Ready for a new journey?

Vocal Focus Forward Motion

Refine, reflect, begin again.

Voice-works Study Weekend

5-6 July 2025

 Two-Day Study Workshop for Classical Singers

A weekend to reflect, refine, and refresh ...

As The Voice School academic year concludes, this Voice-works study weekend brings not only a chance to pause, and take stock, but also to plan and look ahead. During the past three terms, we’ve explored a wide and wonderful repertoire, with each study weekend offering fresh insights and discoveries. Now, as we approach July, it’s a great time to bring it all together—refining what’s been learned and looking to create a clear picture of what’s next.

A repertoire journey ...

Over the past year, our study weekends have delved into rich and varied repertoires:

• Autumn Study Weekend (September 2024): We explored English song, focusing on eight prominent composers who shaped British music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

• Spring Study Weekend (January 2025): Our focus shifted to the Baroque and Classical periods, spanning opera, oratorio, and song from 1600–1850. 

• Summer Study Weekend (May 2025): We delved into the vibrant world of French vocal music, exploring works by 8 great French composers. 

During July's proposed study weekend, Vocal Focus, Forward Motion, I'll invite you to reflect—bringing together and sharing your experiences of the year so far, using them as a springboard for the next year. For returning singers, it’s a moment to consolidate and refine. For new participants, it’s an opportunity to tap into the collective knowledge and momentum of the existing group—exploring your own space within the shared journey.

Who should attend?

• Returning singers: this weekend offers a chance to consolidate your learning, revisit key pieces, take stock and prepare for the next phase of your vocal journey.

• New singers: if you are new to Voice-Works, this is an ideal introduction and you will be very welcome. You'll benefit from a supportive environment, rich with shared experiences and collective knowledge and inspiration.

• Curious but not ready to sing? You are warmly invited to come and observe. Experience the learning process firsthand, listen to the voices at work, and absorb the discussions—all at your own pace. Many singers find that observing helps them feel ready to take part in the future. There’s no rush, no pressure—just an open door to inspiration and discovery.

  What to expect

Repertoire Reflection & Refinement: A chance to revisit past study pieces or introduce new choices that align with where you are drawn to go next.

Supportive Coaching & Discussion: Individual and group coaching in a warm, encouraging space, with time to explore vocal pathways and personal artistic goals.

Performance Exploration: relaxed working opportunities to share your work and gain constructive feedback without pressure.

A Sense of Artistic Momentum: space to consider how this year’s experiences shape future repertoire choices—planning your next steps with intention.

A warm & focused setting

Nestled in the welcoming surroundings of Chandler’s Ford, in Hampshire, UK this weekend offers structure and space—to deepen technical skills while enjoying the invaluable camaraderie of like-minded singers. A space that balances thoughtful work with artistic freedom, ensuring each singer leaves feeling more prepared, confident, and inspired.

An invitation to continue your vocal journey

This weekend isn’t about reaching a final destination. It's a meeting point. Let's gather what we’ve explored, and refine it. Whether you’ve been part of this year’s study weekends or you’re joining for the first time, I would love to welcome you to this special study workshop weekend.

Join Me for Vocal Focus, Forward Motion. RSVP via the link below.

A fresh perspective ...

Sophie, mezzo-soprano, shares her recent study weekend experience:

“Two aspects of the Spring Study Weekend '25 were particularly wonderful for me: 1) the way Gillian helped us acclimatise ourselves to singing in a large Hall and truly feel supported by the acoustics, and 2) the fact that Gillian herself participated in the event by going through the whole process of choosing repertoire, learning, and singing it with us. This was incredibly insightful and inspirational, showing what can be challenging about a piece and why. In addition to boosting my learning curve, the whole event had a joyful atmosphere, giving me a whole new level of courage as a singer.”

Application Details

• Application Deadline: Saturday, 7th June

• Maximum Participants: 6 singers

• Location: local to me here in Chandler's Ford, Hampshire UK

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch—I’m happy to help!

Looking forward to sharing this musical journey with you! 

Repertoire Selection Guidance: While our timeline offers a framework, the repertoire is entirely your choice. The musical journey will be yours to curate.

"What I love most about these weekends is how much we grow together. There’s always something new to discover, and it’s amazing how one weekend builds upon the last. I come away with so much to think about and a real sense of progress."