Join me for an exciting journey through the rich tapestry of English song.

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.

Their songs range from the pastoral and folk-inspired to the sophisticated and emotionally profound, offering a diverse repertoire that is both challenging and rewarding to perform. Whether you're singing Elgar's deeply expressive "Sea Pictures," Quilter's elegant "Love's Philosophy," or Gurney's poignant settings of English poetry, you'll find a wealth of emotional and musical depth to explore.

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. 

William Shakespeare's timeless verses find new life in many of these compositions, as do the evocative poems of A.E. Housman, whose works inspired both Vaughan Williams and Gurney. The lush imagery of Christina Rossetti, the poignant reflections of Thomas Hardy, and the delicate beauty of Walter de la Mare’s poetry are also featured prominently. Exploring these texts through song not only enhances your technical skills but also deepens your understanding and appreciation of the lyrical and poetic traditions of the time.

The camaraderie and cross-influences among these composers created a rich musical dialogue that continues to resonate with audiences and performers today. Embracing their songs not only enhances your technical skills but also connects you with a pivotal era in the history of Western music.

Join me for the Autumn Study Weekend, and you'll experience the creative fun of exploring your chosen songs and their poems, my constant aim is to bring each singer, regardless of experience, to a point of greater vocal enjoyment and confidence.

Participants (6 max) will have a say in shaping sessions during the build-up to the event. Typically, the study weekend will 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: Your three solo song choices (from any of the eight English Greats listed above) will receive 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.
• The 4th closing session: Pre-performance prep before a final informal virtual/actual shared concert on Sunday afternoon to close the study weekend.

I promise a supportive and enriching environment where you can delve into beautiful music, refine your vocal technique, and share in the joy of performance. Let's make this a weekend full of creativity, learning, and, most importantly, fun!

Will you join me in person, or take advantage of technology?

Once you've made your Actual or Virtual participation choice, put your application wheels in motion by tapping one of the RSVP buttons below before the deadline date. Places will be limited so please don't delay!

Coming? Please RSVP below ...

See you inside ...

Join me in The Green Room for all the study weekend early discussion and build-up. It's a private Facebook group that I still like to use, and if you're not already there, I'll send out invitations as soon as the application deadline has passed.