Start singing and explore your voice in this fun, confidence-building course. These classes will introduce you to healthy use of your singing voice and basic musicianship through a selection of songs from a variety of genres.
Break weeks Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026 Term 2 no scheduled break week Term 3 Bank holiday Mondays & 1-4th June 2027
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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.
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 - harmony 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 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 2 which introduces some more solo singing opportunities. You could also consider 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.
Shachar (Shar) Shamai is an Israel-born, London-based musical theatre creative and vocal coach. He holds an MA in Classical Singing from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and an MA in Musical Theatre from Guildford School of Acting (GSA). Shar has taught at notable musical theatre academies like PPA, ICMT, Urdang Academy, and LSC, as well as lecturing in Israel, the Netherlands, and Italy. As a bookwriter and lyricist, Shar is involved in two major Israeli musical theatre projects: "Sonia" (premiered in 2023) and "Exposed" (in development). Shar recently worked as a vocal coach on the Israeli production of "Waitress" at The Cameri Theatre in Tel Aviv. He is also the founder and artistic director of The JEWish CABARET, a collective that explores identity through original works. The group’s inaugural production, "Cafe named Desire," was acclaimed in London and later invited to tour Israel. As a poet, Shar's work has been featured in a large number of books and magazines.
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.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/singing-1284349Singing 1https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/i/singing-3-mf333b-1024_1_1.jpg299299GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Singing/Courses/vm/Beginners music & dance courses offer/Courses/Courses for beginners22851314135113612925183912285131413511653<p>Start singing and explore your voice in this fun, confidence-building course. These classes will introduce you to healthy use of your singing voice and basic musicianship through a selection of songs from a variety of genres.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br/>Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026<br/>Term 2 no scheduled break week<br/>Term 3 Bank holiday Mondays & 1-4th June 2027</p>953034774Singing 1299299https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/i/singing-3-mf333b-1024_1_1_42.jpgInStockDaytimeFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-09-18T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Performing artsMF303A299299Singing 1239209299Ruth Beckmannsinging-1/mf303a-2627<p>Start singing and explore your voice in this fun, confidence-building course. These classes will introduce you to healthy use of your singing voice and basic musicianship through a selection of songs from a variety of genres.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br/>Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026<br/>Term 2 no scheduled break week<br/>Term 3 Bank holiday Mondays & 1-4th June 2027</p>0000-Available|2026-09-18 00:00:00This 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.<p>Start singing and explore your voice in this fun, confidence-building course. These classes will introduce you to healthy use of your singing voice and basic musicianship through a selection of songs from a variety of genres.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br/>Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026<br/>Term 2 no scheduled break week<br/>Term 3 Bank holiday Mondays & 1-4th June 2027</p><p>- a vocal warm up to help you get the most out of your voice<br/>- breathing exercises to help you sing and sort out nerves!<br/>- songs from multiple genres such as classical, folk, pop and musical theatre.<br/>- group singing <br/>- harmony may be introduced in some songs</p>- feel confident singing in with others and individually, with and without support from accompaniment<br/>- show an understanding of how the voice works at a rudimentary level<br/>- demonstrate improved rhythmic awareness <br/>- use good posture for singing<br/>- display a basic understanding of efficient and effective breathing<br/>- sing songs and rounds accurately in a group<br/>- show some familiarity with music notation.<p>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<br/>You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.<br/><br/>If you are new to City Lit singing classes, you may find it helpful to read our blog: <a href="https://http://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/choosing-singing-class-city-lit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Choosing a singing class at City lit </a> which lists our full sequence of singing classes</p>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. <br/>There will be musicianship exercises to develop aural awareness alongside the songs which will be in a range of styles. <br/>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.<br/>This course will be supported with materials in Google Classroom.It's useful to have a notebook, pen/pencil and a folder for keeping music/notes organised.<p>We recommend that you repeat Singing 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.<br/><br/>When you are ready (your tutor can advise you on this) you can move on to Singing 2 which introduces some more solo singing opportunities. You could also consider trying one of our choirs.