Val Jacobs is a tutor in Fashion Design on BA Fashion and Printed Textiles. Val has taught in Further and Higher Education in Colchester Institute and at University Centre Colchester.
Prior to her career as a university lecturer, Val has worked extensively in the fashion industry as a stylist, consultant and as an independent designer, selling to Japan and the USA, to stores including; Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Selfridges and Liberty. Val has also experienced working with a number of high street brands including River Island, Topshop and M&S. Her work has appeared in magazines in including Vogue and Harpers and Queen.
Matthew de Kersaint Giraudeau is Course Leader for BA (Hons) Fine Art. Matthew has taught at universities and alternative art institutions across the country at undergraduate and post graduate level and before joining University Centre Colchester was an Associate Lecturer at Chelsea College of Arts on their Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Art.
Matthew is both artist and a teacher, exhibiting work across the country and internationally.
Matthew is currently undertaking a practice based PhD at Kingston School of Art where he is researching direct address in performance and video.
Stephen Ellison is Course Leader on BA (Hons) Fashion and Printed Textiles. As well as delivering textiles and contextual studies elements of the course, he has academic and administrative responsibility for the programme, facilitating live projects, arranging visiting speakers, exhibitions, shows, study trips and maintaining links with industry and employers.
Stephen has an MA Printed Textiles from the Royal College of Art, London and has worked as a Lecturer at University Centre Colchester since 2020. His understanding of the specialism of Printed Textiles has been acquired through 20 years of experience in the industry, having had a diverse and contrasting career in design, with experience in various print for fashion studios in Stockholm, London and New York.
Stephen currently makes bespoke, hand printed linen products for the home, exclusively made to order.
Matthew is a Lecturer in Acting for Musical Theatre and Directing. Matthew has experience in teaching acting to primary ages right up to university level, and has previously delivered classes at Birmingham School of Acting & East 15 Acting school.
With over 10 years of industry experience Matthew has dedicated his work on the belief that creativity and artistic expression is a catalyst for change.
Matthew is an experienced practitioner having worked with educational theatre companies such as Rainbow Theatre Co. and continues to practition at the Mercury Theatre Colchester
Dr. Sean O’Dell is Senior Lecturer in Contextual Studies and Social History in the School of Visual and Performing Arts and teaches a range of modules across the BA (Hons) programmes.
As well as lecturing at University Centre Colchester, Sean has taught at the University of Essex Centre for Local and Regional History.
Sean’s recent research interests have included topics for publication in the book Shaping the Past (University of Hertfordshire Press); the latest volume of the Victoria County History of Essex.
Jason is a lecturer in Music Technology and teaches subjects including composition and production, alongside administrative responsibilities involving module creation.
Jason has extensive experience in education and industry, having spent 20+ years as a peripatetic teacher and composer in film, television and other media.
In addition to film and television, Frederick has also scored television advertisements, promotional trailers, and documentary subjects. He has played on recordings with artists such as Billy Preston, Peter Thomas and Will Young, and has played on soundtrack sessions for film and television.
Mick is Head of School of Visual and Performing Arts and is responsible for the overall management, planning, curriculum development and artistic direction.
Mick has extensive experience of delivering and heading Art-based programmes in Further and Higher Education settings in the UK, including positions at Leeds School of Art and Stamford College.
His professional work combines the role of artist and educationalist. A lot of Mick’s early work was in film animation and he produced a number of shorts, one of which was selected for the Cambridge Animation Festival. He also worked on the original series of Superted animated cartoons; up to that point at least, the only non-Disney cartoon to make it onto the Disney TV channel. Mick also worked commercially for several years, as a freelance artist, illustrator and sign writer.
Julien Mery is the Programme Leader for the Digital Film Production degree course at University Centre Colchester. He teaches on the production and technology-based modules.
Julien has worked for over 15 years in the film and education sector in Germany, France, Denmark and the UK. He also works as regular media trainer for the UNHCR in Europe and West Africa.
To date, he has self-produced two feature films and established a regional organisation to help promote and coordinate film production activities across East Anglia. The formal network he established now has over 1500 talent and crew listed which he regularly provides with employment opportunities. As a result, he has supported over 8 feature film productions, along with countless shorts films and TV programmes filming in East Anglia, several of which our students were involved in.
Dr Mark Pulman is a lecturer in Music and Performing Arts, teaching modules: in Critical Studies in Musical Theatre; Musicianship and Music Teaching in Practice. Mark also works as an accompanist for auditions and performances.
Mark is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and an Associate of the Royal College of Music (ARCM). He is also a former Head of Music in three secondary schools.
His professional life encompasses both popular and classical music performance, and music education. Mark has substantial industry experience with various music companies at senior levels, including Novello & Co Ltd, Warner/Chappell Music, Hal Leonard (USA), and Spartan Press.
