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About our choral courses
There are no auditions for our courses - all we ask for is enthusiasm and a love of singing. Bursaries are available for those who may not be able to afford it, and you can apply for one as part of your application for a place on the course.
One of our Vice Presidents and choral course alumnus, Edward Gardner OBE, looks back fondly at his time on courses.
“The Choral Courses were the musical and social high-point each year; they were weeks filled with laughter and inspiration. To make music at this level with like-minded peers in such an intense environment stays with anyone who participates for a lifetime. A senior course readies you for a world of University, College or professional singing and music-making in a way few other courses can. So many of the people I met there have become life-long friends, and we all share this meeting-point in our lives, and such good memories of the Choral Courses, whether some of us have branched off into other fields or forged a career in music.”
About the Courses
For 40 years, the Choral Courses have provided opportunities for young singers aged 16 -21 from all over the world to learn excellent choral singing from the leading educators in their field. Previously known as The Eton Choral Courses, the first ever course was held at Uppingham School in 1980.
Since 2011, the Junior Choral Courses (for 8-15 year olds) have extended our choral training to younger boys and girls. There are no auditions to attend, just an enthusiasm to learn. Lives are changed, and firm, long term friendships are made. Click here to see what previous attendees think about the courses.
Bursaries are available for those who would otherwise not be able to afford the full tuition fee.
Senior Choral Courses
The Senior Courses took place in 2023 at Eton College, Selwyn College, Cambridge, St Edward’s School in Oxford and St Peter’s School in York. We also held a non-residential course in Liverpool.
Participants are taught by leading professionals in choral music and classical singing, and learn to sing sacred choral services and consort repertoire to a very high standard. They also take part in solo masterclasses with visiting professionals and have two private singing lessons during the week. There are also organists and accompanists who attend and gain invaluable experience playing a wide range of song repertoire and accompanying services on the organ.
Junior Choral Courses
The Junior Choral Courses were held in 2023 at Cheltenham College and Wellington College.
50 to 60 young people attend each Junior course and the children sing a mixture of classical repertoire such as Bach Magnificat, Britten’s Missa Brevis and Mozart’s Requiem, often with the Brandenburg Sinfonia, and lighter fare from musical theatre and the Great American Song Book. They have whole-choir practice and age-defined consort groups, an informal instrumental concert and lots of games and good food during the week. Many young people come back year after year they enjoy it so much.