Learn folk songs from Britain and beyond
If you arrive feeling grumpy, you definitely leave smiling!
All adult learning will take place ONLINE during the Spring terms. We are working towards holding ‘in person’ class learning at Cecil Sharp House from Summer 2021, if possible and safe to do so.
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?
Explore choral folk song arrangements in a relaxed and friendly environment. These weekly sessions are suitable for singers of all abilities, without the pressure and commitment of public performance. All material is taught by ear.
In our Online Monday Folk Choir Workshop we continue to 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 will tell you about the history and context of folk songs and share recordings and source materials with the group.
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the Monday Folk Choir Workshops this term. Even though it was all done on Zoom it was so well organised. I was so glad I signed up for the choir, it was something to look forward to every Monday during the lockdown.
When and where does it take place?
Mondays, (weekly) at Cecil Sharp House* at 7-9pm.
*Due to Covid-19 related restrictions, if all or part of this course is not able to take place at Cecil Sharp House, it will take place online instead.
All adult learning will take place ONLINE during the Spring term. Classes will be run using Zoom and Google Classroom. NB: You will need a Google account to access Google Classrooms.
Autumn term: 21 September – 30 November (no session 26 October)
Spring term: 11 January - 22 March (no session 15 February)
Summer term: 19 April - 5 July (no session 3 and 31 May)
Fee
Term fee: £100 | £80 concessions
Adult learning concessionary rates are available for people: in full-time education; in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance; or an income-based benefit. You will need to provide evidence of eligibility before your attendance at the class or course - either in person at the Box Office or emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For more information, please visit our Terms & Conditions
Who leads the choir workshops?
The Autumn term workshops were led by Lisa Knapp.
The Spring term workshops will be led by Jon Boden.
Jon is best known as lead singer and main arranger for the folk juggernaut Bellowhead, as well as for his solo work and as one half of Spiers & Boden. He is the recipient of honorary doctorates from Durham University and the Open University, and has received 11 BBC Folk Awards. He has worked extensively in theatre as a composer and musical director, including two productions with the RSC. He has run singing workshops at many festivals over the years, most recently at Maddy Prior’s Stones Barn singing weekend in 2019.
What do I need if classes take place online?
Classes will be run using Zoom and Google Classroom. NB: You will need a Google account to access Google Classrooms.
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
If you’re keen to perform, you should also consider the Cecil Sharp House Choir.
