*Please note that only 15 places are available for this course (with a minimum of eight participants required). The early bird rate is available until 31st September. The course fee includes all learning materials, a copy of James's book, all refreshments & a two-course lunch*

ABOUT

Singer To Songleader is a one-day course designed to give you the confidence to lead others in song.  You will learn the fundamentals of good singing leadership whatever the context: schools, pubs, workplaces, churches, care homes, with friends - or wherever. The course is suitable for those who already lead a group or aspire to do so in the future. Led by James Sills, the day will consist of a mixture of discussion and theory with plenty of practical activities to take you on your journey from singer to songleader.

TESTIMONIES FROM PREVIOUS ATTENDEES 

'I absolutely loved it, really learnt a lot and my confidence has increased to know I can do it' 

'A great mix of theory, ideas and the chance to practice with others in a safe structure'

'Today has really inspired me to kickstart my dreams of starting a choir, giving me a range of skills and resources for my toolbox'

CONTENT

The role of the songleader, warm-ups, your posture/body language, how to start/end effectively, what to do with your hands, what to say (and what not to say), ways to control the sound, getting the best from your singers, picking appropriate material,  exploring different types of songs, finding starting notes, working with instruments, your journey from singer to songleader, recommended resources, question and answer session. 

YOU MIGHT WANT TO BRING

A bottle of water, pen/pencil for making notes, an audio recorder e.g. dictaphone or recorder on phone, a pitch pipe or something to give you start notes e.g. app on phone.

YOU WILL BE ASKED TO

Learn a number of simple songs/rounds by ear, sing as part of a group with approx. 15 participants, take it in turns to lead short whole-group activities. You may also choose to bring a short song to teach to the group.

YOU WILL NOT BE ASKED TO 

Sing/read from musical notation, sing solo, do anything you don’t want to!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Booklet of handouts/resources, a copy of James’s book ‘Do Sing’ (RRP £8.99),  all tea/coffee & biscuits during the day, two-course lunch (pre-ordered), complimentary WiFi throughout the venue, audio recording of the songs taught during the day. 

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

 Scores / printed musical materials for copyright reasons. 

ABOUT JAMES SILLS

James is a musician, vocal leader, author and speaker who is passionate about bringing people together to sing. He leads singing at events and gatherings around the world: from choirs to conferences, from workshops to workplaces, from festivals to football stadiums. He believes that singing together is a fundamental part of being human, fostering community, creativity and wellbeing. His first book, ‘Do Sing: Reclaim Your Voice. Find Your Singing Tribe’ was published in September 2019 by the Do Book Company. He holds a first-class degree in Music/Popular Music, a Masters in Community Music and PGCE in Secondary Teaching in Music. Over the years, he has undertaken further training with the Natural Voice Network, Sing Up, the Voices Foundation, This Is A Voice, Musical Futures and Vocology in Practice. He has been leading singing for over fifteen years in a variety of educational and community settings. His experience encompasses leading community choirs, workplace choirs, pub choirs,  a homeless person’s choir, as well as delivering workshops across the UK. In 2020, James was awarded a Points Of Light Award from the UK government in recognition of his work to combat feelings of isolation during the Coronavirus pandemic through The Sofa Singers, an online singing community that continues to bring together hundreds of people from around the world each week.  He is also a member of the Spooky Men’s Chorale, an all-male a cappella troupe, with whom he has performed at festivals around the world. For more about James, visit his website www.james-sills.com or connect on social media @jsillsmusic.

ABOUT THE VENUE

Gladstone's Library in Hawarden, North East Wales, is a beautiful and inspiring venue for the course. Set in leafy grounds in the centre of the historical village, it is just six miles from the centre of Chester and is easily accessible by road, train and bus. For travel information, click here. Gladstone's Library is the UK's finest residential library and hosts talks, workshops, masterclasses and residential courses throughout the year. The onsite bistro, Food For Thought, serves excellent food and drink, using fresh and local ingredients.  We will be based in the Glynne Room for most of the day and will also have use of the library chapel, which was wonderful acoustics for a cappella singing. For those travelling from further afield, evening meals and rooms are available to book at the library.