Learn folk songs and singing from the comfort of your home with our online course.
Would I do it again? Yes, perhaps in the autumn. Would I recommend it? Yes, absolutely – Folk London reporter Paul Sudnik, June 2024
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 workshops. I was so glad I signed up, 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.
Who teaches the class?
The Autumn 2025 class will be led by Maddie Morris.
Maddie Morris is an artist who strives to make a difference in the world. Bold, insightful and refreshingly unique, they take traditional song in new directions to shine a light on contemporary issues.
Folk songs have always told stories, but how Maddie makes their mark is by turning this storytelling into action. Described by Jim Moray as “leading the next generation of socially conscious songwriters”, they use their work to highlight inequality, challenge viewpoints and provide an inclusive space for shared experiences.
Whether they’re turning a centuries-old ballad on its head or writing something new, Maddie places their focus on drawing out true meaning rather than being true to tradition. Their debut studio album, Skin, (release in February 2024) is a beautifully crafted collection of songs which amplifies the stories of those often marginalised by society. Passionately political, yet gently understated, this is music that deftly treads the path between art and activism.
Fee
Term fee: £108 | £87
Adult learning concessionary rates are available for people in full-time education, or in receipt of an Income-Based Benefit (such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit.)
For more information, please visit our Terms & Conditions
A serial participant since lockdown in March 2020, Jill kept thinking: oh, I won't do it next term, but they keep on getting more and more interesting tutors – Folk London, June 2024
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.
