Who is it for?

This fully-funded programme is designed for advanced singers wanting to expand their knowledge of and expertise in contemporary vocal performance. 6 singers (of all voice types, of any age, based in any territory internationally) will commit to the full programme, which is designed to accommodate the continuation of their performing career. Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate advanced technical proficiency and some degree of commitment to, or experimentation with, contemporary vocal performance. They will also have clear aims for their time on the programme.

What does it cost?

There are no fees for this programme because we want it to be available to all, no matter their means, and because we expect that the participants will be freelance performers for whom time off work for specialist study effectively represents a loss of earnings. Travel, accommodation and most meals are covered. Additionally, we have a small budget to provide financial support, including for those who need to cover access or childcare costs.

What do we expect?

Successful applicants are expected to commit to the full programme and come with an attitude of openness, curiosity and generosity. Specific personal goals are encouraged. You will be expected to participate in some public masterclasses or open sessions, and to perform in a public showcase at the close of the programme which will be filmed. For this year we become a little community: we are each responsible for creating a space in which we can all explore new ways of singing and new ways of thinking. 

THE PARTNERS

Britten Pears Arts, Snape, Suffolk

City, University of London, London

Sound Festival, Aberdeen

Hawkwood College, Gloucestershire

THE DATES

VOICEBOX runs from September 2023 to August 2024:

PART I: 25 September-1 October 2023, hosted by Britten Pears Arts (Suffolk)

PART II: 10-12 January 2024, hosted by City, University of London (London)

PART III: 1-5 May 2024 (new dates), hosted by Sound Festival (Aberdeen)

PART IV: 10-16 August 2024, hosted by Hawkwood College (Gloucestershire)

THE CURRICULUM

The curriculum is modular in structure, with modules devoted to specific relevant topics, such as: 

programming & commissioning 

improvisation

movement & physical expression

specialised vocal techniques

notation

microtonal tuning systems

technology (basic introduction to amplification, sound design & electronics)

wellbeing

navigating the industry 

Modules may combine different learning formats, including masterclasses (open tuition), coaching (closed tuition), workshops (group experimentation), short research projects with written work, seminars and discussions. In between the residency periods, participants are supported with one-off coaching sessions (in person/online), group seminars (online) and mentoring. 

The programme culminates in a showcase concert. Progress through the programme will be documented by filmmaker Jessie Rodger, providing high-quality promotional materials that can be used by participants to further their professional development. 

This first year of VOICEBOX is a pilot. The hope is to make it a biennial programme.

*** NEWS ***

VOICEBOX has been featured in news bulletins in Opera Wire, Classical Music magazine and Broadway World (!) and Planet Hugill. A VOICEBOX 'take-over' on the radio is planned in 2024. Watch this space!

Dartington Music Summer School and Festival is regrettably no longer a partner. We are delighted now to be working with Hawkwood College in Gloucester. 

PERFORMANCES

Performances are planned for:

17 August 2024, venue to be announced shortly

15 September 2024, Cafe OTO, London

WITH THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS:

AND THANKS TO OUR FUNDERS: