Hughie Gavin

Hughie Gavin (“JAKL”) is director of, and inspiration for the acclaimed Social Singing Choir in Margate.

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.