A course for both aspiring and experienced choral/ensemble singers who wish to retrieve a voice that has become tight, strained, or is just undeveloped, and to establish healthy vocal function.
STANDARD: LEARNER, IMPROVER, CONFIDENT, SKILFUL
Resident: £402 Non-Resident: £292 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 25/238
Booking for Members opens at 9am on Thursday 12th September 2024
Booking for Non-Members opens at 9am on Thursday 3rd October 2024
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
What is the course about?
With her many years of experience, Barbara enables singers of all levels to address problems of tired, tense, undeveloped or unsteady voices. She helps to correct the habits that can interfere with free-flowing, natural singing, using breathing, posture, articulation and resonance exercises. This is essentially a vocal technique, rather than a repertoire course, but there will be some simple ensemble singing to begin applying new-found skills. Please be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a small hand mirror and a mat or old towel to lie on - some posture and breathing exercises are easier to do on the floor (but not essential for those who prefer not to). This course is for anyone wishing to revive, strengthen or simply awaken their voice, and gain more confidence to sing with ease. It is suitable for all standards, both experienced and inexperienced singers - there’s always room for improvement!
What will we cover?
Posture, breathing, articulation, resonance, versatility, extending vocal range, simple ensemble singing.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
Gain some detailed understanding of how the vocal mechanism works.
Loosen up the vocal musculature.
Connect your breath to your voice with more precision.
Feel more freedom and flexibility in your singing.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
All levels. No previous courses needed. Ability to read music is helpful, but not a prerequisite.
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
Mostly working as a whole group.
No prior preparation required.
No written work.
Ongoing informal tutor feedback.
Participants encouraged to give peer feedback if they feel comfortable doing so.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
No, it will be provided by the tutor on the course.
(as it’s not specifically a repertoire class, there’s no need for music in advance).
Tutor will provide exercise hand-outs to take away and ensemble music to borrow during the course.
Is there anything I need to bring?
A yoga-style mat or old blanket/towel to lie on for some breathing exercises (not compulsory if lying on the floor is a problem).
Loose, comfortable clothing – women may prefer to wear trousers for the session on the floor.
A small hand mirror.
A notebook and pencil if participants want to make their own notes.
What previous participants said about this course…
“It's a course that really does get your voice back, enabling you to have confidence in your voice, and it is all done with loads of well thought out activities. A very satisfying singing course, the best I've had for a long time.”
“A very thorough and informed course on making the best of your voice. The atmosphere was very relaxed, friendly and encouraging.”
“The tutor was always open to questions, and gave lots of support with each part that was covered. Each singing technique was fully explained, using very unique methods at every part. And it was lots of fun!”