Learn folk songs from Britain and beyond
If you arrive feeling grumpy, you definitely leave smiling!
Who is it for?
These popular sessions are suitable for adult singers over the age of 16 and for all abilities, without the pressure and commitment of public performance. All material is taught by ear.
I come away feeling great – it’s wonderful to feel my voice soar in a supportive environment. Many of the other participants have become friends
What can I learn?
In our Online Monday Folk Choir Workshop we will explore folk songs and folk singing together. You will broaden your repertoire with a variety of folk songs from Britain and beyond as well as learning harmonies and arrangements in a relaxed and friendly environment. Your tutor, Hazel Askew, will tell you about the history and context of folk songs and share recordings and source materials with the group.
When and where does it take place?
Weekly online workshops from the comfort of your own home!
Mondays (weekly) at 7–9pm
Summer term: 27 April - 6 July (no session 25 May)
Autumn term: 21 September – 30 November (no session 26 October)
What do I need?
For the best possible experience you will need a computer with a webcam, microphone and ear/headphones. You will also need a stable home Internet connection or 4G-mobile connection (Note that using a mobile internet connection can be costly, check your mobile phone tariffs before choosing this option).
The weekly workshops will be taught using Zoom, with some additional material distributed via sound and video files. You do not need a Zoom account to join the course and will be able to access the sessions via your browser and our web links. A free basic Zoom account will, however, get you access to additional sound settings, which could be helpful if not essential for the course. You can also use the Zoom app on a tablet or even a mobile phone; however, a larger screen will give you a better overall experience of the course
I really value learning and practising folk songs in such a friendly environment and learning how to harmonise tunes
How do I book?
Bookings for the Summer term have now closed.
Who leads the choir workshops?
The Summer term workshops are led by Hazel Askew. Hazel is a London based singer, musician and workshop leader. She performs with BBC 2 Folk Award nominated vocal trio Lady Maisery and traditional English folk duo The Askew Sisters, with whom she won Best Female Singer at the 2011 Spiral Earth Awards. Hazel frequently teaches for EFDSS on adult, youth and schools projects and has also led workshops for Folkworks, Aldeburgh Young Musicians, Dartington Summer School, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and various festivals around the country.
The Autumn term workshops will be led by Lisa Knapp (biography to come soon).
If you’re keen to perform, you should also consider the Cecil Sharp House Choir.
