Vocal dEPARTMENT
A strong focus on vocal technique, languages and stage craft
St Mary’s Music School is the only institution in Scotland and the North East of England to offer a full-time vocal programme to young singers aged between 13-19 years old.
Pupils on the Vocal Programme engage in a comprehensive course designed to give them all the tools they need to pursue vocal study at conservatoire, university and beyond. On top of their academic education, each week our young singers receive up to two and a half hours of one-to-one vocal tuition with a teacher who specialises in young voices and up to one hour of vocal coaching with a piano accompanist. They also attend specialised vocal classes including:
- Sung Languages - learning pronunciation and interpretation of Italian, German, French and English texts
- Vocal Performance Class - developing communication and stage skills in a safe and supportive environment
- Acting and Stagecraft – how the body can be used to build a character and tell a story, incorporating learning about various schools of acting and movement.
To further support their vocal studies, young singers can choose to take Alexander Technique classes to help with their alignment and body awareness. As well as being involved in the School’s extensive Chamber Music programme, working with their peers on a wide range of repertoire and instrumental groupings, singers take part in School Choir and daily aural classes in order to further develop their musicianship.
The annual highlight of the Vocal Programme is undoubtedly the Opera Scenes, which take place in the final term of each session. Fully staged and open to the public, the production features a selection of operatic scenes ranging from Handel to Jonathan Dove, bringing together the skills developed throughout the programme and providing valuable preparation for tertiary education and a career in the profession.
The School has ongoing partnerships with Scottish Opera and Opera North, which provide pupils with opportunities to attend rehearsals and workshops, and gain insight into the many aspects of staging an operatic production. This includes masterclasses and opportunities to work alongside professional artists in operatic scenes. Young singers are also supported and encouraged to take part in external programmes such as the National Youth Choir of Scotland and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Youth Chorus, both of which offer regular performance opportunities at venues across Scotland, the UK and internationally.
Within School, pupils benefit from masterclasses with professional singers and presentations from all the major UK conservatoires. These opportunities provide insight into the range of pathways available and support informed decisions regarding progression to further study and the profession.
The young singers on the School’s Vocal Programme are encouraged to perform regularly throughout the year as part of the wide range of internal and external concerts, recitals and competitions organised by the School.
Find out More
To learn more about our admissions process, visit our admissions page.
Why not sign up to our Vocal Taster Day, an immersive experience designed for classical singers aged 13-18, ready to take their singing journey to the next level.
Meet the Vocal Department Teachers!
Second and Third Study Options
As with all instrumental study at St Mary's Music School, pupils have the option to study singing as a second or third study. Pupils receive weekly singing lessons, have access to specialist coaching and accompaniment, are involved heavily in our outstanding Chamber Music programme as well as being involved in the School Choir and Chamber Choir.
We welcome first and second study singers as Instrumental pupils from aged 13 and above. If you would like further information on our Chorister programme, click here.
