Training for everyone leading singing

Looking for basic training, a refresher, or to extend your existing skills? Why not book yourself onto one of our courses? You can find our latest schedule of courses and events here. We also have a wide range of digital resources to explore, for all choir leaders.

Training is at the heart of what abcd does. We run a wide rang of courses for everyone leading singing, from one-day basic skills workshops to extended Advanced level courses. Courses are led by our highly skilled team of tutors who are carefully selected from all parts of the choral spectrum.

There are discounts for abcd members on all our live courses: join us today! Find out more here.

Read what some of our previous course attendees have to say about our courses here.

Extended choral conducting courses

Our extended courses have been the backbone of our training since 1999 and cater for everyone, from beginners to the highest professional level. Find out more about our Initial, Intermediate and Advanced courses here.

Bursaries are available to those who work in leading youth singing, which can cover up to 50% of a course cost. More details are available here.

Courses for teachers, Music Hubs and young leaders

We've a wide range of courses and resources for everyone working with young voices, including our Get them singing, keep them singing programme for singing leaders working in music education, at Primary and Secondary levels and a course for 15-18 year olds who want to explore leading singing. Find out more here.

Leading singing in primary schools: the recorded sessions of our new online course are available to buy for viewing at your leisure. The six sessions make a great resource for anyone leading singing and you can purchase them separately or as a bundle. Find out more here.

Leading singing in secondary schools: our new online course is now open for booking! Seven twilight training sessions online for anyone working with singers of secondary school age. This brand new flexible course is designed to develop confidence, knowledge and skills for teachers, of all experience levels, who lead secondary-school age singers, whether that's in a choir or in a classroom. All sessions are recorded, so you can watch live or at your leisure. Find out more and book your place here.

Young Conductors' programme

Our Young Conductors' Programme is for anyone aged 18 - 25 who is interested in leading singing.

One-day courses

We run one-day events at all levels across the UK, from Basic Conducting Skills to Advanced level days. Find out about the latest events here.

The Twelve masterclass series

The Twelve is our series of one-day masterclasses for conductors wanting to gain experience working with large choral societies. Each masterclass focuses on a different work within the standard repertoire which forms the backbone of choral repertoire in the UK, and gives participants the chance to prepare for performances with their own choirs, whether it's for the first time or whether you would like new insights into an old favourite.

Observer places

For anyone interested in learning more about conducting, and for anyone who enjoys singing a variety of repertoire, we offer observer places on our extended courses (at all four levels) and on selected one day courses (such as The Twelve). Please check individual event listings to see if observer places are available.

How our training is organised

Our training programme is overseen by our Training and Standards Unit, led by Director of Training Amy Bebbington, and a pool of highly experienced tutors.

They are supported by our Training Moderation Group, which monitors the training programme, providing a bridge between our Trustees and Council, and the Training and Standards Unit.

Find out more - sign up to our course mailing list here.