Royal Opera House launches singing teaching programme

The Royal Opera House (ROH) is launching a two-year programme to boost teaching skills in singing.
Called Voices of the Future, the programme will provide professional development opportunities for music teachers and others who are seeking to become singing leaders or just want to gain confidence in singing teaching their colleagues and school pupils.
The programme is part of a larger professional teaching development scheme run by the ROH, planned to run until 2014.
It will be aimed at teachers working in Thurrock and Thames Gateway, where the ROH now has strong ties owing to its new building in the area, the Bob and Tamar Manoukian Production Workshop.
Training will be provided to a mix of music specialist teachers and those with a general knowledge and passion for music and singing, working with Years 5-8.
The first phase of the programme will run in Basildon, Billericay and Wickford between March 2012 and July 2013, with the help of Essex County Council.
It will involve three INSET days per year and will include training on vocal health, acting and movement, conducting a group, as well as other skills such as selecting a repertoire and promoting singing in school.
Teachers will also have the chance to work with specialist vocal leaders and work towards their own singing and teaching goals.
Participants of the programme will also be invited to take a tour of the ROH and the Thurruck site in order to gain a deeper understanding of the drama and decision-making that is required of ensemble singing.
Also seeking to develop the skills of the UK’s music teachers, it was announced earlier this month that a new workshop event will run in January in Birmingham to encourage conductors to be more charismatic. It will involve presentations, group discussions and practical exercises to help conductors address any confidence issues they have.