Adult Courses

'I'm tone deaf.' 'My teacher wouldn't let me join the choir.' 'My partner shudders when I try to sing.' 'I'm not a bit musical.' Have you ever said any of these things? Would you love to sing with others at a wedding or in the pub? This course is for the vocally terrified. It will provide an opportunity to find out the truth about your voice, learn some of the skills involved in singing and lay to rest some of the ghosts from your past. Above all, you will have fun using your voice in a reassuring setting.

Were you one of those children who were not allowed into the school choir, were asked to mime in the school concert or were teased for singing flat? And ever since you have wondered if there was any truth in these comments, or whether you could dare to open your mouth and join in the singing at social occasions.

Learning to sing is a skill, a bit like reading and writing. However, many people see it as a gift, which means they think you've either got it or you haven't.

This course is an opportunity to find out what you can do with your voice. We don't promise to turn you into an opera star! But we hope you will gain enough confidence to find your voice and discover the great joy of singing with others.

During the week we will practise the skills involved in singing, such as:

• Body awareness, relaxation, posture
• Breathing
• Listening skills, aural memory
• Rhythm and movement
• Vocalising, warm ups, extending our range
• Learning simple songs in a variety of styles
• Learning to enjoy our own voice

 We will work mainly as a group, but individual needs will be addressed where appropriate.

 No preliminary reading is required. Just come with an open mind and comfortable clothing.

Adam Meehan-Staines

Marlborough College

About Adam

Adam was born in Bury St. Edmunds and graduated from the University of Leeds with an Honours Degree in Music. He specialised in Performance and Analysis, with a keen interest in early music and choral music.

Prior to attending university, Adam was awarded a choral scholarship by St. Edmundsbury Cathedral as a bass, where he also began to learn the organ under the tuition of David Humphreys.

At University, Adam held the positions of acting secretary and fundraising and sponsorship coordinator for the university's music society. In addition to this, he also conducted the university chamber orchestra and held a choral scholarship at Leeds Cathedral as a countertenor in his final year. At Leeds Cathedral, Adam was also invited to conduct the boys' choir on occasion for mass and vespers. He has sung on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, for HRH The Prince of Wales; and has also recorded a number of CDs. Whilst at university, Adam co-directed a small vocal ensemble specialising in early music to win the University of Leeds Chamber Music Competition in 2013. Adam was also timpanist for Leeds Baroque, session drummer for the artist Phoebe Katis, vocal soloist for the Headingley Academy of Operatic Research, he received freelance opportunities as a harpsichord player, and also composes (predominantly choral works).