The Choral Courses are for singers aged between 16 - 21, many of who are considering University and other Choral Scholarships, but it is by no means a requirement and we welcome singers who just enjoy choral singing and want to improve.
The main focus of each Choral Course is the choir made up of all participants, which prepares for three main performances or choral evensongs. Preparation for choral scholarships and advice on singing beyond school is given a high priority and there are sessions in sight-reading, aural tests and performance, alongside vocal master-classes, a cappella workshops and sessions with visiting conductors.
To find out more about what it’s like on a Choral Course, check out our more detailed page to see photos and videos of the 2022 summer courses.
Roderick Williams came on a course in 1983. He is now an international opera singer, composer and broadcaster and our President.
Anna Lapwood will be directing the Choral Course at Eton College this summer. She is Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge.
Students receive individual singing lessons from experienced specialists. Lessons are also given in Alexander Technique which addresses posture in relation to good singing technique.
To achieve a balanced choir, spaces have to be limited to about 20 sopranos, 12 altos and counter-tenors, 12 tenors, and 16 baritones/basses. Mezzo-sopranos are asked to sing alto in the choir. If you play an instrument, there is also the course orchestra which plays in the informal concert at the end of the week. Click here to view a sample timetable of one of the courses from 2022.
Anna Lapwood conducting the singers on the Oxford Choral Course, 2021. Photo credit: Becca Nichols
The Choral Courses also provide a unique opportunity for organists to develop their accompanying experience by working with an excellent choir under expert guidance. Although the primary focus for all students attending courses (including organists) is full involvement in the singing, organists also have their own sessions on repertoire, improvisation and other keyboard skills, and gain valuable insight into singing techniques from the workshops and master-classes.
Patrick Dunachie is a member of the Kings Singers and directed a consort masterclass on our Cambridge course in 2021.
Nicki Kennedy is a highly-regarded singing teacher and performer, and regularly teaches on the senior courses.
BURSARIES
The Rodolfus Foundation offers generous bursaries to help with the cost of a Course. You can apply for one as part of the online application process. All details given are in confidence.
REFERENCE
In order to confirm your place on a senior course, we need a reference from your singing teacher or Director of Music. Please be assured that it will have no bearing on your being accepted for a course! We only need it to make sure we put you into correct groups while on the course. A copy of this form is emailed to you on completion of your application.