Solo or duet singers, either amateur or professional, who want to explore performing in an authentic and personal way will enjoy this course.  Music of any period or style is welcome.  Technique, interpretation, performing philosophy and confidence will be explored in daily masterclasses and informal performances in the evenings.  Accompaniment by lute, guitar or piano will be available, and players of these instruments are also welcomed and encouraged to join the course.  An informal student concert draws the course to its conclusion on the final afternoon – guests of course members are welcome to attend this afternoon, providing notice is given to the Student Welcome team.

Singers joining the course are asked to prepare 4–5 contrasting pieces of their own choice from any period or style (including music theatre).  The course will not proceed chronologically, and you may visit several different styles or concentrate on a single genre.  Songs should be memorised to obtain maximum benefit from the performing experience.  Your selections must be advised in advance of the course, and you should 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 – please 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 welcome. Some late afternoon/evening teaching sessions may be included.  The tutors will advise at the start of the course.
 

What students need to bring

Please select and prepare 4-5 contrasting pieces of your own choice. 
Please email this information to the tutors, by emailing: [email protected], at least 3 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.
Please bring a spare copy of your selected songs for the accompanist. If possible these should be one-sided A4 sheets tapes together.
A portable recording device may be useful.
 

Available to buy

A range of art and craft materials are available from the Garden's Gatehouse Shop.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm  
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break  
Teaching finishes: 5pm    
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
Teaching finishes: 3pm  

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

Terms & Conditions