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Monday
Monday
6 January 2025 - 24 March 2025 ( 16.5 hours, 11 weeks )
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre
Discover the joy of singing in a folk ensemble. Enjoy the camaraderie of singing in a group and the challenge of communicating in this art form. The Folk Voices can include soloists, duets as well as coming together to form a small choir. Each session starts with a group vocal warm-up, where short vocal pieces may also be learnt. Each term we will aim to cover 3 to 4 folk songs of contrasting styles, with harmonies usually arranged by the tutor, to be taught by rote and learnt by ear. There will also be opportunities for the group to harmonise spontaneously with easy repertoire. Appropriate songs will then be chosen to perform at end-of-term events when these arise. No music-reading skills are necessary.
Group physical and vocal warm up exercises Learning a selection of folksong melodies Explore harmonisation (if appropriate) in the folk style Consider the context of folk song repertoire and expression
This course is for absolute beginners but also caters for more experienced singers, especially if you have an interest in folk music. Enthusiasm and a willingness to experiment are essential! Sight singing is not necessary!
The course involves some stretching exercises during the vocal warm ups, however, if you have mobility difficulties, simply inform the tutor who will endeavour to provide a tailor-made variation.
Full instructions & technological support will be given for online classes. Please bring a pencil to make notes. Feel free to bring water in a bottle. Music/ lyrics will be sent in advance of online sessions. You may find it useful to print it or view it on an additional device but this is not essential. Music/ lyrics can be displayed on screen if needed
