The Contemporary Choral Academy
Starting Sept 2008

'The Lost Sound' New Adult Chorus
Do you love singing in harmony? Do you want to expand your skills, explore new ideas – and love a challenge? - more

Girls Youth Training Choir
The new term starts in September so enquire now about this opportunity for 12 to 18 year-olds (girls only) to develop a good, safe vocal technique in a supportive and fun group environment - more


Ongoing Vocal Training Courses

Build vocal skills, musicianship and confidence in your singing - more


Supports the Contemporary
Choral Academy


Contemporary Choral Academy

Sandra has expanded her coaching practises to many different styles of choirs and has formed the Contemporary Choral Academy to encompass her different trainings.

The role of this overseeing body is to pull everything together under one banner and offer a new, vibrant and exciting approach to choral teaching here in the Southwest of England. Individuals, existing choral groups, choir leaders, and even the corporate sector will be able to benefit from the expertise and rich experience on offer through the Contemporary Choral Academy.

Sandra leads some warm-ups
The aims of the Academy
Traditionally, choir schools have mainly focused on classical music, or are based around a cathedral choir, and consequently there was a lack of opportunities available to learn other styles, both here in Devon and beyond – hence the need for a contemporary vocal style academy specifically for choirs. Sandra felt that she could help fill this vacuum, and her work with her own choirs and others around South Devon, training and encouraging a constant flow of amateur singers in finding their passion to get up and sing, proved that there is a demand for this new approach to coaching contemporary singing.

Our aim is to make choral singing accessible to all amateur singers through providing a range of suitable training platforms. At the Contemporary Choral Academy, all singers, whatever their level and experience, can improve, boost their confidence and really discover their talent!


Projects and training programmes currently on offer by the Contemporary Choral Academy include:

Youth Training Choir 'Just Gurlz' – This ongoing project, new for 2008, will offer training to 12-18 year-olds in harmony singing, ensemble work and musicianship. Although the original idea for this group was as a training ground for young talent who might ‘graduate’ to join adult choruses, it will inherently provide an excellent grounding for all young female singers, concentrating on the development of safe singing practices which will serve students well whatever their future musical path - more

New! The Lost Sound Chorus
If you're an adult singer with talent, commitment and ambition then this could be the choir for you - more

Vocal Training Courses – New courses starting in January 2009 - limited places so book early! Full details coming soon, or phone 01364 643105 for latest news - more

Choir Coaching – Sandra is happy to offer her skills, techniques and experience to singing groups around south Devon – she loves to train and educate all singers who have the passion and drive to improve! As a choir coach she currently works with a number of choral groups and small ensembles, from community choirs to barbershop quartets - more

Choir Courses – These courses cover all the basics of breath and voice work in a choir context, offering full harmony singing of beautiful, original songs. Excellent for choir leaders as well as choir members - more

One-Day Workshops – These fun and informative training days are available to a wide variety of groups or community organisations – in fact, all singers who want to sing together as a group - more

Corporate Team-building Choir Workshops – We have found that much of the work we do is also ideally suited for motivational training or team-building workshops for the corporate sector. We offer a number of different day or weekend courses combining training in choral skills, breathing and vocal work. An informal concert presentation at the end of the workshop can be included - more

Soloists' Master Classes – coming soon, but in the meantime please contact us to discuss how we may be able to help you.



Two wins this year!
Two of the choirs that Sandra Smith coaches have won 'most improved chorus' awards this year.
Read full stories- here


The 'Dawn Chorus' goes from strength to strength
- more details here


The Contemporary Choral Academy – Events Programme:

Courses & workshops:

Vocal Training Courses - New courses starting May 2009 - limited places - book now! Useful for all styles of contemporary singers.

CCA Choirs:
'Just Gurlz' - Girls Youth Training Choir - new term starts Tuesday 21st April 5:30-6:45pm - new members always welcome.

'The Lost Sound' New Adult Chorus - – New intake planned for late 2009.


CCA courses will
help you:
Check you are using your voice correctly and safely

Breathe properly to get the best from your voice

Ground yourself fully and sing more freely

Become sensitive to the group musical dynamic

Interpret the songs to bring them to life

Increase your tonal and emotional expression

Learn invaluable techniques, top tips & exercises

and much more!



With the advent of the Youth Training Choir, more teenagers will be able to graduate to adult choirs
Sandra Smith - Singing teacher and Choir coach
21 Chapel St, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0AQ
tel: 01364 643105 • email: sandra@singingandbreathing.co.uk
www.singingandbreathing.co.uk