Presenting Lyrics & Vocals, a brilliant new vocal and songwriting group returning for a second series of ten sessions - this time on a Wednesday.

This ten week group course is for anyone interested in:

• ‘finding a voice’ and improving vocal skills
• learning and improving their songwriting craft
• harmonising and arranging covers of well known songs
• collaborating on new songs
• finding ways to get your songs heard, picked up and published

The course is led by inspirational choral workshop leader, multi-instrumentalist and published song writer John Blaylock. John is keen to pass on his knowledge and expertise to help aspiring writers and performers achieve greatness (in whatever way you want to define this). The group is supported by backing vocalist, violinist and teacher Jote Oshan, who as a session musician has toured with the likes of Elbow, The Maccabees, Nick Cave, Sia, Roots Manuva, Gorillaz, The Cinematic Orchestra and Duran Duran.

Open to singer-songwriters and vocalists with any level of experience and ability. Lyrics & Vocals is all about building confidence, nurturing talent, forming and improving skills, building networks and collaboration. There will also be opportunities to perform in the friendly and intimate surroundings at Band on the Wall and other local venues.

“First and foremost this is a really fun group. We have a laid back approach, no-one will be put on the spot early on but as the barriers come down and the confidence grows everyone will have the opportunity to play a starring role,” says John. “The emphasis is on singing and songwriting - learning key techniques to improve the tone, power and stamina of your voice. We will start by applying these techniques to cover songs that we all know and (hopefully!) love. We will also work in vocal harmonies to build up great sounding arrangements for performance at some point down the road.

“We’ll break songs down to get an understanding of good song structure and dynamics, then try and replicate or intentionally deviate from these to come up with our own songs. Everyone has it in them to write and, as you will discover, collaborating with other writers is one of the best ways to develop your own songs and your own writing skills.”

All levels of experience welcome. New members and past participants alike are welcome.

N.B. All under 16’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

This course is brought to you by Brighter Sound and Band on the Wall.

Additional Information

Venue: Education Room 1 at Band on the Wall

Full course dates: Wednesdays: 18, 25 Jan. 1, 8, 15 Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Mar.

Times: 6.30-8.30pm

Performance: Open Mic at Band on the Wall Picturehouse Weds 5 Apr 2017

Cost: £100 / £80 (Concessions) / £12 per session (booking fee applies)

N.B. Concession places are subject to production of proof of eligibility at first session.