Singing for absolute beginners
Time: 18:00 - 19:30
Location: Keeley Street
Choose a start date
- Course Code: MF942
- Dates: 10/07/24 - 07/08/24
- Time: 18:00 - 19:30
- Taught: Wed, Evening
- Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Trevor Alexander
Course Code: MF942
Choose a start date
Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 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?
A chance to start exploring your voice in a fun, informal setting, to build confidence, develop your musical skills and learn some basic principles of healthy voice use. This is a group class and you will not be expected to sing solo although there may be opportunities for you to have a go singing solo if you wish.
What will we cover?
- Basic vocal technique, e.g. breathing and posture and vocal warm-ups at an introductory level.
- Several songs in a range of styles
- Singing rhythmically and in tune.
- Some basic music notation to support your singing.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Sing with more confidence
- Sing several new songs
- Sing with greater awareness of rhythm and intonation
- Have some understanding of healthy voice use.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No previous experience is needed, but it is helpful if you can sing a note at the same pitch that is played on the piano or sung to you by the teacher.
You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
- The class will begin with physical and vocal warm-ups and exercises to promote healthy voice use.
- You will learn songs in a range of styles to develop confidence and musicianship.
- Some basic music notation may be covered, relating to the songs studied.
- The tutor will demonstrate vocal sounds for the class to copy.
- Singing will be mainly as a group, with some singing in smaller groups.
- some practice between sessions is essential – resources will be provided to help you with this.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You may find it useful to have a notebook, pen/pencil and a folder for keeping music etc.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Your tutor will advise you about follow-on courses and for more information about the full complement of our singing courses, please our blog on Choosing a singing class.
Trevor Alexander studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and has worked as a professional singer for over 30 years. Alongside his performing he has run vocal workshops and taught singing, and joined the teaching staff at City Lit in 2005. He began working with City Lit Opera on stage craft, performance skills and directing their scenes, and is thrilled that some of those students are now carving out a career in the profession. In 2006 Trevor joined the vocal teaching staff and began to teach the foundation level classes and has always found it extremely rewarding helping students to develop vocally, and enable them to explore the wealth of wonderful repertoire. Outside City Lit Trevor has worked professionally with many opera companies and travels all over the country singing in oratorio and concerts. He has just started a year's contract with the Royal Opera House Chorus and is preparing to sing The Marquis de la Forse for Midsummer Opera’s production of Dialogue of the Carmelites in November 2019.
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.
