10 reasons why your next singing workshop should be a residential one

Listed on May 19, 2013 in Blogs!

There is something different and special about a residential learning experience.

A whole day of singing is great, but to spend an entire weekend (or even a week) with a bunch of like-minded people, getting away from the rat race, is just magic.

Here are ten reasons why your next singing workshop should be a residential one.

social time – make new friends, hang out with like-minded people, “time off” for walks or evenings in the bar, spontaneous sing-a-longs, getting to know fellow singers in more depth, exchanging songs and ideas
escape and hide – from the busy ‘real’ world into a calm oasis, get away from it all, step aside from the rat race for a few days, return refreshed, re-invigorated and inspired
focused learning – no distractions, just there to sing, away from everyday demands
relaxed and informal – a proper ‘chill out’ learning break, plenty of humour, time to truly let go, no need to stand on ceremony
more time – scope for in-depth study, all about the singing, time to really get inside songs
have fun – and learn for learning’s sake – no exams or performance, just the pleasure of learning and being part of a singing community, plenty of laughter too!
reinvent yourself – unfamiliar surroundings, can step outside your personal comfort zone, open to new experiences, chance to reinvent yourself, be the best singer you can possibly be (without your friends/family being around)
supportive group – everyone on the same page willing you to succeed, all want the same thing, real team work
great venues – lovely location, often in the country, grand old houses, magic places
value for money – accommodation compares well with many posh hotels, full-on experience with individual attention from tutor, all meals included plus tea/ coffee breaks (and biscuits!)

and the 11th extra point: chance to visit new places – go to wonderful new places in the UK (and beyond) that you might not have visited before. Discover new parts of the country.

And to help get you started, here are a few of the residential singing courses I will be running in 2013.

Sing the world – songs from many cultures

21 – 23 June, Farncombe Courses, Cotswolds
Learn a bunch of songs from a wide range of cultures right across the globe.

Singing for all – a weekend in harmony

26 – 28 July, Brathay Hall, Ambleside, Lake District
A fabulous weekend of harmony singing for anyone who loves to sing – no experience necessary.

Singing for everyone – a week in harmony

15 – 21 September, Creative Vacances, France
A relaxed and informal week creating a safe and comfortable space to explore your voice.

Sing ABBA!

27 – 29 September, Farncombe Courses, Cotswolds
Learn some of ABBA’s finely crafted pop songs. For those with some harmony singing experience.

A whole world of song

19 – 20 October, Stratford-upon-Avon YHA
Learn a range of songs from across the globe. No experience necessary.

All aboard the gospel train!

22 – 24 November, Alison House, Cromford, Derbyshire
Discover your inner Elvis or Aretha. For singers of all faiths and none.

And on into next year …

Better harmony singing – the small group challenge

2 – 4 May 2014, Claret Centre, Buckden, Cambridgeshire
A chance to fine-tune your harmony singing skills in a small group. Must be able to hold a part on your own. Strictly limited to 16 singers max.