Our classes

Folk Singing - Improvers

Folk Singing - Improvers

So many of us who love to sing are drawn to the simple storytelling and accessible melodies of folk songs. Folk music often sidesteps the traditional restrictions of classical training and encourages a more individual and expressive form of performance.  

This course will help you to find your voice and understand the techniques and methods that will enable you to find your folk ‘style’. You will learn how to develop the tone, phrasing and ornamentation needed to create an authentic and individual sound. We will also explore how folk music can teach us how to act through song by developing a deeper understanding of the sung lyric. We will explore a wide range of material from the folk genre spanning from the traditional to the contemporary. 

This will include ballads and shanties, work songs, part songs and world folk. The course also draws upon the music of key folk innovators like Peggy Seeger and Ewan MaColl through to artists who came to prominence during the new folk revival of the 1960s such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell. 

On this course you will

The course will cover a range of carefully selected material to ensure it is challenging, varied, and above all, enjoyable.  

Course content will include:

  • Develop aural and musical skills by learning songs by ear 
  • Demonstrate the ability to interpret folk songs and express them in your own way
  • Learn to sing in a folk style using techniques drawn from this genre
  • Learn how to sing with greater confidence and presence
  • Gain experience of singing both as part of a group and individually
  • Explore a wide range of traditional and contemporary folk songs
  • Develop the skills to ‘act through a song’ through a deeper understanding of the sung text
  • Learn the vocal techniques of phrasing, tone and ornamentation needed to sing in a folk style 

Music

Folk

Level

This course is ideal for those who have some singing experience and are wishing to develop their voice further in a folk style.

Equipment

What to bring: pen, notebook, water

Training

Our singing classes are taught in a fun and supportive environment and most of the time you will be singing in a group, although occasionally you will have the opportunity to sing on your own to check your progress.

Entry requirements and level of this course?

This course is suitable for those who have a basic knowledge of singing technique and the ability to correctly pitch and understand their voice.

Students must have completed a singing beginners course and/or have previous singing experience and wish to further develop their vocal skills.  

After I complete this course, what are the next steps in my training?

Students may wish to repeat Improvers within another genre before moving onto Intermediate singing courses. 

Intermediate courses focus on the further development of your chosen genre through a series of comprehensive vocal exercises. There is a greater focus on harmony work and dynamics. Students will have the opportunity to explore individual songs with personal feedback about vocal technique, performance and style.

Register your interest

We will be publishing new class dates soon - please register your interest and we will be in touch with more information.

First Name*
Last Name*
Email Address*
Phone Number*

PAYMENT OPTIONS

You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.

ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS

Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.

Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833 .

CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS

Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.

Cheque - You can also pay by cheque by filling out this form (click here) and posting it to the address above.

10% DISCOUNT AVAILABLE

If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.

INDUSTRY TUTORS

City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.

CANCELLATIONS POLICY

We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.

We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.

(For more information please see our terms and conditions)

Register your interest

We will be publishing new class dates soon - please register your interest and we will be in touch with more information.

First Name*
Last Name*
Email Address*
Phone Number*

PAYMENT OPTIONS

You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.

ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS

Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.

Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833 .

CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS

Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.

Cheque - You can also pay by cheque by filling out this form (click here) and posting it to the address above.

10% DISCOUNT AVAILABLE

If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.

INDUSTRY TUTORS

City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.

CANCELLATIONS POLICY

We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.

We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.

(For more information please see our terms and conditions)

No Venue

All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class.

No Tutor

SINGING SUMMER SCHOOL

Sing and perform under the expert guidance of world-class, professional vocal coaches in our Singing Summer School. Take part in a full line up of masterclasses and workshops covering specialised techniques and a range of repertoires

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