Choral singing for pleasure
Time: 14:30 - 16:30
Location: Keeley Street
Choose a start date
- Course Code: MF341A
- Dates: 16/09/24 - 02/12/24
- Time: 14:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Mon, Daytime
- Duration: 11 sessions (over 12 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Richard Hartley Wilson
Course Code: MF341A
Choose a start date
Duration: 11 sessions (over 12 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This lively class is for everyone who enjoys singing to come and enjoy choral music. Learn to harmonise with the tutor and have fun while you’re learning! This course is supported by a professional accompanist as well as recordings and backing tracks to sing along with.
What will we cover?
- The musical repertoire on each course module will cross several genres so there is something for everyone. From movements from famous classical choral works to folk, pop and musical theatre.
- Repertoire may include occasional sacred items from various traditions
- There is time allowed for a vocal warm up at the beginning of each session
- You will also learn some basic technique and breathing exercises designed to help you get the most out of your voice
- We read from some musical scores but there is plenty of time to learn notes in rehearsals so you are not expected to have advanced music-reading skills.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Feel confident about singing as part of a choir
- Know more about choral repertoire in a number of genres
- Perform simple 2- and 3- part harmonies
- Have a greater understanding of how the voice works.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a course for all levels from beginner upwards. Confindence in your ability to hear notes from the piano and voice and sing them back at the correct pitch is essential. If you are unsure about your ability to do this, please contact the department for further advice: music@citylit.ac.uk. You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.
If you are new to City Lit singing classes, please take a moment to read our blog: Choosing a singing class at City lit which lists our full sequence of singing classes. If you need further advice choosing a class please contact the department: music@citylit.ac.uk.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Each lesson will begin with a vocal warm up before new music is studied and rehearsed. Sessions generally comprise of working on the separate voice-parts, and then focus on ironing out problems and difficult passages. The teacher will then move on to interpretation by drawing attention to more prominent lines within the overall texture and dynamic contrasts within the piece.
Practising between sessions is encouraged to aid your learning and development.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Music sheets are provided in class and will be available through google classroom. You may find it helpful to have a folder to keep them organised and a pencil to make notes on your scores. It is advisable to join the Google Classroom before the course starts.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may repeat this course for a long as you wish as the repertoire changes each module. However, we recommend a minimum of three modules’ study to experience a useful amount of repertoire.
If you are interested in exploring your vocal potential further you may like to consider the class ‘Singing 1’ to learn more about your voice and develop your technique further or ‘Singing 2’ if you are confident reading sheet music.
Richard Hartley Wilson trained at Middlesex University, gaining a BA (Hons 1st Class) in Performing Arts. He went on to study a Post Graduate Diploma in Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music, where he was awarded the Mary Hammond award for acting through song. He also holds a PGCLTHE from Rose Bruford. Since graduating he has worked consistently as a singer and actor both in the UK and overseas. As a teacher Richard works at drama schools and conservatories across London alongside his work at City Lit. His courses at City Lit include Music Theatre, Cabaret, Sing Broadway, Choral Singing and general singing. In 2018 Richard received a City Lit Teacher of the Year Award.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
