Britain contains a large and highly evolved repertoire of traditional song covering a variety of genres – from ballads and comic songs to work songs and ceremonial songs – as well as a wealth of singing styles. This class aims to introduce these extraordinary traditions through a practical workshop, through the learning and exploration of these songs and listening in to the voice of our cultural ancestors.
Song class
This is open to all: songs are learnt by ear without musical notation and field recordings are often used for source material. Lyrics will be available after initially learning a song by, both in the form of handouts and also on the online groupsite, along with sound recordings of all material. We focus on learning a new song by ear each week and then often break into smaller groups to work on specific techniques such as ornamentation, harmony singing and interpretation. We cover techniques applicable to solo singing, but most singing is done in groups. However, there are opportunities for solo singing for those who wish.
Pre-entry level requirements
For people who have a general interest in learning traditional folk repertoire. This class will accommodate a variety of levels, although we touch on technique, the class largely focuses on repertoire and style. No prior knowledge of folk song is required.
Who leads the course?
The song class is taught by Hazel Askew.
Hazel Askew is a London-based singer, musician and workshop leader. She has worked as a performer on the folk scene for many years, most notably with BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominated vocal trio Lady Maisery and traditional English folk duo The Askew Sisters, with whom she won Best Female Singer at the 2011 Spiral Earth Awards. Hazel grew up with the folk scene, participating in many youth folk education programmes and now frequently works as a folk educator and workshop leader. She frequently leads projects for EFDSS on adult, youth and schools projects, most recently delivering three of the London based The Full English education projects. She has also led workshops and courses for organisations including Barbican Creative Learning, Folkworks, Aldeburgh Young Musicians, Dartington Summer School, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and various festivals around the country.
Fees
For termly fees please check the relevant booking page.
Advance booking is required.
Concessions are available to people who are in full-time education; in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance; in receipt of Income-Based Benefit (such as Income Support, Housing or Council Tax Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Pension Credit). For concessionary rates please call the box office on 020 7485 2206. The box office is open between 9.30 and 17.00 Monday to Friday. Evidence of concession will need to be provided before the start of term by emailing [email protected] with a copy of your supporting documentation.
Terms and Conditions
We cannot give you a refund for any missed classes, including absence due to self-isolation.
Refunds are given only if your course is cancelled or closed early.
If you enrol on a Sunday Folk Music Workshops course but decide after the first session but before the second class that it is not right for you, you can either:
- transfer your booking to another instrument. This depends on availability; if the course of your choice is full then we can reserve a place for you on the following term.
- or have the course fees refunded to you minus an administration charge of £15 (as long as you contact us before the second class of term).
Read more about Terms and Conditions
We run Saturday Folk Music Workshops in Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, Melodeon Song and Ceilidh Band. Why not do several on the same day?
