Association of Teachers of Singing Summer Conference at Will’s Hall, Bristol July 2011

By Mairead-Duffy on Wednesday 17 August 2011

The Association of Teachers of Singing held its Summer Conference from the 15th to 17th of July, in Will’s Hall, part of The University of Bristol.

As ever, the programme was of direct interest to anyone interested in extending their own knowledge of the great variety of topics involved in vocal education.

To give a flavour of what was on offer:–

Penny Price Jones spoke about professional development, with special reference to the Association’s own Teacher Training Programme.

 Marian Bryfdir presented Spanish teaching repertoire, and an excellent workshop and hand-out on basic Spanish diction.

Gordon Stewart was both entertaining and informative on the topic of putting together a themed programme of songs.

 Susan Yarnall and Ivor Flint reported on the EVTA workshop week in Ljubljana on creative teaching with technology in the studio.

Paul Deegan gave an illustrated presentation on the life and poetry of Francis Ledwidge, and the songs his poems inspired.

  Each morning began with a formal exchange of warm-ups and technical exercises in the lecture hall; and each evening ended with an informal exchange of views at the bar!!