THE PERFORMING ARTS TRAINING aspect of our vocal courses takes the best from vocal coaching, acting classes and dance to create a singing class that is effective on all levels.
In the early stages the singer is encouraged to find their natural voice by the use of singing simple songs and voice coaching techniques that gently develop the voice. We use simple movements borrowed from dance training and martial arts practises to help relax the body open up the voice and introduce the participants to a natural voice approach to singing which will develop the voice in a healthy and sustained way. Every class includes a physical and vocal warm up before the topic and songs of the session are introduced. Participants are told that they can to do only what they are comfortable doing and are free to sit out of an exercise if they feel uncertain or fearful about it.
All kinds of music; jazz, pop, folk, R&B, classical and ethnic world music are used and some time is spent on analysing the dynamic of the songs both musically and dramatically to ensure a performance that is technically good as well as interesting for the audience.
As participants move from group singing to solo singing they are encouraged to get beneath the sub-text of their songs to increase the emotional impact and delivery of their performance. We use acting techniques, performance coaching, stage craft and choreography where necessary to help improve the emotional impact of their singing. Aspects of musicianship (rhythm and pitch control) are covered along with performance coaching techniques to bring out the meaning of the songs enhancing their performance.
Participants often experience strong emotions when singing in our classes. When these are channelled into performance we have found this to be cathartic and very healing for them often leading to an increase in self-confidence and self-esteem.