Simon Warne is Course Leader and Lecturer in Musical Theatre. He is the musical director of college choral groups, showcases and other course productions. Before joining University Centre Colchester, Simon combined his role as a lay clerk at Chelmsford Cathedral with working for Essex Music Services’ choral development and peripatetic singing team.
Simon is an experienced choral director and workshop leader, who works with a diverse range of advanced, and community based choirs including regular direction of the Essex County Youth Choirs.
He now combines his knowledge of traditional choral music with an in depth understanding of voice and physiology, through his wide experience of the Estill Model.
Art Staff
Mick is Head of School of Visual and Performing Arts and is responsible for the overall management, planning, curriculum development and artistic direction.
Mick has extensive experience of delivering and heading Art-based programmes in Further and Higher Education settings in the UK, including positions at Leeds School of Art and Stamford College.
His professional work combines the role of artist and educationalist. A lot of Mick’s early work was in film animation and he produced a number of shorts, one of which was selected for the Cambridge Animation Festival. He also worked on the original series of Superted animated cartoons; up to that point at least, the only non-Disney cartoon to make it onto the Disney TV channel. Mick also worked commercially for several years, as a freelance artist, illustrator and sign writer.
Alice Baker is a Lecturer in Computer Games and has taught at University Centre Colchester since September 2021. Alice has an MSc in Games Development from the University of Suffolk, with a focus on 3D art.
Alice has studied game development for the past 5 years, including design, art and programming. Alice’s research interests involve the psychology of game design and designing for emotions in games.
As well as having a passion for game development, Alice has also developed her art skills as a tattoo artist, designing bespoke art from clients’ interests.
Stephen Ellison is Course Leader on BA (Hons) Fashion and Printed Textiles. As well as delivering textiles and contextual studies elements of the course, he has academic and administrative responsibility for the programme, facilitating live projects, arranging visiting speakers, exhibitions, shows, study trips and maintaining links with industry and employers.
Stephen has an MA Printed Textiles from the Royal College of Art, London and has worked as a Lecturer at University Centre Colchester since 2020. His understanding of the specialism of Printed Textiles has been acquired through 20 years of experience in the industry, having had a diverse and contrasting career in design, with experience in various print for fashion studios in Stockholm, London and New York.
Stephen currently makes bespoke, hand printed linen products for the home, exclusively made to order.
Sebastian Muravchik is Course Leader for BA Music, with a focus on student-led, student-centered learning facilitation, and learning mindsets. Before joining University Centre Colchester, Sebastian taught at Ravensbourne University and London College of Communication.
Sebastian has decades-long experience teaching in music, media production and the creative arts at a wide variety of levels and platforms.
Sebastian is also an active live performer, songwriter and music producer and DJ in electronic music and pop, as well as a composer for film, theatre and other media. Previously he has also worked as a live and recording session guitarist and arranger.
Matthew de Kersaint Giraudeau is Course Leader for BA (Hons) Fine Art. Matthew has taught at universities and alternative art institutions across the country at undergraduate and post graduate level and before joining University Centre Colchester was an Associate Lecturer at Chelsea College of Arts on their Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Art.
Matthew is both artist and a teacher, exhibiting work across the country and internationally.
Matthew is currently undertaking a practice based PhD at Kingston School of Art where he is researching direct address in performance and video.
Matthew is a Lecturer in Acting for Musical Theatre and Directing. Matthew has experience in teaching acting to primary ages right up to university level, and has previously delivered classes at Birmingham School of Acting & East 15 Acting school.
With over 10 years of industry experience Matthew has dedicated his work on the belief that creativity and artistic expression is a catalyst for change.
Matthew is an experienced practitioner having worked with educational theatre companies such as Rainbow Theatre Co. and continues to practition at the Mercury Theatre Colchester
Sarah Sabin is a lecturer in visual arts. Sarah’s experience of teaching combines Higher Education with secondary school and outreach projects. She has taught at Colchester Institute, Colchester Sixth Form College, and a number of adult community colleges.
Sarah has been an artist and educator for over twenty years. Her art work interprets and reimagines sites and their histories, through making, public participation and site specific projects in the public realm.
Sarah also has experience of informal education/ gallery education programmes, including Arts Council England funded initiatives.
Music Staff
Andy Watson is a lecturer in Music. Andy has taught at Leeds College of Music, Bretton Hall College of Higher Education, Anglia Polytechnic University, Harlow College, Colchester Institute and University Centre Colchester. Andy is an Associate of the Royal College of Music (ARCM) and a member of the Musicians’ Union and PRS for Music.
His music performance credits include; sessions for Yorkshire TV, Channel 4, Carlton Television, BBC, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, English National Opera North, as well as seven West End Shows including Les Miserables, Sunset Boulevard and Anything Goes.
Andy has an extensive jazz performance track record, including performances with Barbara Thompson’s Paraphernalia, Paul Higg’s Pavane, Helen Shapiro and various clubs and festivals.
