Ashling initially trained in Contemporary Theatre Practice at The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (Now RCS), she Holds a PDGE in Drama and Media, an MA in Dance Theatre Practice from Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and an MEd in Learning and Teaching in Performing Arts from Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Ashling was first introduced to Nadine George Vocal Work by a colleague who is an accredited teacher- Mel Drake. During her MEd studies at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, she pursued her interest in the work throughout her theoretical and practice-based research and as a result of this, has worked for a number of years with several accredited teachers as well as Nadine herself.
This work has had a profound impact on Ashling as an individual, a creative, a teacher and as a director. It allows a connection to her creative power, nourishes her when resources feel depleted and reenergises. The community that has been established through this work, is hugely supportive and by becoming an accredited teacher, she hopes to continue to contribute to this community.
Ashling is currently the Curriculum Team Manager for Performing Arts, at Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS), Edinburgh College. Here, she uses NGVW as an integral part of her creative process when directing student productions and has seen first-hand the impact this work can have on the level of creative understanding and courage that is demonstrated by young performers.