Vocal Ensembles

About this course

The course focuses on duets, trios and quartets drawn from opera, song cycles and classical vocal repertoire. Participants rehearse assigned ensembles, receive coaching on ensemble, style and communication, and develop performances collectively. Sessions also involve listening to colleagues’ work and discussing interpretative and technical issues. Work includes understanding how individual vocal lines fit within a larger composition, and applying decisions about tempo, dynamics and articulation to ensemble performance.

What you'll learn

• Apply ensemble rehearsal techniques
• Coordinate a vocal line within a larger musical work
• Use tempo, dynamics and articulation appropriately in ensemble performance
• Sustain an individual vocal line while singing in an ensemble
• Evaluate ensemble singing through listening and discussion

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for advanced classical singers with at least four years of classical singing tuition. Participants are expected to work in small groups, hold their vocal line within an ensemble, maintain a good sense of timing and follow a music score. Entry is through an audition with the tutor and accompanist.

• Requires at least four years of classical singing tuition
• Audition required for entry
• Suitable for singers able to read music scores
• Involves collaborative rehearsal and ensemble performance

Before you go

• Bring a solo repertoire piece for performance in the first week.
• Bring copies of the ensemble music being studied.
• A recording device, notebook and pen may be brought for taking notes.