Back to Winsham Because They Asked

We’re heading back to Winsham in Somerset this September — not simply because it’s a beautiful village with the marvellous acoustics of The Jubilee Hall, but because, quite frankly, they asked. After Love Your Voice in March, several locals and friends of The Voice School quietly inquired, “When will you be back?” It’s always a lovely sign when the question arrives before the invitation is extended.

So here we are, returning on the weekend of Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September, offering two distinct and artistically valuable experiences for classical singers who are ready to return to their voice with intention. These two days are independent of one another — you may attend either or both — but together they form a meaningful beginning to the new academic year ahead.

Two Days, Two Invitations

Each day holds its own energy and purpose.

On Saturday, 13th September, we begin with The Vocal Refresh. This is a quietly focused day for a small group of classical singers to work in detail on technical foundations. Think of it as a deep breath for your voice: alignment, placement, clarity, resonance — all attended to in a calm, professionally guided space. The day begins with guided physical and vocal preparation before each singer has individual time to work with me. We'll explore where your voice is now and how it can move forward. If you're feeling a little tentative, this is the gentlest place to begin again — but make no mistake, the work is real.

Then, on Sunday 14th September, we open the doors to The Singer’s Journey — a guided masterclass day with our warmly supportive village audience present. This day has an entirely different feel: it's an opportunity for singers to experience the pulse of live performance and to show what it actually takes to sing with artistry, courage, and clarity in real time. Each singer will work on repertoire in a class setting, with time to sing, receive guidance, and reflect — all within the held structure of a day designed for both singer and observer. Observers will be invited to witness not just finished songs, but the artistic process itself — the decisions, adjustments, and imaginative steps that lie behind every good performance.

Together, the two days offer both internal work and outward-facing courage — the inner mechanics and the outward communication that every thoughtful singer needs.

What’s the Work Like?

Whether you've opted for Saturday or Sunday, the work is intimate, focused, and entirely led by you — your voice, your questions, your repertoire. We work together, each singer taking their turn while others observe and learn alongside. There’s no pressure to impress; rather, an invitation to arrive as you are and commit to what your voice needs next.

I’ll be encouraging singers to come prepared with music that matters to them — and if you're unsure what that might be, The Thoughtful Singer’s Repertoire Guide is a rich resource designed to help you make meaningful choices. It’s something I would recommend, especially when singers are discerning where they truly want to place their energy. It’s available to purchase separately if you’re curious.

Across the weekend, there will be gentle talk of vowel shape and breath, of anchoring and phrasing — but also of courage, interpretation, and inner permission. Singing life is a long conversation. These workshops are a place to speak a few lines of it aloud.

A Place to Prepare, A Place to Begin

These September days are deliberately positioned as a beginning, not of the calendar year, but of the singer’s year. If your voice has been quiet, if you’ve taken time away, or if you’re looking for a place to re-engage with technical growth and artistic challenge, this is it. This is where we begin again.

There’s no obligation to continue — but I will say this: the weekends in Winsham often mark a turning point for returning singers. Some go on to join Virtually Vocalise, my mentoring membership for classical singers who want ongoing guidance, structure, and community throughout the year. Some return to the studio. Some step forward into performance. What matters most is that you begin.

If You’re Wondering What Comes After

Virtually Vocalise is the mentoring programme that supports many of my singers through the full arc of a singing year. It’s a year-round membership that includes seasonal study, repertoire exploration, technique support, and a place to ask the questions that emerge slowly over time. If you’re thinking of returning to study in a sustainable, thoughtful way, it’s worth exploring.

That said, nothing is required. This September weekend stands entirely on its own. Come to one day, come to both. But do come.

Details and Next Steps

Places are limited to keep the work personal and generously timed. Each singer receives individual mentoring within the circle, and thoughtful attention throughout the day. If you're ready to join, or simply curious to read more, you’ll find full details via the links below:

• More about The Vocal Refresh – Saturday 13th September

• More about The Singer’s Journey – Sunday 14th September

If you need to arrange a split payment, just reach out and I’ll help.

And if you’re reading this thinking, I’d love to come — but I haven’t sung in ages — then yes, this is for you.

Let this be the moment you say yes!