The Autumn Study Weekend will provide us with the opportunity to explore the works of eight English Greats, composers who shaped the landscape of British music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

We'll discuss all sorts of related things - of course, we will! But we should also view the time we'll spend as a chance to each further develop a sense of who we are as singers—the thought journey that leads and inspires us: Your Process.

Our learning processes - documented and compared.

Compare each of the different approaches to choosing and learning songs given by Gillian, Sue and Sophie.

Look for common ground but also subtle differences in each person's method.

And ChatGPT said:

The approaches to choosing and learning songs by Gillian, Sue, and Sophie—while sharing some common principles—differ in subtle but important ways. As Gillian is the mentor, her approach influences the others, yet each person adds their personal touch and preferences.

Our Chosen Songs: in chronological order of composition

An informative list and useful information for Session #3. Click the button to view the document and enjoy!

Our unlisted Youtube session playlist

Click the button below to enjoy replays of our Autumn Voice-works Weekend Livestreams.

• Session #2: Your Process video presentation
• Session #3: WIP - our chosen repertoire collaboration, chronological order of composition.

Audio transcripts: an AI summary

Key Points from Each Session:

Session 1 focused on song selection, with much discussion around the chronological order of compositions and how that might impact their interpretation. There was an ongoing debate about the backing tracks and how they could influence the flow of a performance. The participants spent time clarifying copyright dates and understanding their repertoire in a historical context.

Session 2 shifted to technical issues, particularly how rhythmic figures like triplets and quavers were affecting their performances. Steve worked through the rhythmic intricacies of Sea Fever, while the group encouraged him to maintain the triplet rhythm throughout. The limitations of backing tracks came up again as an obstacle to emotional expression.

Session 3 was heavily focused on technique, where Sue, Steve, and Sophie all shared specific challenges they faced, especially in navigating difficult transitions and rhythms. The group gave each other detailed feedback on pitch accuracy and timing, with discussions about how to tighten up performances for clarity and impact.

Session 4 emphasized the shaping of phrases and dynamics in performances. Steve was encouraged to pay attention to rhythmical divisions, while Sue received feedback on managing transitions between accompaniment and her vocal line. The importance of vocal posture and mental focus was a major theme throughout.

Session 5 was a more relaxed reflection on each participant's progress, with attention to vibrato control and emotional expression. Sue, in particular, discussed overcoming technical challenges related to tension in her voice. Feedback from the group helped her recognize areas for improvement.

Session 6 wrapped up the weekend’s study with participants reflecting on their emotional connections to their songs. They focused on creating dynamic contrast and exploring how changes in tempo or phrasing could enhance their interpretations. The session concluded with plans for ongoing study and performance preparation.

More FASCINATING detail available! Click the button for access...

ChatGPT says: Here’s a concise overview of the six Voice-Works Autumn Study 2024 audio transcripts - casual chat removed. The sessions are clearly identified, and I’ve highlighted each participant's learning process, noting subtle differences in their approaches.

How to think of 'parent issues' ... and getting back to basics. 

The vocal learning journey is full of paths we have already travelled and we will always find ourselves studiously coming round again and again.

I created the concept of VT 'parent issues in August 2022 for Sophie to help interpret our thoughts about her vocal learning journey at that time. 

Of course, the challenge is to always find the way to that trust, that ease. To be aware of the technique behind it - but it is the assembly of all the components, in that moment, that's the skill we're chasing ... pursuing. That's the JOY - the release into the 'vibe' - the ZONE.

"In Winsham, with all the spontaneous choices we made for our singing, I have indeed quickly 'forgotten' to do all the usual monitoring of what I was doing and the interfering with how I was doing it. I became much more amenable to trust the process. This is not something I do easily by habit, it's taken me years of involvement with a whole programme of events to open up to the fact that I can find my way somewhat intuitively to a balance of effort in singing that feels right, where my body's response feels so much more stable and the singing so much less strenuous. Indeed, singing then becomes much more like speech, and that's when I can at last find myself motivated and able to express something artistically in my singing."

Sophie, October 2022

More about our poets ...

Click the image above for a summary of the poets, listed in chronological order of birth, along with some anecdotal notes and connections to some music settings.

YouTube: Sharing our chosen songs ...

Are you enjoying tuning in to our shared YouTube playlist? I like to shuffle the order every time ... Listen in, and enjoy the process of becoming familiar with the repertoire we'll be studying together. If you have any changes or additions to make, click the button below to access and add your repertoire changes into the mix.

Inspiring Conversation

Here is the wonderful interview on BBC Radio 4 - This Cultural Life, Kiri Te Kanawa