• Course Dates
    November 28, 2025 6:30 pm –
    November 30, 2025 4:00 pm
  • Observer Pass
    November 29, 2025
    11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Marta Fontanals-Simmons

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Level: All
Fee: £375

Singing to Recover Your Breath

with Marta Fontanals-Simmons

This supportive and inspiring weekend retreat is designed for anyone looking to regain breath control, strengthen their voice, and restore confidence in their singing—perhaps you are recovering from illness such as COVID-19 or other respiratory conditions or you feel your voice is changing because of age or other factors.

With International Mezzo Soprano Marta Fontanals-Simmons, you will be led through a holistic weekend that focuses on reconnecting breath with voice through carefully structured breathwork, improving vocal stamina with innovative SOVT vocal exercises, developing trust in your instrument through physical strengthening and enhancing your overall well-being with Mindful relaxation techniques.

You will work towards performing two pieces of your choice suited to your vocal range, with full support from the course leader. Whether you are an experienced singer or new to classical repertoire, the emphasis is on progress, not perfection.
Sessions will include guided warm-ups, breath-focused vocal exercises, and group singing in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment. One-on-one guidance will be available to help you navigate any vocal or breathing challenges. By the end of the weekend, you will have a deeper understanding of how to use your breath effectively, feel more in control of your voice, and take away practical exercises to continue at home.

This retreat welcomes all levels of singers, from beginners to experienced vocalists. If you have been struggling with breathlessness, vocal fatigue, or simply want to reconnect with your voice in a supportive setting, this weekend will offer you the tools and encouragement to move forward with confidence. Come and experience the healing power of singing in a nurturing space, surrounded by others on a similar journey.

NB Marta is a trained singer and expert in how to manage your breath through a holistic approach, but please note she is not medically trained.

Some course feedback:

The studio is a wonderful place to be, and we were very lucky to be able to spend time outdoors in the beautiful surroundings

I always feel much healthier after a spell at Jackdaws!

I can’t imagine there could be a more supportive and encouraging environment for learning…

Read more about what participants say about Jackdaws Courses.

A £100 deposit is required to secure your place on this course. The balance of fees, including accommodation, is due 3 weeks before the course start date.

You can also buy an Observer Pass for this course. The Observer Pass entitles you to attend on SATURDAY from 11am–1pm as an observer only and costs £10. This can be redeemed against a subsequent course booking. Places are limited. More info and terms and conditions here.

Details Price Qty
Attendee - Deposit £100.00 GBP  
Observer Pass £10.00 GBP  

Venue:  

Venue Phone: 01373 812383

Address:
Jackdaws Music Education Trust, Great Elm, Frome, Somerset, BA11 3NY, United Kingdom

Description:

Course Information

Is this Course right for me?

The answer is probably yes as we welcome musicians of all abilities and backgrounds on our courses but if you would like to find out more before you book please read about our course levels, or email or call our office manager Karolyn on 01373 812 383 / music@jackdaws.org and she will be able to offer further guidance.

If you are still unsure then maybe consider one of our “Try before you buy” Observer Passes which enable you to come and see one session in action.

Full Observer places may also be bookable for a whole weekend subject to availability. Call / email the office for more information.

Please see our General Course Information pages for further details and schedule information.

Our Courses are for adult musicians (except where stated) and take place at Jackdaws in Great Elm, near Frome in Somerset. The Course Fee includes all tuition, meals and refreshments at Jackdaws. Courses take place in the main studio, with Steinway piano, and generally follow a masterclass format. There are several practice rooms here, too.

Repertoire

For Voice, Piano & Wind courses; participants are usually requested to prepare 2 – 3 pieces in advance. We will ask you to provide a repertoire list for the tutor (& accompanist) ahead of the course.

For Ensemble courses; direction will be given by the course leaders.

Accommodation

If you require B&B, we can arrange that for you; accommodation fees are payable in addition to the course fee.

Meals and Refreshments

Lunch, Supper and morning/afternoon refreshments will be prepared on site by our dedicated Cooks.  If you are vegetarian/vegan, or have a food allergy, you must let us know in advance, so that our cooks can plan the meals for the weekend accordingly. We are ‘allergy aware’, but we rely on participants letting us know if they have specific food allergies. Please also let us know if you carry any emergency medication.

By booking onto a Jackdaws course you agree to abide by our Terms and Conditions and understand the Privacy Policy regarding our handling of your data.