Vocal Technique for Young Performers
This new course is ideal for those looking to improve their overall performance by developing their understanding of vocal technique; enabling greater vocal control, dynamic range and nuance, and breath control.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Fri 31 Jul – Sun 2 Aug 2026
- Course times:
- 10am–5pm
- Age:
- 14-17
- Art form:
- Music
- Fees:
- £385
- Deadline:
- Applications will close at 5pm on Friday 3 July 2026 or when the course reaches full capacity
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (under 18)
- Mode of study:
- In-person | Summer Schools
- Venue:
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama
- When:
- Summer Schools (July–August)
Course info
Public booking opens at 11am, Monday 1 December. Join our mailing list before Friday 28 November to receive priority booking.
Ages 13–17
Course Dates & Times
Friday 31 July – Sunday 2 August 2026
10am–5pm
About Vocal Technique for Young Performers
This exciting new three-day course is for young vocalists who have already gained some experience performing or working together with a vocal teacher. It is for those looking to take their vocal studies more seriously, and who wish to improve their overall performance by developing their understanding of vocal technique; enabling greater vocal control, dynamic range and nuance, and breath control. All these course elements are considered within the context of contemporary music (jazz & pop).
Guided by vocalist and coach Fini Bearman, the course focuses on exploring various popular repertoire from within jazz and contemporary music. Participants will approach songs with attention to performance detail and the application of vocal technique, to enhance and lift.
Throughout the course participants will be encouraged to actively explore and apply techniques individually and within the group.
The course offers a safe and nurturing space where participants can explore their voice both through repertoire and technical exercises, while having fun and connecting with fellow, like-minded vocalists.
Who is the course for?
This course is ideal for young singers aged 13 to 17 who already have some experience either working with a singing teacher or have experience in performance and may be considering applying for a music course at university or a conservatoire.
What can I expect?
- An in-depth exploration into a number of vocal techniques, and getting to know a number of exercises working with these techniques to take into your independent practice
- A close look at using the voice in conjunction with the body and the breath
- A greater understanding of how to use your voice to maximise performance
- To build your confidence as a vocalist
- To explore performance aspects such as phrasing, stylistic affectations, nuance and dynamics.
- Opportunities to work both individually and as a group on exercises and performance.
- A final-day performance session with a professional accompanist, allowing participants to apply their learning in a real-world musical context.
Do I need anything for the course?
- An open-mindedness to explore using your voice in different, and potentially unfamiliar ways.
- A notebook and pen
- Sheet music (or a backing track) for a song you are working on at the moment
Course Fee
£385
Public booking opens at 11am, Monday 1 December. Join our mailing list before Friday 28 November to receive priority booking.
Participation Bursaries are available for this course. Please note the application deadline for Participation Bursaries is 27 April 2026.
Eligibility
- For everyone aged 13–17
- Participants must have sufficient English language skills in order to fully engage with the course
About the Course Tutors
The course is taught by Fini Bearman.
Fini Bearman is a vocalist, instrumentalist and educator working within the realms of jazz, folk and art-pop. She is a professor of Jazz Voice & Songwriting at the Guildhall School and has worked extensively in these roles at various higher education institutions across the UK including Trinity Laban, The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Leeds Conservatoire, the Institute of Contemporary Music and Goldsmiths University.
Throughout her career, Fini has worked as both soloist and collaborator, and supporting artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Avishai Cohen, Mica Paris, touring festivals & venues across the UK & Europe including Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Sage Gateshead, Kings Place, the Barbican, The A-Trane (Berlin), Cafe Mercedes Jazz (Valencia) and Manzioli (Izola). Festival highlights include the London Jazz Festival, Manchester Jazz Festival, 'Jazz Voices' in Lithuania and ’Voicingers' in Poland.
Fini has been supported by the Arts Council and Musicians Benevolent Fund and has been nominated for numerous awards, most recently Best Jazz Vocal Album (Deutsche Jazzpreis 2023) and London Jazz Singer of the Year (Global Music Foundation).
Fini previously sat on the jury for the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards, and she runs a 12-week creativity programme, Creative Beans, coaching singers, songwriters, composers and visual artists to help them dive deeper into their work and start making the art they have always dreamed of.
Find the Short Course that's perfect for you
Explore our Short Courses & Summer Schools
