Singing

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

deptfordmarmoset

Full time tea drinker
Location
Armonmy Way
I don't know what style of singing you have in mind, or what part of London you live in (the Laban is just over the river from the Isle of Dogs) but a blog I'm involved with got this press release last week:

Join Trinity Laban’s World Choir and Perform at the Roundhouse!


Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance is inviting adults of all musical abilities to take part in a unique singing project starting in February. Over six weeks participants will work with acclaimed vocalist Kerry Andrew to form a new World Choir before showcasing their talents at one of London’s most popular venues, the Roundhouse, in March. Whether you are budding amateur or a seasoned professional it’s always a thrill to sing in a choir so become part of this amazing experience and join in the fun!



The newly formed World Choir will work closely with multitalented vocalist and composer Kerry Andrew for six weeks learning English, Scottish and American folk songs by ear. Singers will learn how to use layers, looped vocal riffs and experiment with unusual vocal techniques. Drawing on her expertise in contemporary vocal music and musical theatre, as well as pop, jazz and folk, Kerry will lead the singers in performing innovative vocal pieces for all to enjoy.



The World Choir project will culminate in a performance on 27 March 2011 in the foyer of the Roundhouse as part of the Voices Now festival. This performance will precede a live edition of BBC Radio 3’s popular programme The Choir which will feature performances by the BBC Singers and the Latvian Radio Choir.



The project is open to anyone with a passion for singing regardless of previous experience. This is a great opportunity to try something different, meet new people and perform at a top London arts venue which has seen the likes of Bob Dylan and The Doors grace its stage.



Rehearsals begin on Wednesday 9 February, 7.30pm – 9.30pm at Trinity Laban’s Theatre Studio in the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London. Following rehearsals take place on Wednesdays 16 February and 2, 9, 16, 23 March.



The full course fee is £50 which includes six rehearsals, the Roundhouse performance and a ticket to see BBC Radio 3’s The Choir on 27 March at 18.30h. Optionally, the course costs £45 excluding The Choir ticket. To book your place or to find out more please call Katie Winsor on 020 8305 4378 or email ed.comm@trinitylaban.ac.uk



Kerry Andrew says, “Learning songs by ear is the most inclusive form of musical education there is. This course welcomes everyone with a passion for singing and presents a brilliant opportunity for those who want to build their confidence, develop their singing skills or just love performing in public!”



For more information on the festival please visit www.voicesnow.co.uk or www.roundhouse.org.uk





 

mcshroom

Bionic Subsonic
What's the bit you are most worried about? I think we could do with a bit more information on why you need to and what sort of thing/event you are looking to sing.

If it's getting the words and tune right, then singing along with a youtube version or mp3 over and over again works for me (although you can't do this with ear phones in as you need to hear yourself as well as the music). If you are struggling with the tune, then if possible look at slowing the pace down to learn the song, once you have the note it's easier to sing at full speed.

If you are nervous about singing in front of an audience, then try not to do what most people do and sing very softly. That makes it harder for you to sing notes and just sounds bad. Notes are easier to hit with volume. Also try to look anywhere but at the audience. It's funny but it's less intimidating if you look at the microphone, decorative pant, lights or whatever than looking at the people you are singing to.
 

threebikesmcginty

Corn Fed Hick...
Location
...on the slake
Although a very good singer Mrs 3BM went along for some singing lessons last year, a professional singing teacher was offering a deal through the local arts centre. She said it really made a difference to how she sang and gave her more confidence too. Bound to be something similar going on daahn The Smoke.
 

zacklaws

Guru
Location
Beverley
[QUOTE 1298893"]
Can you lot advise what is the best and quickest way to learn to sing, for someone who has never sung in public?

Cheers in advance....

Croack of Gold
[/quote]

About a dozen or more pints of John Smiths swilled down with a few Whiskey chasers.
 

her_welshness

Well-Known Member
[QUOTE 1298897"]
Just to be able to do a karaoke without being laughed at for being shite. Like to be at least half-way competent!
My boss at work has asked me to do a duet with her.

And I'm too tight to pay. Though that Roundhouse thing does looks good on paper.
[/quote]

What song(s) has she asked you to perform with her?

Get the songs and look them up on youtube. Get the lyrics online. It may sound daft, but read the words out loud, if any of the words last for a few beats then extend them out tunelessly. Knowing the song will help.

Next, focus on getting your vocal chords warmed up, they need some exercise! Jump up and down, wiggle your arms around. Start with scales to wake up your voice, there are several examples online. Use a variety of vowels, this will help build up tone. Do this warm-up for 10 minutes.

You are more or less ready to sing! Start practising! If you need any help please feel free to ping me, I can be bribed with beerage. Good Luck!
 

ttcycle

Cycling Excusiast
Crock mate

Karaoke is partly fun cause it's not something to be taken too seriously.

However best thing I could say is sing the song over and over so you know it well.

Good luck but most of all just have a laugh!
 

potsy

Rambler
Location
My Armchair
Crock-Have you ever seen the X-Factor rejects?
whistling.gif
If they are prepared to be ridiculed on national TV then I don't think you've anything to worry about
biggrin.gif
 

deptfordmarmoset

Full time tea drinker
Location
Armonmy Way
Quite by coincidence this was in my inbox this morning. FREE workshop! I don't think that a cultural Olympiad programme will be restricted to Lewisham, especially as there's nothing Olympic going on in the borough.

Moved by Mozart? Giddy for Gaga?
Singing with a group, large or small, is inspiring, life-affirming and fun. Most choirs accept all ages and abilities with no audition. Find you nearest choir
. Alternatively text SING, leave a space, then your postcode to 07950 080315 (eg SING SE6).
LewishamOlympics.jpg


This Cultural Olympiad programme is launching with a free workshop for anybody who's ever thought about leading their own choir or vocal group on Sat 19 February 10am to 4pm. Register.
 

Fnaar

Smutmaster General
Location
Thumberland
I've only done Karaoke twice, in front of totally different people... first time worked like a dream, peeps told me I had a great singing voice, etc... (I'm not bad, if honest). Second time, I couldn't hear myself at all, and it was dreadful... people shouting "don't give up the day job" etc etc...
smile.gif
 

4F

Active member of Helmets Are Sh*t Lobby
Location
Suffolk.
[QUOTE 1298902"]
Sonny and Cher's I got you babe is the suggested song.

So. I need to get drunk, jump around and join a gospel choir. :eek:
[/quote]


Could I suggest instead "I'd like to teach the world to sing" by The New Seekers or if you really are that bad then "Pretty Vacant" by the Sex Pistols. :thumbsup:
 

Fab Foodie

hanging-on in quiet desperation ...
Location
Kirton, Devon.
Joining a choir is great. Mrs FF did just that after being inspired by Gareth Malone's 'The Choir' prog on TV. She'd never ever sunge before and now she loves it. I'm sure some vocal coaching would help, but at least shes's got the motivation, she's starting to be able to follow the score with some accuracy and is (finally) developing a liking for classical music.
The bonhomie with other participants is also good and now she's got some new mates as well.

Just do it.
 
Top Bottom