Initial Course

Who is the course for?

The course is designed for those who are either new to leading choirs, or have conducted for a while and want to back up their experience with training. Leaders of any type and age of choir are warmly welcomed!

How does the course run?

These courses consist of four one-day sessions spread over four months. We also provide video footage from each session to participants so that they can continue their learning in between sessions.

Passes are awarded at Leading the Singing and Foundation level.

What will I achieve?

By the end of this course, those who have passed Leading the Singing should understand simple beat patterns and basic singing leadership skills such as cueing, pauses, setting tempi and being able to lead a warm-up, and have a better knowledge of how to improve choral sound. Those who have passed Foundation will have demonstrated confidence in these and developed choral gesture and some independence of hands. A pass at Foundation level also indicates that the participant is ready for the Emerging course, should they wish to continue their training.

How do I apply?

Simply book your place when an Initial course is running and we will contact you to find out a little more about you and your choir leading experience.

"I loved the way that the course catered for students of many different standards and levels of experience, from the absolute beginner like me who was mostly just concentrating on getting a beat pattern right, to the more advanced who were encouraged to try different things to get the most out of the choir."
Tristan Pye, course participant 2016

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the course and gained hugely from it" Course participant, Initial Course 2022

For more information about any of our training courses contact our Training Manager, Elisabeth Brierley, via email or on 07805 454563 or check out our Initial Course FAQs here.

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