Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Training Courses
Timeline
Generic
Julie Kolajo

Julie Kolajo

London

Summary

Experienced Musical Director, Vocal Coach, and Production Coordinator with over 40 years in the music industry. Skilled at managing complex rehearsals, live performances, and logistical operations for bands, choirs, and international productions. Proven ability to liaise with artists, promoters, and production teams, while maintaining strong administrative, financial, and event management oversight. Performed alongside world-class artists and orchestras, with a consistent track record of delivering polished, sell-out performances. A highly skilled professional with expertise in event supervision, planning and design, and strategic planning. Demonstrates resilience under pressure and adaptability to changing environments, ensuring effective project planning and progress updates. Possesses strong leadership skills, communication excellence, and time management excellence, complemented by financial reporting capabilities. Proficient in staff supervision and customer service, with a solid understanding of marketing strategies. Career goals include leveraging these competencies to drive organisational success and innovation.

Overview

39
39
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education

Work history

PA Systems and Stage Manager Assistant

Freedom Sound & Entertainment Hire
London based
01.2014 - Current
  • Managed expense reports accurately for budget control purposes.
  • Coordinated travel arrangements, resulting in smooth business trips.
  • Assist with PA system setup, sound engineering, and stage crew logistics
  • Support sound checks, mic balance, and live show transitions
  • Processed mail, email and phone enquiries, minimising correspondence backlogs.
  • Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
  • Used Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams and other software tools to create documents and clear communications.
  • Facilitated smooth running of live shows by coordinating technical aspects such as sound systems, lighting and stage setup.

Events Planner and Stylist

Freelancer / Self Employed
London based
03.2018 - Current
  • Fostered positive client relationships through regular communication and updates.
  • Supervised teams, ensuring efficient workflow during high-profile events.
  • Managed budgets to maximise return on investment for clients.
  • Secured favourable deals with vendors which enhanced overall event quality.
  • Sourced appropriate venues for various types of events based on client specifications.
  • Provided excellent customer service, leading to repeat business from satisfied clients.
  • Handled unexpected issues promptly, minimising disruptions during events.
  • Managed inventory of styling tools and products, ensuring optimum availability.
  • Managed large-scale events from initial planning to successful completion.

Founder / MD / Choreographer

Self Employed - Universal-V Vocal Group
London Based
02.2018 - Current
  • Direct a 5-member vocal group; create and teach vocal arrangements and stage movement
  • Coordinate performances at national events, tours, and festivals
  • Supervise marketing, bookings, and technical requirements
  • Worked flexible hours, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays.
  • Worked closely with directors and set designers to ensure consistency in visual storytelling through costuming.
  • Collaborated with production designers to create realistic period costumes, enhancing the authenticity of performances.

Vocal Coach / Choreographer

Talitha Voices International Choir - UK & USA
United Kingdom & Seattle Washington
06.2005 - Current
  • Coach a 20-piece choir for professional-level performances
  • Organize rehearsals and collaborate with live musicians, sound teams, and venues
  • Arrange and teach harmonies, choreography, and stage presence
  • Provided constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in choir members singing abilities.
  • Identified individual learning needs, resulting in a more focused and efficient training approach.

Music Director / Choreographer

RiCh Community Gospel Choir
London based
05.2005 - Current
  • Developed comprehensive musical programmes for special events and concerts.
  • Managed rehearsals effectively, promoting smooth execution during live performances.
  • Collaborated with team members to create innovative music arrangements.
  • Regularly reviewed musician performance through auditions or trials, ensuring continuous improvement within the ensemble.
  • Maintained high standards of musicianship by conducting regular rehearsal sessions.

Senior Poll Clerk

London Borough of Haringey
North London
07.2014 - 04.2020
  • Completed tasks promptly and efficiently under little supervision, displaying excellent time management skills.
  • Improved office efficiency by maintaining an organised filing system.
  • Demonstrated punctuality by arriving early for setup and staying till close down.
  • Ensured flawless election process through proper maintenance of voting booths.
  • Exhibited excellent communication skills when addressing voters' questions or concerns.
  • Prepared accurate end-of-day reports to reflect voter participation accurately.
  • Managed crowd control during peak voting hours for orderly conduct.

