Study Weekends for Singers: what's in it for you?
âWe shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time."
T.S Elliot
Fabulous words aren't they? And so on point; their message so intimately familiar, easy to recognise as a singer. But if you're keen to improve your vocal skills, the actual trigger to do so could be one of many things.
And person-to-person the deciding criteria may be quite diverse. But, wherever you are on your vocal journey, if you seek improvement or have a quest in mind you'll need to make room for some serious - but rewarding - learning experiences.
As singers, we're still picking up the pieces of what's possible in this post-pandemic scenario and for many vocalists, it isn't always clear. Voice-work Study Weekends embrace this difficulty in their aim to deliver workshop content both virtually and actually to participating singers. It's a question of choice ... Meaning, those of us who can travel to make it in-person to a hosting venue may be joined online by those singers who find this awkward/impossible or who prefer the virtual set-up more.
How does it work?
Everyone comes to the weekend bringing something in terms of knowledge, experience, emerging vocal skills and a willingness to share; which in turn feed the system and create a wonderful âwell-beingâ synergy of experience. The heart of the group ecosystem is the people, with a desire to share and absorb, wherever they are in their learning experience.
Post-application singers are granted access to the Voice-works Spring Study Weekend digital guide. Youâll be able to use it on PC, laptop, iPad - and thereâs an app for smartphones too. Essentially, itâs a detailed map of the weekend giving lots more information and itâll continue to develop, building toward the study weekend in April 2022. We will use the guide to keep everyone on track, especially useful to those taking part online.
Study Weekends deliberately cater to a small number of singers, in each case a maximum of 6 (4 residential, 2 virtual) participants to ensure everyone gets the time and attention they need.
The workshop weekends are immersive, by design.
The best experiences are those borne out of an eagerness to learn.
Good preparation is key - only then can each singer give wholeheartedly to the group as a whole.
"Being in Church FarmhHouse I was fully immersed in a weekend like no other, for the first time in my singing journey I had a really strong felt experience of being actually led closer and closer to the edge by the response from the audience. Uncannily I even felt it from the one of us who was 1934 km away! In the moment it's such a wonderful feeling and is what makes a performance unique.â
Sophie Bierens de Haan, mezzosoprano
What could this mean for you?
You'll enjoy three working sessions and a final performance afternoon, each nurturing and gently challenging the solo singer in the intricacies and experience of performance. Singers are offered the opportunity to sing to other members in a very supportive and intimate workshop environment.
"As a vocal coach Gillian demonstrates an extensive knowledge of technique and language and also dramatic performing skills with an approach tailored to suit the individual at whatever level in their journey."
Is this for you?
If you can tick each of these ...
you are curious and someone who enjoys community
you want, need, seek the experience of solo performance in a safe learning environment
you enjoy good company, excellent mentoring, beautiful rural surroundings, fine food and diverting conversation ...
You are tailor-made for this experience. It's a win-win situation.
"Thank you so much for an excellent weekend in such a perfect setting. My love of singing has been an important part of my life for 50 years or so, interfered often by work! I found your encouragement, advice and praise very stimulating and has given me more confidence in solo work and inspired me to widen my repertoire. I never knew that what one hears in one's head is not the same as what the audience hears!"
Bernard Tarleton, Bass
Here's what to do next ...
Don't delay, reserve your place. You can learn more detail HERE about workshop events and how they are managed PLUSÂ when you've fully absorbed all the info, it's where you'll find the sign-up link.
Final Spring Study Weekend application deadline: 31 March 2022.
