Do you love singing and have an itch to lead singing groups and build a singing community?

Perhaps you have found yourself leading singing groups and feel like an imposter?

Maybe you have been leading groups for a while but want to develop your leadership style and have more tools to develop your groups?

This course in inclusive singing leading practice is informed by Ruth’s formal training in choral conducting and voice, 20+ years of leading inclusive choirs in community, health and education settings, along with more recent evidence-based approaches from singing for health research

You will learn:

• how to lead warm-ups (ice-breakers, physical, vocal and team-building);
• how to choose suitable songs,
• how to break down and teach songs;
• what to do with your hands (beating, starting, stopping and more);
• how to develop your group musically and interpersonally.

Ruth demonstrates and teaches with warmth and clarity, supporting each participant in their learning style and pace.

The course includes all teaching and learning materials including a handbook and songbook to take away and use with your groups.

When?

Online Course:
Tuesday afternoons 1:15-2:45pm (UK time) online on Zoom starting Tuesday 4th February 2025

Dates: 4th Feb, 11th Feb, 18th Feb, 25th Feb, 4th March, 11th March

OR

Friday mornings 9:30-11:00am starting Friday 7th February 2025

Dates: 7th Feb, 14th Feb, 28th Feb, 7th March, 14th March

Residential weekend 28th-30th March 2025

Where?
Residential weekend to put into practice and consolidate learning 28th-30th March 2025 at Loveders Farm, Nutbourne, West Sussex

How much?

• Online course only: £254.15. Early bird bookings by Sunday 19th Jan 2025), 15% discount on the total price then £299
• Online course + residential weekend: £509.15 Early bird bookings by Sunday 19th Jan 2025 15% discount on the total price then £599.
• Residential weekend only: £339.45 (option reserved for people who have completed the online course) Early bird bookings by Sunday 19th Jan 2025 then £399. supplement £40.
• Two instalments of £300 each due by 15th January 2025 and by 15th February 2025
• Single room supplement £40

Accommodation

Loveders Farm is an 18th century West Sussex farmhouse set in beautiful gardens. It is a family home, comfortably furnished and ready to welcome guests. Accommodation is upstairs in shared bedrooms.

Food/drink

Delicious, fresh home-cooked vegetarian food will be provided. Please advise of any allergies/dietary requirements.

What to expect?

Saturday and Sunday will consist of a deep dive into warm-ups and vocal technique, 2 x singing facilitation sessions and a relaxed evening fireside sing:

• Lots of singing!
• Campfire song-sharing
• Demonstrations and opportunities to try out leading and teaching songs
• Developing connections and friendships with like-minded people.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be able to read music or have any musical training?

No! The course is designed to support people however they learn/teach songs. You will be fully supported in developing from participating as a singer to stepping in front of the group to lead.

2. I already lead singing groups – will I learn anything?

Yes! As well as being given the opportunity to develop and reflect on your practice with constructive support you will learn from Ruth and other participants. Additionally, the course includes insights from the latest research and best practice in voice pedagogy and singing for health.

3. Will I have any materials to take away afterwards?

Yes! You will be given a handbook on the material covered as well as a song book containing original, tried and tested songs with full rights and permissions to use in your groups.

4. I’m not a good singer – does that matter?

No! Singing facilitation is not about judging your own or other people’s singing. It is about accepting and supporting the healthy development of the individuals in a group and the group itself. Healthy vocal practice and training are included in the course as well as tools to help you develop as a singer, including developing your confidence. Bringing your own vulnerability and authenticity are fundamental to being a good facilitator.

Any other questions or concerns, please get in touch!  – reroutledge@gmail.com