What to expect: 

We look forward to welcoming singers and pianists to our 3rd summer school in Auckland. Five intensive days of learning with Catrin Johnsson and Rachel Fuller as well as guest tutors (see below). The programme includes masterclasses and workshops in vocal technique, acting and storytelling, performance skills and ensemble singing as well as creativity models and support for performance anxiety. The school includes a number of performance opportunities.

Guest tutors: 

We are thrilled that we will be joined by Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand CNZM. Jennifer has worked extensively in theatre, film, television, musical and radio as an actor, director and teacher for over 40 years. Shes is also an accredited Intimacy Coordinator for stage and screen. As a teacher, Jennifer is in demand as a tutor of masterclasses for actors, singers and choirs. She has been a member of the choir, Jubilation for over 25 years.

Jennifer was a founding board member of the Watershed Theatre and a co-founder of the drma school, The Actor's Program. She is president of Equity New Zealand (since 2007), Patron of Q Theatre, Te Manu Tīoriori Trust and Theatre New Zealand and serves as a board member of the Actors Benevolent Fund and Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori - The Māori Language Commission.

In the 2007 New Year's Honours List, she was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to theatre and the community. In 2018 she was named SPADA Industry Champion and in 2019 New Year's Honours List she was named a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to theare, film and television and presented with a Woman of Influence Award (for arts and culture). In 2020 Jennifer was honoured as the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year. www.jenniferwardlealand.com 

Further tutors to be announced as numbers are confirmed for the school.

Ability level:

Singers of all ages and stages are welcome (but children under 16 years of age require special agreement and may require supervision). There is no audition required but we will ask you to provide a video of yourself singing so that you can be placed in a suitable ensemble. Sheet music for the ensembles will be sent out in advance of the school and should be well studied and learnt before the school commences.

Pianists:

Pianists interested in developing their vocal accompaniment skills are warmly welcome. Repertoire studied will include: operatic aria and ensembles, Music Theatre, Lieder, chanson and English song as well as sacred song and others. You will receive input on sight-reading skills, coaching skills, masterclass and rehearsal etiquette and répétiteur skills. You will also be offered the tools to develop your language and diction skills. Some repertoire will be sent out in advance of the school and should be well prepared for the start of the school.

Trainee Teachers and Observers:

We welcome voice teachers at all points in their career as well as interested observers to join us for the five day school, or for just a day or two, to gain professional development or a few new ideas for your own singing or playing. Ask all the questions you need to in a safe and welcoming environment. Daily Trainee Teacher and Observer fee: $80 per day.

Catering:

The school is self catered (eg bring a packed lunch). Some kitchen facilities are available. Please provide an evening meal on concert evenings. There are plenty of places to eat near the venue. We will provide tea, coffee and snacks during the day. We will have one group dinner outing on day three in nearby Ponsonby Central.