Kick-Start Your Singing Journey: A Voice-works Autumn Study Weekend!

The event programme details for the next academic year are emerging … Voice-works Study weekends return! 

I am delighted to announce the first of three Voice-works Study Weekends for the 2024/2025 academic year, happening from 13-15 September 2024. This exciting event will be an actual/virtual workshop weekend for solo singers, making it accessible to everyone, whether you can join us at the hosting venue or prefer the virtual setup.

The Voice-works Autumn Study Weekend (maximum of 6 singers) will provide a unique opportunity to explore the works of 8 English Greats, prominent composers who shaped the landscape of British music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Charles Villiers Stanford, Edward Elgar, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Frank Bridge, John Ireland, Roger Quilter, Armstrong Gibbs, and Ivor Gurney each brought their distinct style and sensitivity to vocal music.

This vibrant group of composers flourished during a transformative period in British music, roughly spanning the late Victorian era through the early decades of the 20th century. This was a time when British composers were striving to establish a distinct national identity in their music. 

I aim to deliver learning experiences and content both virtually and actually to participating singers. So, those of us who can make it in-person to a hosting venue may be joined online by those singers who find travel impossible or prefer the virtual set-up more.

As a virtual participant, this was my view of the workshop/ performances of my fellow singers. On my iPad, through Whereby, I could see myself and a full image of the singer. We could also communicate through Whereby. At the same time, on my phone, through Facebook, I could get a close up view of the singer’s face, and, with a bluetooth connection, to a speaker, get really high quality sound! The delay takes a little getting used to, but what a great way to participate from a distance.

Sue Lewey, Soprano

An ambitious, flexible idea that - thanks to technology - has worked extremely well for some years now. These study weekends are designed to deliver learning experiences and content both virtually and in-person. Those who can attend in-person will be joined online by singers who find travel difficult or prefer the virtual format. This approach ensures inclusivity and flexibility, allowing vocal work to continue throughout the year regardless of location. 

Who are the Voice-works Study Weekends for?

The focus of a study weekend is geared towards broad vocal learning for all. Singers are encouraged to apply, regardless of experience. There is always so much to learn. Just dive in - you’ll be given a warm welcome!

Study weekend singers can have a say in shaping sessions during the build-up to the event, but to give you a flavour of what I usually include:

• Vocal warm-ups: Essential to the well-being of every singer’s voice, both days will begin with a short guided warm-up session before launching into main working sessions.
• Repertoire building: Your three solo song choices will be given Masterclass-style treatment throughout three working sessions, during which we will explore the idea of trusting the vocal process and bringing a balance into repertoire performance.
• A 4th closing session: pre-performance prep before a final informal virtual/actual shared concert on Sunday afternoon to close the study weekend.

Participating in this study weekend is a fantastic way to kick-start the new academic year, offering numerous benefits such as vocal technique, increased confidence, and the joy of performing beautiful music. You'll also have the chance to connect with fellow singers and share in a supportive learning environment.

Don’t wait too long - applications close on 23rd August, but a convenient 2-payment plan is available until 12th August. Signing up early ensures plenty of preparation time and helps us avoid song repetitions. For more detailed information about this workshop and to confirm your place, visit my new Voice School Portal - currently under development!

You can find out more detailed information about the theme of this workshop weekend and take steps to confirm your place for this and/or further event/workshop dates for the 24/25 academic year via my new Voice School Portal -  currently under development!

Come and join us! Find out more ...