'I wish I had discovered Candra years ago. By the end of my first lesson I had learned the techniques that I had spent years trying to master. Candra's [approach] shows you how vocal muscles can be strengthened and how to use your resonators to project a powerful voice.... Her teaching methods will ensure you will enjoy her class, and your own voice will surprise you. Candra is a teacher you would travel the world to find - a real gem.'
– M. Begley

'Cannot fault one thing about it. I do think the teacher makes the whole experience for you, and ours is absolutely amazing – huge energy, humour and skill!'
– E. Kennedy

'Great teaching and encouragement! Candra makes difficult new techniques very clear by explaining with examples.'
– E. Pearson

'Candra was a great teacher, knew her stuff and was interested in helping students find their potential. Really got value out of the course!'
– M. Hickey

'The feedback I have received from Candra was excellent. I've learned how to hit the high notes and sing songs properly.'
– M. Doran

'Warm, friendly environment with excellent teacher – fantastic for building confidence.'
– E. Kennedy

'Fantastic course. I enjoyed the learning as well as making new friends along the way.'
– M. Doran

'The class was a wonderful mix of practical techniques and fun.'
– S. Kavanagh

'Good fun, good for confidence, Candra excellent and very encouraging.'
– E. Champ

'A positive, fun course. I learned loads.'
– S. McCabe

The Contemporary Vocal Workshop is specially designed for the amateur r’n’b, folk, soul, gospel or pop singer. Although the classical tradition of vocal training has in the past proven useful, it does not necessarily address all the vocal demands of contemporary music, and many students reach the end of the road with their teachers still asking a lot of questions, such as: How do I sing louder? How do I sound more mainstream? How do those artists do that, and how can I?

This workshop, which includes both solo and group singing in 2-, 3- and 4-part harmony, will introduce some essential techniques, specific to contemporary vocal styles, that will help you to:

• Manage the break in the voice
• Develop your breathing and support
• Find your ‘powerhouse voice’
• Learn about vocal riffing and embellishment
• Address voice qualities and vocal ingredients relevant to particular contemporary styles 
• Maintain vocal health

The workshop will also include preparation with an accompanist, and (although this is not required) participants can showcase some of the material they have worked on in a final performance, open to the public. Participants are encouraged to invite family and friends along!

Although this workshop is an introduction to contemporary vocal styles, it is not intended for voice beginners and is not merely a ‘sing-along’. (Go to Introducing Singing for Adults for information on our beginners course.) Undertaking this course assumes that you have the time to practise consistently, are prepared to perform in front of others and will regularly attend.

Candra is available to speak by phone with those interested in participating in this workshop. Please let us know by email or phone if you would like her to contact you.

The Contemporary Vocal Workshop is one of our group courses. Private, partner, group and intensive lessons in popular and contemporary singing styles are also available. See Departments & Faculty - Voice (Singing) for more information.

2011-2012 Third Term Schedule & Fee

10 weeks, April 17 – June 19, 2012
Tuesdays 6.30 – 8 pm
Performance on Tuesday, June 19

Tuition Fee: €270
Payment Plan: €139 deposit; one payment (May 1) of €139

Candra Sleeman, Teacher

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Candra (pronounced 'Chandra') completed her Diploma in Contemporary Music Performance, majoring in voice, in 1999, and then undertook a Bachelor of Contemporary Music degree at Southern Cross University. There she polished her technique under the tutelage of Valerie Tamblyn-Mills and other acclaimed performers. After completing her degree, Candra's interest in education and teaching saw her undertake a Graduate Diploma in Music Education, and she has since taught voice, musicianship and theory, both in classroom and private settings, in Australia, London and Dublin. She has also had extensive experience in live performance, solo, in duos, trios and large ensembles and in a variety of different styles, ranging from soul to jazz and Latin to pop. Candra's experience with the renowned ‘Jo Estil Technique’ and her understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the voice removes the ‘smoke and mirrors’ that often comes with trying to teach technique to vocal students, promotes good vocal health and achieves results. She currently teaches voice and vocal development on the Higher National Diploma in Music Performance at Ballyfermot College (the Rockschool) and has taught at the New School since 2005.

Listen to Candra sing 'Dindi' by Antonio Carlos Jobim:

Enrolment

Enrolment for this course requires a completed enrolment form and full payment of tuition fees. (Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a 2011-2012 General Enrolment Form.) Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of enrolment. Early enrolment is recommended, as places are limited to ten.

Purchasing this course as a gift? Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a Gift Certificate Booking Form.

Back to top