Dr Mark Pulman is a lecturer in Music and Performing Arts, teaching modules: in Critical Studies in Musical Theatre; Musicianship and Music Teaching in Practice. Mark also works as an accompanist for auditions and performances.
Mark is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and an Associate of the Royal College of Music (ARCM). He is also a former Head of Music in three secondary schools.
His professional life encompasses both popular and classical music performance, and music education. Mark has substantial industry experience with various music companies at senior levels, including Novello & Co Ltd, Warner/Chappell Music, Hal Leonard (USA), and Spartan Press.
Media Staff
Julien Mery is the Programme Leader for the Digital Film Production degree course at University Centre Colchester. He teaches on the production and technology-based modules.
Julien has worked for over 15 years in the film and education sector in Germany, France, Denmark and the UK. He also works as regular media trainer for the UNHCR in Europe and West Africa.
To date, he has self-produced two feature films and established a regional organisation to help promote and coordinate film production activities across East Anglia. The formal network he established now has over 1500 talent and crew listed which he regularly provides with employment opportunities. As a result, he has supported over 8 feature film productions, along with countless shorts films and TV programmes filming in East Anglia, several of which our students were involved in.
Heather Bishop is Course Leader for BA Hons Computer Games with 3D Modelling and Animation, specialising in Technical Design, including: Game Design, Programming and Business/Project Management.
Heather’s research interests focus on second-person perspective in video games, which forms the basis of her masters thesis.
As well as having a passion for game development, Heather’s work with Game Anglia has seen her coordinate and execute industry conferences, indie showcases, workshops and more.
Performing Arts Staff
Simon Warne is Course Leader and Lecturer in Musical Theatre. He is the musical director of college choral groups, showcases and other course productions. Before joining University Centre Colchester, Simon combined his role as a lay clerk at Chelmsford Cathedral with working for Essex Music Services’ choral development and peripatetic singing team.
Simon is an experienced choral director and workshop leader, who works with a diverse range of advanced, and community based choirs including regular direction of the Essex County Youth Choirs.
He now combines his knowledge of traditional choral music with an in depth understanding of voice and physiology, through his wide experience of the Estill Model.
Dr Mark Pulman is a lecturer in Music and Performing Arts, teaching modules: in Critical Studies in Musical Theatre; Musicianship and Music Teaching in Practice. Mark also works as an accompanist for auditions and performances.
Mark is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and an Associate of the Royal College of Music (ARCM). He is also a former Head of Music in three secondary schools.
His professional life encompasses both popular and classical music performance, and music education. Mark has substantial industry experience with various music companies at senior levels, including Novello & Co Ltd, Warner/Chappell Music, Hal Leonard (USA), and Spartan Press.
Jason is a lecturer in Music Technology and teaches subjects including composition and production, alongside administrative responsibilities involving module creation.
Jason has extensive experience in education and industry, having spent 20+ years as a peripatetic teacher and composer in film, television and other media.
In addition to film and television, Frederick has also scored television advertisements, promotional trailers, and documentary subjects. He has played on recordings with artists such as Billy Preston, Peter Thomas and Will Young, and has played on soundtrack sessions for film and television.
Music:
Andy Watson – Pop, Jazz, Guitar
Jason Frederick – Film Music
Janice Fletcher – Music Education
Rachel James – Film Music, Conducting, Music Education, Cello
Plus visiting guests and industry professionals
Performing Arts:
Simon Warne – Voice
Collette Coleman – Dance
Sarah-Rose Dunn – Tap
Heidi Fletcher – Voice
Plus visiting agents, actors and industry professionals
Media – Digital Film Production:
Julien Mery – Film Production Skills (Film Suffolk)
Amy Feeley – Directing and Script Writing
Jon Saward – Film Production Skills
Andy Darbyshire – Experimental Cinema
Nick Woolgar – Post-Production
Richard Johns – Guest lecturer (directing)
Plus visiting guest lecturers, producers, directors
School of Media – Computer Games with 3D Modelling and Animation:
Heather Bishop – Games design and development, 3D modelling (Game Anglia)
Tom Wenman – Games design and development, 3D modelling
Philip Cheung – Coding and Programming
Dr Steve Huckle – Guest Lecturer
Mark Backler – Guest Lecturer
Dan Collier – Guest Lecturer
Accompanists:
Dr Mark Pulman
Barbara Cutter
Instrumental and Vocal Staff
Simon Warne – Voice
Heidi Fletcher – Voice
Nova Hughes – Voice
Emmy Urquhart – Voice
Carnell Cook – Voice
Steve Smith – Guitar, Bass, Banjo, Mandolin
AJ Kemp – Guitar
Chris Allard – Guitar
Andy Watson – Guitar
Beth Spendlove – Violin / Viola
Mary Pells – Cello
Rachel James – Cello
Martin Hathaway – Flute, Clarinet, Sax, Jazz Piano
French Horn – Chris Street
Lower Brass – by arrangement
Caroline Finlay – Piano
Jamie Trowell – Drums
Michael Allen – Percussion