Singing Courses & Choral Conducting Workshops & Training

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Epiphany Singing Retreat - Sidney Sussex College. A cosy, candle-lit weekend singing course of stimulating choral training and music indulgence. The choral repertoire for Epiphany is almost as rich as for Christmas, and produced some of the most ground-breaking music of all time. Course includes Evensongs and Compline by candle-light, vocal health sessions, talks and workshops, wassailing, and a Twelfth Night dinner.

Visit: https://cambridgechoral.com/singing-retreats/epiphany-at-sidney-sussex-jan-2026/

Vocal Technique Workshop - Verdi Requiem - with Joanna Tomlinson and the Whitehall Choir at St Cyprians Church, Clarence Gate, Glentworth Street, London NW1 6AX (tube: Baker Street). 10am to 5.00pm. Tickets:  £25. £12.50 for students and under 25s. Cost includes score hire. To book go to: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thewhitehallchoir/1724683
Develop your vocal technique and hone your sound with one of the UK’s top vocal coaches.

Choral Splendour at Buckfast Abbey, South Devon with Dartington Community Choir - A celebration of the heyday of British church music :masterpieces from the Victorian and Edwardian era, including music by Elgar, Parry and Bairstow accompanied by the Ruffatti  organ in the magnificent setting of Buckfast Abbey. Guest conductor Caius Lee, director of music Worcester College Oxford.
The workshop package includes morning and afternoon rehearsals, arrival and mid morning refreshments, music hire, pre concert two course supper and an evening concert in The Abbey.
All details and registration form on our website  https://www.dartington-community-choir.co.uk/

Renaissance Course at St Catharine's College. Our first specialist course dedicated to the sublime repertoire of the two Renaissances in English music. Alongside the work of Thomas Tallis, William Byrd and other 16th century masters, this course presents music by composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries who were inspired by the rediscovery of their musical heritage, such as Parry, Vaughan Williams and Holst. We will visit manuscripts and learn how to read them, and hear from some of Cambridge’s most eminent musicologists. Tutors include Sally Dunkley (The Sixteen/The Tallis Scholars), Dr David Skinner, Dr Edward Wickham.

Visit https://cambridgechoral.com/singing-retreats/renaissance-course-april-2026/

Workshop conducted by Keith Orrell with the William Byrd Singers
Venue: Christ Church, West Didsbury M20 2ZD. 10.30am - 4.30pm
Sing Joyfully workshop - Sing Spanish polyphony: Tomas Luis de Victoria, Missa Gaudeamus a6 and O magnum mysterium a4 and Alonso Lobo, Versa est in lucum a6

Ticket info: £25 (£30 on the day), £5 students. Search “William Byrd Singers” on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk or visit https://www.williambyrdsingers.com/

Choral Courses at Sherborne Summer School of Music 2026

Cappella Chamber Choir, Greg Hallam conductor
The Cappella Chamber Choir welcomes keen singers to a week of wonderful music making. choice repertoire and good company. Why not meet old friends and make new ones in what could be the most rewarding week of your summer.
For complete information about the summer school and its concerts please see our web site: https://www.sherbornesummerschoolofmusic.org/courses/capella-chamber-choir/

Choral Conducting Course at Sherborne Summer School of Music, 2026

The Art of Choral Direction, Amy Bebbington director.
Conductors of all levels of experience are welcomed on this course, during which a student’s development through the week is tailored closely to their own individual needs. Essential elements of conducting technique will be shared throughout each day with most of the course spent in a masterclass situation. Additional opportunities, such as working with a large chorus, working with an orchestra and conducting in the course concert, will be shared amongst the members of the course.

A week is a short time, but sufficient to examine the nature of the choral conductor’s craft, including how to prepare a score and plan effective rehearsals, how to build a musical relationship with a group, how our language affects our choirs and what it takes to prepare a dynamic performance.
Conductors of choral societies, chamber choirs, youth choirs, church choirs, organ scholars, etc., are all equally welcomed to what will be a demanding, supportive and encouraging learning environment.
Choral singers who wish to develop their sight-reading skills are also encouraged. They will be warmly welcomed as members of the course and be invited to sing for the choral conducting students. A reasonable level of sight reading would be an advantage.
For complete information about the summer school and its concerts please see our website: https://www.sherbornesummerschoolofmusic.org/courses/the-art-of-choral-direction/

Choral Courses at Sherborne Summer School of Music 2026

Choral Masterpieces of Five Centuries,
James Davey, conductor
Inspirational choral music from the Renaissance to the present day including such stunningly beautiful works as Rheinberger’s Stabat Mater in G minor and Holst’s Ode to Death both rarely performed, even though they are true masterpieces. Other notable and unusual works include Ethel Smyth’s Sleepless Dreams, Will Todd’s Softly, William Billings delicious David’s Lamentation and Elaine Hagenburg’s Nox. The whole being topped off with Handel’s celebratory but rarely performed Coronation Anthem: Let thy hand be strengthened.
Early application is recommended as entries will be accepted in rotation, except in cases where balance of voices must be considered. A concert with orchestral accompaniment will be given at the end of the week.
For complete information about the summer school and its concerts please see our web site: https://www.sherbornesummerschoolofmusic.org/courses/choral-masterpieces/

Choral Courses at Sherborne Summer School of Music 2026

The Lighter Side Choral Course, Timothy Uglow, conductor
A week of exciting music making for singers with a keen ear and sense of rhythm. Here you will find foot stomping fun pieces with plenty of sentimental nostalgia to keep the emotions balanced. Be prepared to work hard but essentially, remember to bring a loud costume for the concert!
For complete information about the summer school and its concerts please visit: https://www.sherbornesummerschoolofmusic.org/courses/lighter-side/