<br/><br/>If you need help learning to read music please consider supplementing your singing studies with ‘<a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/musicianship-1-listening-and-reading-pitch-and-rhythm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Musicianship 1: listening and reading, pitch and rhythm</a>’. These musicianship courses are ideally taken in conjunction with a singing / instrumental class and will help you learn much faster.</p>MusicSingingvirtual3034777Singing 1299299https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/i/singing-3-mf333b-1024_1_1_43.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-09-23T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Performing artsMF305A299299Singing 1239209299Trevor Alexandersinging-1/mf305a-2627<p>Start singing and explore your voice in this fun, confidence-building course. These classes will introduce you to healthy use of your singing voice and basic musicianship through a selection of songs from a variety of genres.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br/>Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026<br/>Term 2 no scheduled break week<br/>Term 3 Bank holiday Mondays & 1-4th June 2027</p>0000-Available|2026-09-23 00:00:00This 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.<p>Start singing and explore your voice in this fun, confidence-building course. These classes will introduce you to healthy use of your singing voice and basic musicianship through a selection of songs from a variety of genres.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br/>Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026<br/>Term 2 no scheduled break week<br/>Term 3 Bank holiday Mondays & 1-4th June 2027</p><p>- a vocal warm up to help you get the most out of your voice<br/>- breathing exercises to help you sing and sort out nerves!<br/>- songs from multiple genres such as classical, folk, pop and musical theatre.<br/>- group singing <br/>- harmony may be introduced in some songs</p>- feel confident singing in with others and individually, with and without support from accompaniment<br/>- show an understanding of how the voice works at a rudimentary level<br/>- demonstrate improved rhythmic awareness <br/>- use good posture for singing<br/>- display a basic understanding of efficient and effective breathing<br/>- sing songs and rounds accurately in a group<br/>- show some familiarity with music notation.<p>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<br/>You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.<br/><br/>If you are new to City Lit singing classes, you may find it helpful to read our blog: <a href="https://http://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/choosing-singing-class-city-lit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Choosing a singing class at City lit </a> which lists our full sequence of singing classes</p>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. <br/>There will be musicianship exercises to develop aural awareness alongside the songs which will be in a range of styles. <br/>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.<br/>This course will be supported with materials in Google Classroom.It's useful to have a notebook, pen/pencil and a folder for keeping music/notes organised.<p>We recommend that you repeat Singing 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.<br/><br/>When you are ready (your tutor can advise you on this) you can move on to Singing 2 which introduces some more solo singing opportunities. You could also consider trying one of our choirs.<br/><br/>If you need help learning to read music please consider supplementing your singing studies with ‘<a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/musicianship-1-listening-and-reading-pitch-and-rhythm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Musicianship 1: listening and reading, pitch and rhythm</a>’. These musicianship courses are ideally taken in conjunction with a singing / instrumental class and will help you learn much faster.</p>MusicSingingvirtual3034783Singing 1299299https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/i/singing-3-mf333b-1024_1_1_41.jpgInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Performing artsMF307A299299Singing 1299209299Shachar Shamaisinging-1/mf307a-2627<p>Start singing and explore your voice in this fun, confidence-building course. These classes will introduce you to healthy use of your singing voice and basic musicianship through a selection of songs from a variety of genres.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br/>Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026<br/>Term 2 no scheduled break week<br/>Term 3 Bank holiday Mondays & 1-4th June 2027</p>0000-Available|2026-09-16 00:00:00This 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.<p>Start singing and explore your voice in this fun, confidence-building course. These classes will introduce you to healthy use of your singing voice and basic musicianship through a selection of songs from a variety of genres.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br/>Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026<br/>Term 2 no scheduled break week<br/>Term 3 Bank holiday Mondays & 1-4th June 2027</p><p>- a vocal warm up to help you get the most out of your voice<br/>- breathing exercises to help you sing and sort out nerves!<br/>- songs from multiple genres such as classical, folk, pop and musical theatre.