Learn folk songs and singing from the comfort of your home with our online course.
These weekly sessions are suitable for singers of all abilities. All material is taught by ear.
If you arrive feeling grumpy, you definitely leave smiling!
Who is it for?
These 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?
Each term, you will have the opportunity to learn repertoire, arrangements and folk style singing from an established folk singer and educator. All material is taught by ear.
The online course will make the most of the benefits of learning online. You will learn songs from our tutor’s extensive repertoires as well as harmonies that you can sing with others, but focus will be less on multi-part arrangements and more on developing as folk singers (at any level) in a supportive environment. You will get to listen to different interpretations of songs, see examples from archives and field recordings and learn about the tutor’s approach to their singing and folk songs.
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.
When and where does it take place?
Mondays, (weekly online classes) at 7–8.30pm.
Classes will be run using Zoom and Google Classroom. NB: You will need a Google account to access Google Classrooms.
Summer 2023: 24 April to 17 July 2023 (10-week term)
(No sessions 1, 8 and 29 May – Bank Holidays)
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
Summer Term 2023: James Fagan
James Fagan is a well-loved singer on the UK folk scene, where he has performed for over 25 years with Nancy Kerr. His strong, tuneful voice can be heard on many albums with Nancy Kerr, Melrose Quartet, The James Brothers and The Fagans. He is a patron of Whitby Folk Week and Kimpton Folk Festival.
An Australian by birth, he spent his childhood in Sydney as part of a harmony-singing folk family The Fagans. To this day, his repertoire draws primarily on Australian and English traditional and contemporary folk songs. An experienced tutor, James has taught vocals on the Newcastle University Folk Degree for over 15 years, as well as leading workshops at many folk festivals and residential weekends internationally. Regarded as a warm and inclusive workshop leader, James has a natural approach to bring out the best of every singer, whatever their level.
How to get the best from joining the workshops 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.
