Vocal dEPARTMENT
A strong focus on vocal technique and stage craft
The Vocal Programmes we offer at St Mary's Music School are unique in Scotland and are designed to give pupils an excellent grounding in vocal technique, language, performance skills and ensemble music making.
There are two vocal programmes at the School which focus on age-appropriate vocal development: The Changing Voices Programme and the Senior Vocal Programme.
Changing Voices Programme
Aimed at aspiring young singers (S3 & S4/ ages 13 - 15), the Changing Voices programme has vocal health and confidence-building at its heart. With a focus on classical vocal technique, singers are nurtured and supported to maintain confidence in their vocal ability through specialist classes and teaching on how to use their developing voices.
As first study singers, they are encouraged to work as soloists by exploring text, emotional expression and all areas of vocal performance. Each pupil will receive one-to-one lessons each week with a teacher who specialises in this period of vocal development as well as performance classes, coaching, language classes and ensemble music-making activities such as School Choir, Chamber Choir and Chamber Music.
Pupils on the Changing Voices programme are given an increased amount of contact time on their second studies to allow them flexibility within their education as their voice develops. This will allow them more choice as they progress through the School.
Senior Vocal Programme
The Senior Vocal Programme provides young singers (S6 to S6ext/ ages 15 - 19) with all the skills they need to succeed at conservatoire and beyond. During the course of their study, they learn how to use both their body and instrument as a means of communicating text and music, strengthen confidence in their vocal ability and learn team-working skills which will prove invaluable throughout their lives.
First-study singers can expect weekly singing lessons where they focus on a wide range of repertoire and on honing their classical vocal technique; weekly coaching with a vocal specialist; performances classes; language classes (Italian, German and French); acting, movement and stagecraft, as well as involvement in ensemble music-making activities such as School Choir, Chamber Choir and Vocal Scenes.
All singers are encouraged to perform regularly and can do so at lunchtime concerts in School as well as in performance opportunities at the many major concert events held by St Mary’s Music School throughout the year. Pupils have access to masterclasses with industry leaders and are supported to attend external opportunities such as the National Youth Choir of Scotland, Scottish Opera and RSNO Youth Chorus.
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.
