Song

Feel like singing but not too confident? Want to develop your repertoire and learn new styles? Ever fancied trying your hand at writing a song?

Whatever your interest or ability, we’ll have something to suit you. We have a range of song classes, suitable for those who have never sung before to more experienced singers.

Taking Your Singing Further

Running from Term 2 2020

This daytime class is aimed at people who’ve been in a singing group for a while and would now like to take their singing further, for example singing in a small group or solo, leading a song or singing in a session.

It will be a friendly and informal space in which to share and learn more, with input from the tutor and also a chance to try out your own ideas in a supportive setting. The programme for the class will be constructed out of the interests of the students who enrol.

Topics covered could include: talking about where we get our songs and what they mean to us; learning more about start notes, keys etc; learning how to look after our voices; building our confidence to try something new; taking a turn to present a solo song; harmonising and improvising; arranging and performing a song in a small group.

Some comments from last year’s class:

“A great group of people and a good leader who shared lots of experience.”

“I really enjoyed sharing songs with the others in the group, listening to their songs and giving feedback. The progress we all made was amazing to see.”

“What I found useful – warm up exercises, singing with others, singing rounds, performing to a sympathetic audience and getting their feedback, learning about intervals and harmony.”

“I enjoyed being able to sing the songs I like, especially when people joined in the chorus.”

“Lovely sessions – oases of calmness and supportive cameraderie!”

Times: Tuesday at 10.30am-12.30pm Morningside United Church
Tutor: Mary McCann

Scottish Song & Beyond

A lively, fun and friendly group learning great traditional songs. This class focuses on training the voice through enjoyable exercises and rewarding harmonies, without the need to read music. We are continuously building on our repertoire to include songs from Ireland, Africa and elsewhere, spending much of class time learning new songs and harmonies. Suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced singers – there are different degrees of difficulty in the class so that you can work at a pace which suits you.

This well-established class fills up quickly!

Times: Wednesday at 10.30am-12.30pm St Michael’s Church
Tutor: Robyn Stapleton

Songwriting in the Tradition

The class will search out the stories and memories of friends, family and neighbourhoods, and draw upon these to make songs. An enthusiasm for doing this is as important as the ability to play a musical instrument or being clever with words. We can use tunes from the tradition, just as Burns did, or we can make our own. We can work together as a group, as smaller groups, or as individuals. The class will be supportive and hardworking.

Times: Wednesdays at 7-9pm James Gillespie’s High School
Room: 2.25
Tutor: Scott Murray

GroupSpace: http://groupspaces.com/SMGSongwriting/

Sing Together

This flourishing group learns a wide variety of traditional Scots songs.

We learn by ear, with easy and enjoyable voice warm-ups, simple rounds and games to build confidence, and a chance to try harmonies. The atmosphere is relaxed, warm, welcoming, sociable and musical.

Songs include Burns songs, seasonal songs, songs of celebration, Edinburgh songs, songs from the Scottish Traveller tradition, work songs, children’s songs, songs your granny loved, songs from contemporary songwriters, songs from other traditions…

The class has organised several successful socials and has performed in the community. All ages of adult singers welcome, both beginners and experienced.

Times: Thursday at 10.30am-12.30pm Christ Church Centre
Tutors: Kirsty Law