Voice

We believe singing should be both fun and healthy.

Our voice curriculum is designed to nurture all singers, build strong foundations, and spark a lifelong love of music. It supports students from absolute beginners through advanced levels with two complementary pathways that work together: the interactive FULL VOICE curriculum for young beginners and a clear progression toward ABRSM Performance Grades.

Young Beginners & the FULL VOICE Curriculum (Ages 4–8)

Our youngest singers, ages 4–8, thrive with the interactive, play-based FULL VOICE curriculum. Created specifically for children’s developing voices and learning styles, this progressive approach builds musicianship and vocal confidence through engaging, lesson-based activities:

• Solfège with hand signs (Moveable Do)

• Rhythm games and reading

• Ear training

• Simple sight-singing

• Foundational music theory

• Short performance assessments

Concepts are introduced gradually with plenty of repetition, movement, and review. All activities are designed to be completed during lessons with teacher guidance, keeping the experience joyful, interactive, and free from homework pressure. This approach develops pitch accuracy, rhythmic security, and independent singing skills while laying a strong, healthy foundation that transitions smoothly into more formal repertoire and ABRSM Performance Grade preparation.

ABRSM Performance Grades Pathway

As students grow, our curriculum systematically prepares them for ABRSM Singing Performance Grades (Grades 1–8). Performance Grades place the strongest emphasis on artistic performance and communication. Students present a continuous programme of four songs (three chosen from the syllabus lists and one own-choice song), assessed on interpretation, delivery, stage presence, and overall musical communication.

This pathway develops:

• Confident programme-building and sustained performance

• Expressive interpretation and storytelling

• Secure technique applied in real musical contexts

• The ability to communicate character and style

Technical work, healthy vocal habits, and musicianship continue to be refined in every lesson so that exam preparation feels like a natural extension of artistic growth rather than a separate track. Students may also explore ABRSM Singing for Musical Theatre repertoire where it suits their interests and voice.

What We Teach

1. Warm-Ups & Healthy Habits

Every lesson begins with playful, purposeful warm-ups that connect body, breath, and voice: gentle stretches, breathing games, sirens, humming, lip trills, and other semi-occluded vocal tract exercises. These establish free, confident phonation while protecting the voice and building sustainable habits from the very first lessons.

2. Vocal Technique

Young singers learn the essentials of healthy, expressive singing:

• Posture and efficient breathing support

• Resonance and vocal placement

• Pitch accuracy and gradual range development

• Clear articulation and diction

• Safe exploration of chest and head voice (and the mix between them)

Technique is always individualized so that development remains sustainable and injury-free.

3. Repertoire & Song Study

We select age-appropriate, enjoyable, and musically rich repertoire that grows with the student:

• Folk songs, rhymes, and simple melodies for beginners

• Musical theatre, classical art song, and contemporary repertoire as skills develop

• Canons, partner songs, and early harmony work to build ensemble awareness

• Songs in a variety of languages, with attention to authentic pronunciation and expressive delivery

Repertoire choices prepare students for ABRSM Performance Grade song lists while remaining engaging and artistically meaningful.

4. Styles & Creativity

Students explore classical, musical theatre, pop, jazz, and folk styles. They experiment with phrasing, tone color, dynamics, and simple improvisation, discovering their own artistic voice rather than being limited to a single idiom.

5. Performance Skills

Confidence is developed through regular, supportive performance opportunities:

Empowering Artistry Through Individual Strengths

We recognize that every singer arrives with a unique combination of strengths and challenges. Teachers identify and nurture each student’s individual abilities, carefully shaping technical work, repertoire choices, and interpretive guidance. The goal is not merely polished technique, but the development of a confident, expressive, and authentic artistic voice. Through personalized repertoire selection and thoughtful coaching, students explore a wide range of styles and learn to communicate with honesty and individuality.