English Art Song 1600–2000 with Michael Fields and Evelyn Tubb

Ref: SLW32445

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About this course

A course for performers – amateur or professional – to sing in an authentic and personal way. Explore technique, interpretation, performing philosophy and confidence, with accompaniment by lute, guitar or piano (piano accompanist, Clive Pollard) . Players of these instruments are also welcome.

Course Description

This course is for performers, whether amateur or professional, who want to explore singing in an authentic and personal way, focusing on English Art Songs from the 17th century to 21st century. Accompaniment by piano, lute or guitar will be available, and players of these instruments are encouraged to join the course. Each singing student will have three lessons with Evelyn Tubb in an informal masterclass setting. Michael Fields offers one-to-one opportunities for further coaching on songs suitable for accompaniment by lute or guitar.

Singing technique, interpretation, performing philosophy and confidence will be explored in daily masterclasses and informal performances during the three evenings. Following the course, there will be an afternoon student concert.

Please prepare three to six contrasting pieces of your own choice. Songs should be memorised to obtain maximum benefit from the performing experience. Please bring an extra copy for accompanists. It is important that you email details of what you intend to bring to the course in advance to enable the tutors to prepare – see Preparation below.

Whilst this course is not suitable for beginners or inexperienced solo singers, students of a wide range of age, ability and training are very welcome. Some late afternoon/evening teaching sessions may be included. The tutors will advise at the start of the course.

Course Materials

What students need to bring

  • Please prepare and bring three to six contrasting pieces of your own choice.
  • Essential: email this information to the tutors, via emailing [email protected], at least three weeks prior to the course. Include information on your singing/playing experience, previous courses you have attended and your voice type/instrument you intend to play.
  • A spare copy of your selected songs for the accompanist
  • A portable recording device may be useful.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

General Information

Tutors

Michael Fields accompanist on lute and guitar

Michael Fields

Michael Fields is a highly regarded accompanist on lute and guitar who has enjoyed working with singers - amateur and professional, famous and unknown - for over 40 years.

Evelyn Tubb

Evelyn Tubb, course tutor, works as a singing professor at the Schola Cantorum in Basel. She performed for many years with The Consort of Musicke and is known for her innovative style.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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