abcd Courses

Extended Choral Conducting Courses

abcd's choral conducting courses are designed to develop the individual. Highly experienced tutors work with your natural abilities and previous experience to enable you to develop your own gesture vocabulary and rehearsal technique. As the training is non prescriptive in approach, with an emphasis on a supportive and encouraging environment, it will develop confidence and practical skills which can be used by those leading singing of any kind, regardless of age group, music genre or experience of singers.

The courses consist of several sessions over an extended period, and include plenary sessions on vocal and rehearsal techniques and masterclasses. Video footage is provided to support individual study and development between sessions A small group size is guaranteed (maximum 17 participants) to allow focus and ample practical time.

While every course will take you on an individual journey by working with those at a similar stage of development you will increase the opportunities to share and learn from each other.

Initial Level

This course is designed to lay firm foundations for anyone who has an interest in learning to conduct singing of any kind, or who has recently started to lead a choir. No previous experience is necessary, but the course is also suitable for those who would like to develop their conducting and vocal technique or have some experience in leading choral music. To book for 2012 courses click here.

Intermediate Level

The Intermediate course consists of an opening and closing weekend with four day-long sessions between, all spread over 6 or 7 months. The final weekend includes a shared performance for friends and family. The course is designed for those who conduct a choir regularly and wish to develop the technique they already have. Participants are required to have regular rehearsal opportunities with a choir as work set between course dates will necessitate this. There is also an element of written work looking at programming and arranging for your choir.

The course is accredited by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and is accepted as a substitute for the DipABRSM (Music Direction) which allows students who have successfully completed the course to proceed to the LRSM (Music Direction).To book for the 2012 courses click here.

Advanced Level

We are running several Advanced course pilot days throughout 2011 and 2012 working at a high level will a group of maximum 12 conductors and a guest choir. These days are to feed into the development of a full Advanced Conducting Course due to begin in 2013. We expect the full Advanced Course will run over eight days across a number of months and will be lead by current abcd tutors and guests. Further details will be distributed after the pilot workshops have taken place.

For details, or to find out more about our courses, click the links on the right, or contact Events and Training Officer Kate Allen kate.allen@abcd.org.uk.