Vocal Summer Course for Classical Singers
This five-day course led by faculty from the Vocal and Opera Studies department will enable singers aged 16–23 to experience Guildhall School’s world class vocal training.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Mon 13 – Fri 17 July 2026
- Course times:
- 9.30am–5.30pm
- Age:
- 16–23
- Art form:
- Music
- Fees:
- £725
- Deadline:
- This course has two application deadlines. We encourage applicants to apply by the first deadline where possible, as places may fill early
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools (ages 18+) | 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
Apply Now
- Spaces are limited, so we recommend early applications
- Deadlines for applications are 9 March 2026
- Please note: accommodation is not provided
- View our terms and conditions
Ages 16–23
Course Dates & Times
Monday 13 – Friday 17 July 2026
9.30am–5.30pm
About Vocal Summer Course for Classical Singers
This five-day course led by faculty from the Vocal and Opera Studies department will enable singers aged 16–23 to experience Guildhall School’s world class vocal training.
With a joint focus on extensive one-to-one tuition and class teaching, you will work towards an informal presentation at the end of the course as well as exploring an introduction to singing in Italian, German, French, English, communicating text into song, body work/movement, performance skills in the core craft of acting, stage work (storytelling, sense of play, experimentation, improvisation, learning to love words).
Who is the course for?
Developing singers aged 16 to 23 who would like insight into conservatoire training exploring classical music:
- Opera
- Operetta
- Oratorio
- Art Song: Lieder, Mélodies, Canzonetti, English/North American Song
- Concert
- Chamber
What can I expect?
- One-to-one voice lessons
- One-to-one vocal coaching/music preparation
- Movement, historical/contemporary dance/choreography workshops
- One-to-one posture/alignment lessons
- Breath/voice anatomy seminar
- Interpretation/performance presentation/development of character workshops
- Drama workshops
- Text into song workshop
- Audition skills workshop
- Introduction to Opera seminar
- Introduction to phonetics/international phonetic alphabet
- Workshop the repertoire that you bring to the course
You will have one-to-one and group sessions where you will be expected to perform in front of the group.
What should I prepare for the course?
- At least five contrasting pieces in a variety of languages/styles that you are currently working on - at least one:
- in English (not a translation)
- in Italian
- in German
- one piece may be musical theatre or crossover
- Repertoire that is outside of the traditional scope/canon of classical repertoire is welcome.
- A short monologue, poem or a piece of prose (in English)
How should I prepare for the course?
- Memorization: the preference is to have your repertoire learned by memory or at least know it well enough so you can perform in group classes.
- Scores: please at least two copies of clean, easy to read scores.
- Repertoire list: please bring at least two copies of your repertoire list for the course including: Composer, Title, Poet, Opera, Cycle, Opus Number, etc.
- Monologue: please bring at least two copies of your spoken text.
- Class format: Please note that you will have one-to-one and group sessions where you will be expected to perform in front of the group
- Attire:
- Please bring comfortable/easy to move around in clothing/shoes (enough for daily workshops).
- Please bring at least one performance outfit.
- Please bring a yoga mat or towel.
How to Apply
- Please click the "Apply now" button and fill out the application form.
- To demonstrate your singing ability, you will be required to upload a video recording of two pieces that are Grade 6 standard or above to our Dropbox (link in the application form).
- Applications will be reviewed by the course leaders by the deadlines listed below.
- Please note that applications will not be sent for tutors' consideration unless there is an accompanying video recording.
This course has two application deadlines. We encourage applicants to apply by the first deadline where possible, as places may fill early.
Deadline 1:
Applications must be submitted by 5pm, Monday 9 March 2026.
Outcomes will be communicated after 20 March 2026.
If there are still spaces after Deadline 1, the applications will be reopened until Deadline 2.
Deadline 2:
Applications must be submitted by 5pm, Friday 1 June 2026.
Outcomes will be communicated after 12 June 2026
If your application is successful, we will send you a booking link so that you can complete payment and confirm your place.
Course Fee
£725
Apply Now
- Spaces are limited, so we recommend early applications
- Deadlines for applications are 9 March 2026
- Please note: accommodation is not provided
- View our terms and conditions
Participation Bursaries are available for this course. Please note the application deadline for Participation Bursaries is 27 April 2026.
Eligibility
- For everyone aged 16–23
- Recommend level: Grade 6+. Please click here for an outline of grade expectations.
- Participants must have sufficient English language skills in order to fully engage with the course
About the Course Tutors
This course is taught by faculty from the Vocal and Opera Studies department at Guildhall School.
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