Singing workshop
technique in a more flexible and artistic way and develop your understanding of critical evaluation of singing.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: MF321C
Please choose a course date
Duration: 12 sessions (over 12 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This online course will introduce you to the workshop format. Engage with a wider variety of repertoire to build on your skills and use your voice in a more flexible and artistic manner and further develop your awareness of critical evaluation in singing.
At this level you will practice learning your songs independently and bringing them to class prepared, to work on communication and performance.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
- Vocal and physical exercises and further guidance on technique.
- Broadening your individual repertoire and guidance on its suitability.
- A selection from the English, Italian, French and German song repertoire.
- Developing independence in song learning
- 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...
- Sing rhythmically and in tune throughout a wider range of song repertoire
- Perform the studied repertoire displaying an understanding of the text.
- Choose more suitable repertoire
- Demonstrate a more settled technique.
- Communicate with your audience
- Demonstrate 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 reasonably stable vocal technique, having completed levels up to ‘Singing
level 4 or 5’ or equivalent (at least three years' one-to-one lessons).
You should be confident to ‘have a go’ singing in front of the class and be able to dedicate time to learning repertoire independently.
This level requires an reasonable understanding of musical notation, and an ability to read music at around a grade 3 ABRSM level. Sight- singing is not necessary.
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. If you need further advice about which level is the right one for you, or for more information about the singing programme please contact the music department (music@citylit.ac.uk).
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
For this online course you will need a computer or tablet with a webcam, microphone and reliable internet connection.
We use GOOGLE CLASSROOM to share messages, documents, audio and video files and for you to submit
any homework tasks.
We use ZOOM to meet for classes via webcam.
Your tutor will teach though a variety of techniques:
- Vocal exercises and songs which may be in a variety of languages
- sheet music, audio files and accompaniments (posted in Google Classroom)
- worksheets (posted in Google Classroom)
- demonstration, lectures, experimentation and discussion arising out of work in progress
- Repertoire will be introduced for the most part by the tutor, but you will have some opportunity to experiment with your own choices.
- Sessions may also include work on aural skills and musicianship as applicable.
To make good progress, a regular practise routine is essential and you will need to allow time to practise and experiment with repertoire in order to present your songs regularly in class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
A notebook and pencil for taking notes, sheet music as required and a course book as advised. You are encouraged to acquire copies of music you are studying during the year. Music may be purchased new or second-hand. Suitable scores may be available from IMSLP.
Our pianist will be able to record accompaniments for your selected songs during the course.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course comprises of 3 terms across the year, after which you are encouraged to repeat this level as necessary to continue developing your knowledge of repertoire, singing of art song from different periods, singing in different languages, performance skills and general technical ability. Students often stay at this level for several terms.
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.
