Singing for absolute beginners
Choose a start date
- Course Code: MF943
- Dates: 12/07/24 - 09/08/24
- Time: 13:30 - 15:00
- Taught: Fri, Daytime
- Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Ruth Beckmann
Course Code: MF943
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.
Ruth is passionate about teaching singing in adult education, having entered the profession as a career change. Ruth studied singing alongside a biology degree at Bristol University, and a career in the charity sector. Gradually the singing side of her life took over and she now works full time as a freelance teacher and singer. She gained a Diploma in Concert Singing from Birkbeck University, with Distinction, in 2006, and now studies with Veronica Veysey Campbell (vocal professor at the Royal College of Music). Ruth continues to undertake regular professional development, most recently the Vocal Pedagogy course with renowned singing teacher/speech therapist Ron Morris at Musicfest Aberystwyth. Ruth sings as a professional chorister and soloist in London churches, synagogues and choirs, and also loves putting on recitals with friends. She teaches beginners to advanced levels at City lit and has a busy private teaching practice. She loves helping singers to find more confidence and freedom in their singing through healthy voice use, at every stage of their journey.
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.
