method as ‘a natural approach’, building on the fundamentals of his classical training with the experience he’s gained within the music industry.
As a songwriter Hughie has worked extensively throughout Europe with international artists. Aside from his successful career as a writer, his unique voice also makes him in demand as a featured vocalist. Performing artist under the moniker JAKL, he was voted one of Glastonbury’s Emerging Artists in 2016, securing national radio support from BBC R1, XFM, BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 6 Music.
VOCAL STUDIO
Sessions are structured around a modern approach to coaching. Combining classical training with experience working in the music industry.
Hughie works with both professional and non-professional singers from a wide variety of genres. His work spans coaching on The Voice UK and Vocal Directing large-scale touring shows to directing local community and children’s choirs. Regardless of the level of experience, lessons at the studio are based on the same approach to technique and performance. Due to the writing, recording, and performance schedule, the studio is only open on Wednesday and Friday.
CHOIRS
The studios choirs are all founded with the idea of bringing people together to sing and have a good time. As they’re linked to the studio there are always fun opportunities. The studio choirs have sung on several major albums, including The Social Singing Choir’s own Moshi Moshi Records release. We have also featured on a BBC Radio 1 Hottest Record, recorded a high profile Christmas Ad campaign for Very.com, performed as part of The Turner Prize and so much more.
We partner with local charities to raise funds and awareness and make sure we have a positive impact within the community.
THE SPACE
Our 50m2 space is equipped for rehearsals, acoustic shows, recitals, workshops, shoots, recording sessions, meetings and a host of other events. With a large selection of set ups and equipment including PA system, HD Projector, professional photography and audio / recording equipment.