She has since opened a second Little Voices centre in Barnet and now delivers workshops, lessons and clubs in ten local schools, most of which are on a weekly basis.
“I’ve surpassed my initial business plan, and I’ve opened in more schools. It’s been received so positively.”
Hainbach, 37, credits the singing and drama lessons she took as a child as the “most important” thing she ever did, because they enabled her to make friends, gain self-belief, social skills and confidence, as well as the ability to speak in public.
It led to her reading classical singing at Leeds College of Music, before taking a masters in vocal performance at the Guildhall School of Music and working as an opera singer, teacher and the head of music at Alyth Synagogue.
Katie Hainbach (Photo: Little Voices)[Missing Credit]
She is now seeing the positive impact on children who started coming to her classes back in April. “Some of them barely spoke a word in front of other people. They were very anxious.” Now there are children who are preparing for their first Lamda exam. “We’re seeing a huge difference in confidence and are hearing from parents who say that their children are more expressive in school and at home, that they’re better able to verbalise their feelings and are happier.”
She adds that despite a varied career in the arts she has “never felt more reward professionally than working with children and seeing them benefit through singing and drama”.
The schools Hainbach is working with are also reporting a difference in the children attending Little Voices, saying that the pupils’ oracy and musicality are developing. “We’re just hearing so many positive things all round.”
Hainbach has recently started delivering not-for-profit music and drama workshops in children’s hospital wards, starting with University College Hospital, in partnership with the charity Bright Futures UK. This is close to her heart because she has spent considerable time in hospital with her eldest daughter Leia, who is profoundly disabled with complex medical needs and is supported by Camp Simcha.
Katie Hainbach, her husband, daughter Leia, who is profoundly disabled and has complex medical needs, and sons Robin and Dylan[Missing Credit]
“It’s something I'm super proud of, especially with Leia’s background,” she says. “We've spent months and months in hospitals, and it can get really isolating and boring for children on the wards. Just having that hour where they get to experience music and drama, and have an opportunity to express themselves, is so important for the children. But it's also important for the parents and the families, and the nurses really enjoy the sessions because they see the children enjoy themselves.”
In addition to the group workshops in the hospital play areas, Hainbach’s tutors give individual sessions in the rooms of children who are too unwell to leave.
Hainbach is also developing SEND lessons for Little Voices, where children with special educational needs and disabilities will have a safe space to explore the performing arts.
“They will be very much ability-based and will be focused on supporting them through music and drama and giving them the means to express themselves without the pressure of doing an exam,” she says.
It will also provide a safe space for parents and carers, with time left at the end of the sessions to support each other over a cup of tea.
Hainbach invites all children for a free trial class. “I’m encouraging people to bring children to the performing arts and to express themselves through their voice. Come along and give it a go.”
A spokesperson for the EWiF Awards said: “Katie has been nominated in the New Woman Franchisee of the Year category, which recognises the most successful woman franchisee during 2024, who joined their franchise network within the last two years and has already made an exceptional impact in their business, their franchise network, and their local community.
“This nomination highlights her exceptional contributions, innovative approach, and dedication to fostering growth and success within the franchising community.”
