Vocal and Operatic

Learn-by-doing approach

Our Vocal and Operatic Studies Department is unique. Here’s why:

• A hands on approach.
• Intimate class sizes and regular performance opportunities.
• A friendly and supportive department where you will be challenged, inspired and encouraged.
• The chance to perform principal roles in our thrilling stage productions at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
• The opportunity to sing with our critically-acclaimed Chamber Choir, the only UK conservatoire choir to record on a regular basis.
• 90 minute singing lessons per week for first-year undergraduates.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Experience inspiring classes

Singers are storytellers. To be a good storyteller, however, requires more skill than you might think. A rock-solid technique, a flawless facility with languages, a quicksilver imagination, and an ability to engage with singing as a whole-body activity all have a part to play in the thrilling communication of a good narrative. We are proud to offer guidance in all these areas with our team of highly-experienced teaching staff.

A typical week might include the following activities:

• Song classes: intimate class sizes mean you get the chance to perform on a regular basis.
• Languages: Italian, and from year 2 onward, French, German and Russian (optional)
• Stagecraft, Movement and Yoga classes
• Contemporary and Historical performance
• Masterclasses
• One-to-one coaching and singing lessons
• Choir and/or Opera rehearsals

Individual lessons for first-year undergraduates

We understand that strong foundations are essential for any successful singer. If you are planning to join us as a first-year undergraduate you can expect to receive 40.5 hours of individual singing lessons in your first year, which is 1.5 hours a week. This little-and-often approach allows you the room when you most need it to work on technical issues and to set up your voice so that it fulfils its potential both during your time with us and beyond.

After your first year you can expect to enjoy an hour a week with your teacher working on the areas that matter most to you.

Be part of an exceptional Chamber Choir

The Chamber Choir, principally conducted by Julian Wilkins, is a group of some twenty-four auditioned student singers who form an expert and flexible group. Expectations are high as their reputation grows nationally and internationally. They record almost every year for Somm Records, give concerts in Birmingham and further afield, and make occasional broadcasts. The choir is unique amongst all the UK’s conservatoires in having a significant recording presence; they have now made nine CDs in recent years.

Our Chamber Choir is an ideal training ground for singers who wish to pursue singing in professional ensembles like The Sixteen, The Monteverdi Choir, Tenebrae and Polyphony. A number of our singers have also been selected to sing with Genesis Sixteen.