Choir at lunchtime

About this course

Sessions combine vocal warm-ups, breathing exercises and basic singing technique with demonstrations, teacher-led explanation and group rehearsal. Learners work through songs part by part, developing unison and two- or three-part singing across classical, folk, pop and musical theatre repertoire, with occasional sacred pieces. A professional accompanist supports the choir, alongside recordings of individual vocal parts and backing tracks for practice.

What you'll learn

• Perform simple two- or three-part harmonies.
• Use basic breathing exercises and vocal techniques for choral singing.
• Sing repertoire from classical, folk, pop and musical theatre genres.
• Recognise how choral music can be arranged for unison and different vocal parts.
• Explain more about how the voice works.

Is this course right for you?

The course is open to beginners and learners with some previous singing experience. The supplied Improver level label suggests a course that accommodates developing singers rather than indicating a formal prerequisite. Participation centres on group singing and rehearsing vocal parts together. Previous vocal training is not required, although learners should be able to hear a piano note clearly and repeat it at the same pitch.

• Music-reading ability is not required, although songs are performed using sheet-music notation.

Before you go

• Learners may find a folder useful for organising music and a pencil for marking scores.
• Learners are asked to rehearse their part and memorise words between sessions, using recordings of parts and songs where helpful.