<br/>- group singing <br/>- harmony may be introduced in some songs</p>- feel confident singing in with others and individually, with and without support from accompaniment<br/>- show an understanding of how the voice works at a rudimentary level<br/>- demonstrate improved rhythmic awareness <br/>- use good posture for singing<br/>- display a basic understanding of efficient and effective breathing<br/>- sing songs and rounds accurately in a group<br/>- show some familiarity with music notation.<p>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<br/>You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.<br/><br/>If you are new to City Lit singing classes, you may find it helpful to read our blog: <a href="https://http://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/choosing-singing-class-city-lit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Choosing a singing class at City lit </a> which lists our full sequence of singing classes</p>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. <br/>There will be musicianship exercises to develop aural awareness alongside the songs which will be in a range of styles. <br/>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.<br/>This course will be supported with materials in Google Classroom.It's useful to have a notebook, pen/pencil and a folder for keeping music/notes organised.<p>We recommend that you repeat Singing 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.<br/><br/>When you are ready (your tutor can advise you on this) you can move on to Singing 2 which introduces some more solo singing opportunities. You could also consider trying one of our choirs.<br/><br/>If you need help learning to read music please consider supplementing your singing studies with ‘<a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/musicianship-1-listening-and-reading-pitch-and-rhythm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Musicianship 1: listening and reading, pitch and rhythm</a>’. These musicianship courses are ideally taken in conjunction with a singing / instrumental class and will help you learn much faster.</p>MusicSingingvirtual239,299299209MF303A,MF305A,MF307ANONEFri,Wed16/09/26 - 02/12/2619:45 - 21:1519:4521:1511 sessions (over 12 weeks)1111 weeks or longerWeekdayKSKeeley StreetRuth Beckmann,Trevor Alexander,Shachar ShamaiBeginnersAvailable courses2026-09-18T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-23T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00Daytime,EveningSep 2026Performing arts299299Singing 1singing-1/mf303a-2627,singing-1/mf305a-2627,singing-1/mf307a-2627<p>Start singing and explore your voice in this fun, confidence-building course. These classes will introduce you to healthy use of your singing voice and basic musicianship through a selection of songs from a variety of genres.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br/>Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026<br/>Term 2 no scheduled break week<br/>Term 3 Bank holiday Mondays &amp; 1-4th June 2027</p>0000-Available|2026-09-16 00:00:00This 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.<p>Start singing and explore your voice in this fun, confidence-building course. These classes will introduce you to healthy use of your singing voice and basic musicianship through a selection of songs from a variety of genres.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br/>Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026<br/>Term 2 no scheduled break week<br/>Term 3 Bank holiday Mondays &amp; 1-4th June 2027</p><p>- a vocal warm up to help you get the most out of your voice<br/>- breathing exercises to help you sing and sort out nerves!<br/>- songs from multiple genres such as classical, folk, pop and musical theatre.<br/>- group singing <br/>- harmony may be introduced in some songs</p>- feel confident singing in with others and individually, with and without support from accompaniment<br/>- show an understanding of how the voice works at a rudimentary level<br/>- demonstrate improved rhythmic awareness <br/>- use good posture for singing<br/>- display a basic understanding of efficient and effective breathing<br/>- sing songs and rounds accurately in a group<br/>- show some familiarity with music notation.<p>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<br/>You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.<br/><br/>If you are new to City Lit singing classes, you may find it helpful to read our blog: <a href="https://http://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/choosing-singing-class-city-lit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Choosing a singing class at City lit </a> which lists our full sequence of singing classes</p>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. <br/>There will be musicianship exercises to develop aural awareness alongside the songs which will be in a range of styles. <br/>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.<br/>This course will be supported with materials in Google Classroom.It's useful to have a notebook, pen/pencil and a folder for keeping music/notes organised.<p>We recommend that you repeat Singing 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.<br/><br/>When you are ready (your tutor can advise you on this) you can move on to Singing 2 which introduces some more solo singing opportunities. You could also consider trying one of our choirs.<br/><br/>If you need help learning to read music please consider supplementing your singing studies with ‘<a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/musicianship-1-listening-and-reading-pitch-and-rhythm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Musicianship 1: listening and reading, pitch and rhythm</a>’. These musicianship courses are ideally taken in conjunction with a singing / instrumental class and will help you learn much faster.</p>MusicSingingconfigurable
