• Course Dates
    June 5, 2026 6:30 pm –
    June 7, 2026 4:00 pm
  • Observer Pass
    June 6, 2026
    11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Jackdaws Artistic Director Saffron van Zwanenberg

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Level: All
Fee: £375

Steps to Solo Singing

with Saffron van Zwanenberg

Do you love singing in a choir or in private but feel nervous at the thought of singing on your own in front of anyone?

Steps to Solo is designed especially for singers who want to explore the next step, or have just started to sing solo: building the skills and confidence to sing solo in a friendly, supportive environment.

This course offers a safe space to try out new things without pressure. Together, we’ll work on practical singing skills that support both group and individual singing—things like breath control, tone, diction, and phrasing—while also giving you opportunities to step forward and try short solo lines at your own pace.

Whether you’ve never sung outside of a choir section, or have just started to give solo singing a go, you’ll find encouragement, constructive guidance, and the chance to grow at a level that feels comfortable.

Confidence is just as important as technique. Through fun exercises, supportive feedback, and group activities, you’ll learn to manage performance nerves and find your own voice. Sharing the journey with others in the same position means you’ll never feel alone; every participant is working towards the same goal, and together we’ll celebrate each step of progress.

By the end of the course, you’ll have gained not only new vocal skills, but also the courage and experience to sing solo in front of others. For some, this may be the beginning of a solo singing journey; for others, it may simply bring more confidence and enjoyment to the singing they already do.
Steps to Solo is an open door—helping singers build the foundation they need for solo opportunities now and in the future.

You’re welcome to bring some solo rep if you have any that you are working on, 2-3 pieces. Or any folk/ traditional song that you know is fine too, e.g. Amazing Grace, The Water is Wide. Please do contact us if you would like some ideas.

We asked our course leaders to answer a few questions about their course and teaching:

  1. Increased confidence in their singing
  2. Enhanced wellbeing from singing
  3. Some tangible skills so they can carry on singing after they leave

“My teaching style is inclusive and encourages a growth mindset through skills based learning and personal reflection.”

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, 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.