This course is for a maximum of ten singers who will receive inspiraional tuition enabling them to communicate a composer’s intentions through their singing of each piece, balancing body, mind and spirit.

Each student will present one to two pieces of music per day. There will be a student concert on the final afternoon.

Please prepare three to six contrasting pieces of your own choice. Songs should be memorised to obtain maximum benefit from the performing experience. Please bring an extra copy for both Alison and the accompanist. It is important that you email details of what you intend to bring to the course and music one month in advance to enable the tutor and accompanist to prepare – see Preparation below.

Whilst this course is not suitable for beginners or inexperienced solo singers, students of a wide range of age, ability and training are very welcome. Some late afternoon/evening teaching sessions may be included. The tutors will advise at the start of the course.

After dinner on the first evening of the course, Alison Pearce will give a recital for course participants commencing at 8pm in the Old Library at West Dean College. Additional tickets may be purchased for guests via our website at: www.westdean.ac.uk/events

What students need to bring

Please prepare and bring three to six contrasting pieces of your own choice, from opera, oratorio, song and musical theatre. Essential – One month before the course, please email a note of your song choices and copy of the music for the tutor and accompanist to prepare. Please email this to: [email protected] and include information about your singing/playing experience, previous courses you have attended and your voice type. Bring two spare copies of your selected songs: one each for the accompanist and Alison. A music stand and clip light may be useful.

Please note: No recording of classes is allowed!

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

Terms & Conditions