Choosing a singing class at City Lit

Welcome to the music department City Lit. Here in the heart of Covent Garden we run a full range of music courses suitable for complete beginners right through to experienced performers.

We have a variety of singing courses on offer so remember you can always call us on 020 4582 0412 or email the Music Department to book an advice session if you want to speak/sing to us for help.

However if you are brave enough to dive in for a browse, this blog post aims to guide you through the process of choosing a singing course that’s the right level for you.

Group Learning 

Learning in a group is a great way to learn how to sing. You will benefit from exercises and songs designed to get the best out of your voice, improve your musicality and meet new people along the way. It’s been proven that singing in a group is good for your health too!

Please note that we offer multiple class-times: use the drop-down menu 'choose a start date'  to choose the correct time before you add you course to your basket.

Ensemble/choir Singing

• Choir at lunchtime
• Choral singing for pleasure
• City Lit a cappella
• Christmas crooning (annually, in December)

Short introductions Occasional 4-week courses. Explore your voice in a friendly group setting.

• Singing for absolute beginners

Getting started These courses are for beginners or people who are returning to singing after a long break. You will learn the basics of voice production in a fun and friendly format, singing songs from many genres, so there is something for everyone. 

• Sing with confidence
• Singing 1
• Singing 1 (contemporary)

Foundation level classes Beginners through to intermediate level.  These 1.5-hour classes begin with group work, learning singing technique alongside musicality and with solo content increasing as you rise up through the programme. Music is chosen from different genres so there is something for everyone. You will be learning to read basic music notation in these lessons.

• Singing 1 (three terms per year) or Singing 1 (contemporary)
• Singing 2 (three terms per year)
• Singing 3 (three terms per year)

Singing workshops Intermediate to advanced level.  For these 2-hour workshop classes, the ability to learn music independently is essential so you can focus on technique, interpretation, style and musicality. In the classical workshops there is an emphasis on singing in foreign languages and there is usually a termly focus on a particular theme or repertoire. You encouraged to source your own material to sing.

• Classical singing workshop *in person
• Singing workshop (contemporary) *online
• Singing workshop (mixed styles) *in person
• Sing music theatre workshop

Advanced singing workshops These workshops are for advanced singers only. You must prepare music, pronunciation and interpretation in your own time so that you can present pieces masterclass-style during the lesson and be ready to respond to interpretative coaching.

• Classical singing: advanced workshop

Jazz, pop and folk singing Please read the full course outline carefully, as some of these classes are not suitable for beginners. We recommend you start with Singing 1 and study through to Singing 2 first before exploring these specialist styles. 

If any of these following links are broken it means there is no current class taking place, please email the Music Department to find out when the next one is planned.

• • Singing 1 (contemporary)
  • Singing workshop (contemporary) *online
  • Sing jazz (various different levels)
  • Jazz crooning
  • Jazz vocal improvisation

Musicianship and music theory

Our complementary courses are designed to enhance your understanding of musical skills and musical notation. Please see our Musicianship and music theory programme for some ideas.