Short course
Discover Your Voice
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Dates and time:
28/09/2026 - 30/11/202619:00 - 21:00
Study format:
In-person weekly
Fees:
£315.00
This course is designed for anyone who would like to sing, but feels that they can't. Through a mixture of seminars and workshops, consideration will be given to various common vocal problems. We will also examine basic vocal techniques, such as the correct method for breathing and breath-control, that will help to provide solutions to those problems. Exercises, which will be practised in class, will be given to reinforce the techniques and ensure that each student has the opportunity for individual assistance from the tutor.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Course starts Monday 28 September 2026
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Mondays, 7.00-9.00pm.
Week 1: The ideal voice, and what can go wrong
Week 2: Breathing – how to take it and use it
Week 3: Breathing – the open and relaxed throat
Week 4: Making a sound – how to start the voice
Week 5: Vocal Workshop – trying it all out
Week 6: Resonance – working with vowels
Week 7: Diction – adding consonants smoothly
Week 8: Widening the vocal range
Week 9: Singing with expression
Week 10: Putting it all together
Course aims
To outline the different problems that can affect the voice, and to give an understanding of the techniques which produce a well-supported tone and promote good vocal health.
Course objectives
- To demonstrate the correct way to take and use the breath
- To explain the importance of a relaxed, open throat and vocal tract
- To show the correct formation of vowels and consonants whilst maintaining good resonance
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course students will be expected to:
- explain the main principles of good vocal technique
- identify the main faults that can hinder vocal production
- demonstrate a knowledge of the basic vocal techniques that remedy the main faults
Level and demands
This course is an introductory course and is aimed at beginners.
The Department’s Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.
Teaching methods
The course will be mainly illustrated by live demonstrations from the tutor, but will consist of some audio and video extracts, mostly co-ordinated by computer. All visual illustration, including scores, song texts, video and DVD extracts will be projected on to a large screen. Audio recordings will be played through high quality hi-fi. There will also be group work undertaken by the students in most sessions.
Assessment methods
This course is non-accredited, so there are no assessments or coursework.
Miss Claire-Louise Lucas
Claire-Louise Lucas is a professional mezzo-soprano and a part-time music tutor. She lectures on opera and song for Oxford University Department for Continuing Education. She has lectured on singing in conservatoires and other universities in the UK and the USA.
Claire-Louise has performed extensively throughout Britain, Europe and the USA, including an appearance as a soloist in the Salzburg Easter Festival with Maurizio Pollini and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under Claudio Abbado. Other recent performances include concerts at Gloucester Cathedral; Christ Church Cathedral; Salisbury Cathedral; Southampton University; the Leominster Festival and the Brighton Festival.
Digital badge
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.
After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add this badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course fee | £315.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Concessionary fees for short courses
Recommended reading
Recommended reading is optional and you are not required to purchase these books to study this course.
Library facilities
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Library, part of the Bodleian Libraries, for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are also welcome to use the Library for reference.
- More information about the Library can be found on the Bodleian Libraries website.
- This guide for Weekly Class students also provides further information.
Module code: O26P507MSW
How to enrol
Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page.
