Singing workshop

What is the course about?

This course is for singers ready for the workshop format: independently learning songs and presenting them in front of their peers. Songs will be project-based from the classical song repertoire in order to consolidate and expand the skills acquired in the previous levels. 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.

At this level, singers prepare songs in advance so that the class can focus on technique, communication, interpretation and performance. Singers will also be encouraged to explore more musically complex pieces and to perform songs from memory.

What will we cover?

- Vocal and physical exercises and further guidance on technique.
- Broadening your individual repertoire and guidance on its suitability.
- Repertoire projects which may include English, Italian, French and German songs.
- Working with a professional accompanist (indicating speed etc.)
- Performing from memory.
- 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 from the selected repertoire with confidence
- Perform from memory displaying an understanding of the text
- Show your ability to select repertoire suitable for your voice
- Demonstrate a more settled technique.
- Communicate confidently with your audience through song
- 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 reliable vocal technique, having completed levels up to ‘Singing workshop’ or at least four years' one-to-one lessons.
You should be confident singing in front of the class and have the ability to learn repertoire from memory regularly.
This level also requires an intermediate understanding of musical notation, and sufficient knowledge of written music to learn pieces independently. 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. You could also drop in to one of our advice sessions where we can hear you sing and help you choose the right course. Please bring a piece to sing with simple piano accompaniment.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

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 be expected to research, prepare and practise repertoire to present in class, so that the tutor can focus on technique, communication and interpretation.
You will need to be able to learn new songs and present them to the class on a regular basis.

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.
The tutor will provide a list of suitable suggestions for individual choices and music for class songs.

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 course 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.
When you are ready the next level is ‘Advanced singing workshop’ or ‘Advanced singing repertoire workshop’.