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. If possible, copies should be single-sided A4 sheets taped together. It is important that you email in advance details of what you intend to bring to the course 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.

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 the Bookings Office at: [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.

Available to buy

A variety of art materials are available to buy in the Gardens Gatehouse Shop

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