MONDAY 29 July 2024
Applications Now Open For New Vocal Programme
Applications for the newly launched vocal programmes at St Mary's Music School are now open for entry in September.
St Mary’s Music School has recently launched two vocal programmes, the first of their kind in Scotland and the North of England. The programmes will focus on age-appropriate vocal development, the Changing Voices Programme for pupils aged 13 - 15 and the Senior Vocal Programme for pupils aged 15 -19. Applications are now open for entry in September.
Changing Voices Programme
Aimed at aspiring young singers, the Changing Voices Programme has vocal health and confidence-building at its heart. With a focus on classical vocal technique, singers are nurtured and supported to maintain confidence in their vocal ability through specialist classes and teaching on how to use their new voices.
As first study singers, they are encouraged to work as soloists by exploring text, emotional expression and all areas of vocal performance. Each pupil will receive one-to-one lessons each week with a teacher who specialises in this period of vocal development as well as performance classes, coaching, language classes and ensemble music-making activities such as School Choir, Changing Voices Choir and Chamber Music. Pupils on the Changing Voices Programme are given an increased amount of contact time on their second studies to allow them flexibility within their education as their voice develops. This will allow them more choice as they progress through the School.
Senior Vocal Programme
The Senior Vocal Programme provides young singers with all the skills they need to succeed at conservatoire and beyond. During the course of their study, they learn how to use both their body and instrument as a means of communicating text and music, strengthen confidence in their vocal ability and learn team-working skills which will prove invaluable throughout their lives. First-study singers can expect weekly singing lessons where they focus on a wide range of repertoire and on honing their classical vocal technique; weekly coaching with a vocal specialist; performances classes; language classes (Italian, German and French); acting, movement and stagecraft, as well as involvement in ensemble music-making activities such as School Choir, Chamber Choir and Vocal Scenes.
Kate Aitken, our Head of Voice and Music Department Manager says:
"The new Vocal Programmes at St Mary's Music School are the only ones of their kind in Scotland and the North of England and will help to solidify the School's unique position in music education. They will give young singers all the tools they need to succeed and build on Scotland's strong singing tradition. I look forward to welcoming pupils to the programme in September 2024 and to this new department flourishing: watch this space!".
If you or your child are interested in learning more, visit our vocal programme page or contact our admissions team.
