The singing course aims to provide each student with an efficient and safe technique, encouraging an individual and free singing voice. The actor/singer relationship is very much at the core of what the course aims to teach, involving each student in various strategies and techniques associated with acting through song. We treat sung text very much in the same manner as we would spoken text, applying various acting techniques to the overall process of learning a song.  The structure and content of the course offers a range of musical experiences including a working knowledge of various historical styles and genres. By the end of the 2nd term of the 3rd year, each student will be expected to have established a portfolio of solo songs suitable for professional auditions.

The singing department staff are all experienced, freelance practitioners who combine their work at Italia Conti with professional engagements as musical directors, singers and performers.

Year 1
We introduce and develop each student’s skill and understanding in the fundamentals of singing technique. The course provides a thorough grounding in a classically based singing technique modified and developed for the actor/singer. Additionally, students begin work on harmony singing in a wide range of material, developing the student’s skill in rhythm, using a variety of games and exercises. The year 1 schedule is initially dominated by ensemble singing. Solo work is gradually introduced as we begin to grapple with the singing/acting relationship, using Musical Theatre and Music Hall pieces for the acting and storytelling  through song work. 

Emphasis is placed on developing the basics of a good technique applied to various musical styles and situations. The actor/singer is expected to begin an understanding of how to be specific and not generalised when singing text. Any additional musical skills are encouraged to be used and developed across a variety of projects. Singing and music are often included in devising and production work.  In career terms, this is specifically aimed at developing any particular student’s actor/musician potential within the industry.

Year 2
Each student undertakes a programme in which they consolidate and develop the core skills learnt in year 1. Work continues on a range of historical styles and genres. The development of the solo voice is essential to the 2nd year programme.

We begin rehearsing duets and solos from a wide range of musical material. During the final term at least one of the 2nd year productions will have a strong music and singing requirement. There will often be opportunities for solo work as well as ensemble singing.

Year 3
Terms 1 and 2 are spent developing a portfolio of solo songs suitable for professional auditions. Mock auditions are included in the preparation. An outside professional director and musical director are engaged to run these auditions. We aim to replicate a typical professional audition as closely as possible. Students can also audition for solo parts in the Showcase. The final term includes a play with music.