For the Love of Singing

In this section…

Introduction

For the Love of Singing courses and workshops are for everyone, where the aim is to give you the tools to develop your singing, voice, creativity, self-expression, self-confidence, passion, talent, imagination and personal-power. The classes are dynamic, upbeat and incredible fun!

A safe, non-judgemental and encouraging environment is provided for you to explore and find your own unique voice.

Deeply believing that everyone has a voice, a unique and holistic mind/body/emotions approach has been created. This is achieved by combining elements from the physical aspect (personal training, postural awareness, bodywork), with elements from the performing arts (vocal and breathing technique), along with elements from the healing arts (breathwork, relaxation, meditation, visualisation, affirmations).

This unique approach will help to increase your confidence, overcome any fears or blocks to singing, improving and expanding your vocal range and power. You will learn how to ground yourself in your body when you sing, how to 'feel' what you are singing so that your own unique voice, authenticity and passion comes alive!

A whole range of courses and workshops are offered, whether you are a complete beginner or more experienced, whether you would like to sing as part of a group or whether you are ready for solo or more advanced. All styles of music are covered and are welcome!

Beginner courses (levels 1 and 2)

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The beginners' course is for people who may have had no experience of singing at all, with level 2 being for people who have completed a level 1 course or for people who have done some singing before. The emphasis is on having fun and learning to explore and enjoy your voice.

This is a twelve-week course split into two 6-week blocks; level 1 and level 2. These levels can be booked separately or together. The classes' work on a rollover basis and you can join at the start of any six-week block of classes.

The groups are held in a safe, friendly, comfortable and non-judgemental environment where even the most nervous singer will be fully supported and encouraged. The groups are kept fairly small to allow for individual attention and support.

Level 1:

During this course you will receive a basic introduction to the voice and how it works. You will learn how to prepare the mind and body for singing and will learn basic vocal, breathing and relaxation exercises and will be shown how to sing songs and melodies in a group.

During this course you will be supported to find your voice and develop your self-confidence and will be given a solid vocal grounding to increase the power, range and volume of your voice.

We will play some simple singing games and rounds and there will be an opportunity to work in pairs or sub-groups on a song of your choice.

Level 2:

This course allows you to progress with what you have learnt during level 1 and to work on new songs and material.

You will receive further instruction and exercises in vocal and breathing technique, voice projection and development.

You will be introduced to harmony singing, backing vocals, performance technique and further self-confidence building exercises.

There will be an opportunity to work in pairs or sub-groups on a song of your choice. There will also be the chance for some solo singing for those who feel comfortable with it.

Intermediate course (levels 3 and 4)

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This course is ideal for people who have completed a For the Love of Singing Beginners Course, or who have done quite a lot of singing before.

This is a twelve-week course split into two 6-week blocks; level 3 and level 4. These levels can be booked separately or together. The classes work on a rollover basis and you can join at the start of any six-week block.

The groups are held in a safe, non-judgemental, fun and encouraging environment with like-minded people to support you on your singing journey.

This is a performance-orientated course for people who would like to sing solo. The course focuses on the individual performances of each participant. Every class begins with a group physical and vocal warm-up, centring exercises and vocal and breathing technique with the bulk of the class consisting of individuals performing solo material of their choice.

You will be given constructive feedback on your performance and exercises to improve interpretation and delivery. You will learn about the emotional journey of a song, how to sing with the appropriate feeling and how to sell a song to an audience.

We use exercises to draw on your passion and support you in singing from your true authentic self, helping you to 'let go' and deliver the performance of your dreams!

Taster workshops

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These provide a wonderful opportunity to try out a For the Love of Singing workshop, meet the facilitator, gain information and ask lots of questions.

These workshops are a great introduction to For the Love of Singing as well being a mini-workshop in there own right.

These events book up quickly so you are advised to book well in advance.

Performance events

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Regular performances are held where For the Love of Singing course participants of every level have the opportunity to perform to an audience. Everyone is encouraged to invite friends and family for one 'big sing' event.

These are incredibly happy and joyful occasions that provide participants with the chance to show all they have learnt during the courses. Audience participation is encouraged and songs and music of all styles are used.

3-day weekend workshops

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Singing and music are a wonderful form of creativity and self-expression that has been used ever since time began! It's a universal language that everyone can relate to, bringing us together and reflecting our emotions.

These workshops are so much fun and bring together like-minded people who would like to access their creativity, and so increase their self-confidence, sense of personal power and self-esteem through music, singing and performance.

The workshops include vocal training, breathing technique, relaxation, meditation, process work, visualisation, self-expression techniques, confidence-building, as well as discussion, feedback and lots of singing.

All styles of music and levels of ability are welcome.

Workshop outline

Registration is at 9.30am on Friday, then 10am-6pm daily with 4pm finish on Sunday.

	Friday
9.30am	Registration
morning	Welcome, introductions, ice-breaking exercises
afternoon	Breathwork and voice training. Performance training and group singing

	Saturday
morning	Voice training, body work, work on your songs
afternoon	Breath work, buddy work, group jam and visualisation. Group songs and processes to improve self-confidence and self-image
evening	Dinner at a local restaurant together

	Sunday
11am start	Optional walk and picnic with singing in nature on cliffs overlooking the sea (depending on weather)
afternoon	Performance, next step process, closing

Venue details

The workshops take place at Brede Hall, near the beautiful Georgian town of Rye in a wonderful setting, which offers both stunning countryside and glorious seaside. A lovely, peaceful place surrounded by nature and exquisite scenery.

The area offers some delightful walks and the sea is a short drive away, as is the lovely town of Rye, with it's quaint shops and cobblestone streets.

Accommodation

Stonelink Cottage, near Rye, East Sussex, is a beautiful semi-detached cottage, half of which is 100 years old. The cottage is situated overlooking the Brede Valley, an area renowned for it's outstanding beauty. Amazing views surround the cottage on all sides for as far as the eye can see.

Warm hospitality, delicious home-cooking, cosy comfortable rooms and stunning views from the peaceful, relaxing gardens, make Stonelink Cottage the perfect setting for these very special weekends.

For more information on prices, please visit our prices page.