Singing School

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The Singing School

The Swedish singer, Valborg Werbeck-Svärdström (1879 - 1972) laid the basis for a true understanding of the human voice as well as the training and therapeutic application of it, fitting for our time. Between 1912 and 1924 in collaboration with Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) she developed a new singing schooling "die Schule der Stimmenthüllung" (uncovering the voice) drawing on the insights of spiritual science.

Since V.Werbeck-Svärdström´s death, her work has been continued in the artistic, pedagogical and therapeutic spheres under the leadership of Jürgen Schriefer. In Finland the singing work began in the mid-seventies. Out of courses and concerts grew the need for more intensive concentrated study and the question arose to found a school. Singing School was founded in Lahti, Finland 1990. Since 2001 the School is in Ilmajoki

The Singing School today

The central starting point for the studies is the personal musical and vocal aspiration of the student. Each voice and starting point is different. Very essential features in the studies are developing one’s ability to listen and finding one's own voice. However, the musical co-operation with others is important as well. Thus, the gradually evolving musical listening guides the development of the voice with the help of the singing exercises.

The personal musical development and the musical teamwork projects provide a challenging antithesis, which gives rise to the question: How to find true equilibrium between the individual and the communal? For the Singing School this means a continuous task to find up-to-date methods. Students at the Singing School work closely together both, with their teachers, as well as with other students in accordance with the curriculum.

Studying

The Singing School offers a fulltime 4 + 1 year course. The first year is an introduction and probationary year for the actual singing studies. The studying in the 2nd to 4th year goes deeply into the Singing School singing methods and into the knowledge of those aspects of the human being which are relevant for singing. In addition, general theory and practice of music will be studied. All this is used as a basis for various directions - artistic, pedagogical, or therapeutic - of which the student can choose in accordance with his or her individual talent and inclinations.

The 4th year culminates in a final recital and written project. Additionally, pianistic and pedagogical skills are assessed. Successful completion of the 4th year leads to a certificate and opens the way to the specialised studies of the 5th year in the artistic, pedagogical or therapeutic direction. The 5th year includes, in addition, a thesis and a practical training either in Finland or overseas.

Programme of studies (weekly lessons or periods)

daily group work with the Werbeck singing exercises
individual singing lessons and solo work with accompaniment
choir and ensemble singing
music theory, music history, ear training, sight-reading, improvisation
piano, recorder, lyre lessons
eurythmy, gymnastics
conducting
painting
anthroposophy
study of "Uncovering the Voice" by Valborg Werbeck-Svärdström
singing therapy

Concerts, tours and projects (for example a yearly advent tour) are an important part of the programme of studies.

The School Year

The School Year is from the beginning of September to the beginning of June with approximately 3 weeks vacation at Christmas and 2 weeks at Easter. Additionally, the autumn and winter terms each have a half-term break of one week.

Language

Since students come from many countries, the common language for teaching purposes is English. German and Finnish are also used.



Faculty

Teachers: Merja Rautio, Junko Ishikawa and Risto Suurla.
Guest teachers include Timo Luotonen, Momoka Hayashi (Japan), Leena Tiusanen, Marja Suurla and others.

Application

Please send a hand-written biography, including your reasons for wishing to attend the School, and a photograph. Please include copies of your previous diplomas and degree certificates. You will be invited for an interview and to sing, although existing vocal skills are not the determining factor for acceptance onto the course.

The grounds for admittance are individual; applicant's general inclinations and motivation are important. Please bring a health report to the interview to show that there are no medical reasons that might restrain studying in the Singing School.

Some previous experience with the exercises of the "school of uncovering the voice" as well as a basic knowledge of anthroposophy is recommended. See e.g. "Uncovering the voice" by Valborg Werbeck-Svärdström, published by Rudolf Steiner Press, London.


Tuition fee

Tuition fee is currently 2020 € per annum. Cost of living is not included in the tuition.


Address

The Singing School
Luovantie 125
60760 Pojanluoma
Finland

tel/fax: +358-(0)6-4248808


www.laulukoulu.fi

info@laulukoulu.fi

Related links

http://www.gesangstherapie-stimmenthuellung.de

http://naturallyyoucansing.com

http://www.goetheanum.ch/

http://www.anthroposophy.com/

http://www.anthroposophy.net/

http://www.kolumbus.fi/antropos/

http://www.etelapohjanmaa.fi

http://www.anthropress.org