Singing solo for beginners
- Course Code: MF917
- Dates: 12/07/24 - 09/08/24
- Time: 15:30 - 17:00
- Taught: Fri, Daytime
- Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Ruth Beckmann
Course Code: MF917
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?
This course is for singers looking to take their singing to the next level: learning songs as a group, then presenting them in front of their peers as soloists. Songs chosen will be from multiple genres so there is something to suit every musical taste. You will also be encourage to bring your own choice of song to the class. 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.
What will we cover?
- Vocal and physical exercises and further guidance on technique.
- Broadening your individual repertoire and guidance on its suitability.
- Working with a professional accompanist (indicating speed etc.)
- Performance technique - the art of communicating with an audience.
- Self and peer evaluation to gain a better understanding of the voice.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Perform songs with increased confidence
- Learn how to select repertoire suitable for your voice
- Demonstrate a more settled technique.
- Communicate more confidently with your audience through song
- Gain 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 taken part in group singing classes and have a reasonable knowdge of how to sing.
You should be willing to learn how to sing in front of an auidence of peers and have the ability to learn repertoire.
This level also requires an beginners understanding of musical notation, and sufficient knowledge of written music to learn pieces in the class. 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.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Live sessions are held in the classroom and materials are are shared on google classroom. 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.
Repertoire themes will be introduced by the tutor and you will have opportunity to experiment with your own choices within the theme.
You will need to be able to learn new songs.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
A notebook and pencil, sheet music as required.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may wish to consider one of our classical singing. Musical theatre or contemporary singing workshops.
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.
