Classes Descriptions 2025

Class #1:   

Power songs:

Get  up, stand up, with the SongWest vocal ensemble! From classic pop songs  to traditional South African choral music, join us for powerful and  easy-to-learn songs that inspire hope, courage, and resilience.

Class #2 (size limit 8)

Songwriting Steps to Success 

 Whether  you are an experienced songwriter or a beginner, these “steps to  success” will provide you with simple and practical guidelines for  finding inspiration and crafting your material. You are welcome to bring  in songs you are working on, sketches for lyrics, songs you want to cover with your own arrangement, or just your  curiosity and creativity! Everyone is invited to share their  work-in-progress in a fun and supportive environment. No music reading  or instrument playing ability needed - all levels welcome!
 

Class #1: 

Elbows Up!!

What  do all these songwriters/Artists have in common: Bruce Cockburn, Joni  Mitchell, Stompin’ Tom Connors, kd lang, Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard  Cohen, Sarah McLachlan, Neil Young?
Canadian, all brilliant !! I  don’t know if we’ll get to all of them (there’s more, too!), but I sure  hope so ! Join me for a celebration of Canadian musicians and  songwriters.

Class #2: 

 Swing Era

The songs of the 1940s and 50s were rich with beautiful  repertoire and glorious harmonies! Come sit under the apple tree with me  for this amazing and inspirational exploration into this wonderful  repertoire! 

“Extra: Bonus class” Jennifer and Michael

Singers’ Master Class - Saturday night only (Limit 6 )*

A safe and fun space to take a risk, connect with your audience, build confidence, and bring honesty and emotional depth to the songs you sing, and to your ongoing process as a singer. Come prepared with a song of your choice memorized. Please bring sheet music or a chord chart.

*if there are more than 6 people who register for Masterclass there will be a lottery (ie names pulled from a hat)

music.  All are welcome!

Class #1: 

Duets

Dynamic, flexible, intimate and joyous! We will explore how to  meld our voices with another singer, how to sing in a way that is  responsive, attentive and playful. No need to come with a singing  partner - we will learn the music by ear, as a group and  there will be opportunities to split into smaller groups and we have a  great time doing it! Repertoire will be in English and based on  folk/traditional styles.
 

Class #2:  (Size limit 8)

EUROPEAN SAMPLER - In  this class we will sample some of the beautiful and unique styles of  harmony singing from Croatia, Georgia, Bulgaria and Corsica. We will  stretch our harmonic  ears and delight in the magic of a good drone!