Singing 1

What is the course about?

This course is for beginners and those with just a little singing experience. Come and learn basic techniques for good and healthy singing. Explore musicianship and discover a selection of music in a fun and supportive environment.

What will we cover?

- a vocal warm up to help you get the most out of your voice
- breathing exercises to help you sing and sort out nerves!
- songs from multiple genres such as classical, folk, pop and musical theatre.
- group singing and singing as an ensemble
- harmonising with the tutor may be introduced in some songs.

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

- feel confident singing in with others and individually, with and without support from accompaniment
- show an understanding of how the voice works at a rudimentary level
- demonstrate improved rhythmic awareness
- use good posture for singing
- display a basic understanding of efficient and effective breathing
- sing songs and rounds accurately in a group
- show some familiarity with music notation.

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

This is a complete beginners course but also suitable for near-beginners who wish to cover basic aspects of singing. It's helpful if you can already hear notes from a piano/voice and sing them back at the correct pitch. If you are unsure about your ability to do this, please contact the music 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, you may find it helpful to read our blog: Choosing a singing class at City lit which lists our full sequence of singing classes.

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

Sessions begin with a range of vocal warm ups, followed by song work as a group singing along with the tutor and working towards trying things in smaller groups, pairs and individually.
There will be musicianship exercises to develop aural awareness alongside the songs which will be in a range of styles.
You are encouraged to practise daily and your tutor will suggest helpful things you can do between sessions to build on what you have learnt in class.
This course will be supported with materials in Google Classroom.

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

It's useful to have a notebook, pen/pencil and a folder for keeping music/notes organised.

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

We recommend that you repeat Singing level 1 for at least three terms, but you can enjoy these classes as often as you wish before moving to a different level. The songs are different each term and this will help you build up a good musical repertoire and grow your confidence.

When you are ready (your tutor can advise you on this) you can move on to Singing level 2 which introduces some more solo singing opportunities.You could also conside trying one of our choirs.

If you need help learning to read music please consider supplementing your singing studies with ‘Musicianship 1: listening and reading, pitch and rhythm’. These musicianship courses are ideally taken in conjunction with a singing / instrumental class and will help you learn much faster.