The Contemporary Choral Academy
Starting April 2008

Youth Training Choir

At last! An opportunity for 11 to 16 year-olds to develop a good, safe vocal technique in a supportive and fun group environment - more


Starting September 2008

One-year Adult Choral Training Course

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


Supports the Contemporary
Choral Academy


Contemporary Choral Academy

- An academy for amateur singers

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 Academy is aimed at amateur singers who are passionate about singing and want to develop their skills both individually and chorally -quite simply -to be the best that they can be.

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 working with conductor Helen Yeomans
The aims of the Academy
Traditionally, choir schools have mainly focused on classical music, or are based around a cathedral choir, consequently, there has been a lack of opportunities 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. Her training is aimed at encouraging a constant flow of amateur singers to find their passion and confidence and get up and sing, proving that there is a demand for this new approach to coaching contemporary singing.

The 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 – This ongoing project, new for 2008, will offer training to 11-16 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 singers, concentrating on the development of safe singing practices which will serve students well whatever their future musical path - more

Adult One-year Training Course – Starts September 2008 - 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.



The Contemporary Choral Academy – Events Programme:

Courses & workshops:

Youth Training Choir - starts April 22nd (to July 22nd).

Adult Training Course - starts September -Limited Places -Book Now!


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