Sing opera workshop

What is the course about?

This course is for singers ready for the workshop format: independently learning songs and presenting them in front of their peers. Songs will be taken from the classical song repertoire in order to consolidate and expand your skills . You will be encouraged to use your voice in a more flexible and artistic manner and to further develop your awareness of critical evaluation in singing.

At this level, singers prepare songs in advance so that the class can focus on technique, communication, interpretation and performance. Singers will also be encouraged to explore more musically complex pieces and to perform songs from memory.

What will we cover?

- Vocal and physical exercises and further guidance on technique.
- Broadening your individual repertoire choices and guidance on its suitability.
- Working with a professional accompanist (indicating speed etc.)
- Performing from memory.
- Performance technique - the art of communicating with an audience.
- Self and peer evaluation to gain a better understanding of the voice
- Understanding the requirements and demands of an Opera singer.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Perform songs with confidence
- Perform from memory displaying an understanding of the text
- Show your ability to select repertoire suitable for your voice
- Demonstrate a more settled technique.
- Communicate confidently with your audience through song
- Demonstrate an understanding of critical evaluation in vocal and performance technique.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

At this level you need to have a reliable vocal technique, having completed levels up to ‘Singing workshop’ or at least four years' one-to-one lessons.
You should be confident singing in front of the class and have the ability to learn repertoire from memory regularly.
This level also requires an intermediate understanding of musical notation, and sufficient knowledge of written music to learn pieces independently. Sight-singing is not necessary for this course.
You must be able 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. You could also drop in to one of our advice sessions where we can hear you sing and help you choose the right course. Please bring a piece to sing with piano accompaniment.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Time is allowed for a vocal warm-up and technical exercises.
The class comprises of mainly individual work with some demonstration, lecture and discussion of topics arising out of work in progress.
You will be expected to research, prepare and practise repertoire to present in class, so that the tutor can focus on technique, communication and interpretation.
You will need to be able to learn new songs and present them to the class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

A notebook and pencil for taking notes, sheet music as required and a course book as advised. You are encouraged to acquire copies of music you are studying during the year. Music may be purchased new or second-hand. Suitable scores may be available from IMSLP.
The tutor will offer suitable suggestions for individual choices and project themes.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

This is an introductory workshop course. Your tutor will advise on the most suitable course to continue with from September. Visit our blog on Choosing a singing class for more information or contact the music department for further advice music@citylit.ac.uk.