Lead Backing Vocalist and Costume Designer

Freelance
London based
05.2000 - Current
  • Performed the National Anthem for the Nigeria v Jamaica football match; gala for the Presidents of Sierra Leone and Nigeria; the Jamaican High Commission; Top of the Pops and Maritime.
  • Featured with the London Philharmonic Orchestra in crossover and reggae concerts.
  • Headlined sold-out shows at Fairfield Halls, Catford Broadway Theatre, and venues across the UK
  • Performed with numerous artist across the UK and overseas such as Sir John Holt; Gabrielle; Ken Booth; Levi Roots; Janet Kay MBE; Ben Portsmouth (Elvis) and many more...
  • Developed repertoire of songs for diverse audience engagement.
  • Established rapport with audiences using engaging stage presence and interaction techniques.
  • Managed other musicians in rehearsals, performances and other musical activities.
  • Provided background vocals on studio recordings, contributing to overall sound quality.
  • Maintained equipment, costumes and props to ensure good condition.
  • Produced and distributed sheet music for rehearsal and performance.
  • Self-promoted on various social media platforms to raise awareness and gain greater audience.

Performance Officer

London Borough of Haringey
London based
08.1990 - Current
  • Provided customer service to improve overall visitor experience.
  • Assisted during special events and large-scale operations ensuring smooth running of activities.
  • Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
  • Facilitated execution of technical project work and consulting in line with delivery deadlines, quality control policies and report writing standards.
  • Managed end-to-end audit process from scoping to fieldwork and report writing.
  • Trained and managed team of 6 personnel in proper basic report writing, data collection and frontline duties.
  • Undertook project management duties ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.

Administrator

Safeguarding Children Services
London based
04.2005 - 12.2010
  • Performance Officer – Safeguarding Children (2005–2010)
  • Project Officer – Leaving Care Team (2003–2005)
  • Trainer & Admin Officer – Children's Database (1993–1997)
  • Finance Officer – Child Protection Services (1997–2000)
  • Clerical/Admin/Duty Clerk Roles (1986–1993)

Administrator

Safeguarding Children Services
London based
04.1986 - 12.2010
  • Performance Officer – Safeguarding Children (2005–2010)
  • Project Officer – Leaving Care Team (2003–2005)
  • Trainer & Admin Officer – Children's Database (1993–1997)
  • Finance Officer – Child Protection Services (1997–2000)
  • Clerical/Admin/Duty Clerk Roles (1986–1993)

Education

Certificate of Higher Education - B'TEC Higher National Certificate in Business & Finance

College of North East London
London
09.1992 - 07.1994

Certificate of Higher Education - B'TEC General in Public Administration

Haringey & Enfield College
London
09.1990 - 07.1992

O-Levels - City & Guilds in Public Administration

Tottenham College of Technology
London
07.1986 - 09.1988

GCSEs - Maths; English; History; Contemporary studies; Music; Physical Education; Biology

Northumberland Park Secondary School
London
09.1980 - 07.1986

Skills

  • Event supervision and planning
  • Resilience under pressure
  • Leadership capabilities
  • Financial reporting
  • Adaptability to change
  • Time management
  • Effective communication
  • Staff supervision
  • Project planning and updates
  • Equipment operation
  • Marketing strategies
  • Customer service excellence
  • Strategic planning

Training Courses

2016 - 2018 Event Planning & Styling

2014 - 2016 PA Systems & Live Band Sound Engineering

1997 - 1998 Project Management

1994 - 1995 Time Management & Performance

1993 - 1994 Springboard for Women

1992 - 1993 Train The Trainer

Timeline

Events Planner and Stylist

Freelancer / Self Employed
03.2018 - Current

Founder / MD / Choreographer

Self Employed - Universal-V Vocal Group
02.2018 - Current

Senior Poll Clerk

London Borough of Haringey
07.2014 - 04.2020

PA Systems and Stage Manager Assistant

Freedom Sound & Entertainment Hire
01.2014 - Current

Vocal Coach / Choreographer

Talitha Voices International Choir - UK & USA
06.2005 - Current

Music Director / Choreographer

RiCh Community Gospel Choir
05.2005 - Current

Administrator

Safeguarding Children Services
04.2005 - 12.2010

Lead Backing Vocalist and Costume Designer

Freelance
05.2000 - Current

Certificate of Higher Education - B'TEC Higher National Certificate in Business & Finance

College of North East London
09.1992 - 07.1994

Certificate of Higher Education - B'TEC General in Public Administration

Haringey & Enfield College
09.1990 - 07.1992

Performance Officer

London Borough of Haringey
08.1990 - Current

O-Levels - City & Guilds in Public Administration

Tottenham College of Technology
07.1986 - 09.1988

Administrator

Safeguarding Children Services
04.1986 - 12.2010

GCSEs - Maths; English; History; Contemporary studies; Music; Physical Education; Biology

Northumberland Park Secondary School
09.1980 - 07.1986

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Julie Kolajo