What do I perform?
Where do I stand?
Where do I look?
How can I handle performance anxiety?
How can I make the most of my instrument and training?
Singers and instrumentalists, of all music genres and styles, ask themselves the same questions when it comes to performance. And for many of these there are surprisingly simple and effective answers.
Aimed at both serious amateur and professional instrumemtalists and singers working in any style, our acclaimed Performance Techniques for Musicians is now available as an intensive one-day workshop that provides participants with an essential toolkit of proven techniques that will help you to get the most out of any audition, recital, amateur or professional performance. Areas covered include:
- The importance of programming – the choice of and placement of songs in a programme
- Stage presence – presentation, positioning of musicians, blocking, costuming, timing, chat with audience
- Expression – communicating with your audience through gesture and planned movement
- Togetherness – the art of making the audience a part of your performance
- Performing without fear – handling stage fright and performance anxiety
- Accidents will happen – turning the unexpected on stage to your advantage
- The stage itself – dealing with technical issues, sound technicians, lighting technicians, etc.
Participants will work with both Ciarán and a professional accompanist throughout the workshop.
Although this workshop is an introduction to performance techniques, it is not intended for beginners. Participants should have at least a year of serious instrumental or vocal study.
Ciarán is available to speak by phone with those interested in participating in the workshop. Please let us know by email or phone if you would like him to contact you.
Comments from past participants:
Excellent course, suitable for both those who are starting out and those who have performance experience under their belt. It's a great way to identify areas where your performance needs to be better, and you are given plenty of opportunity to work on this. Really liked when we learned about working with other musicians and people involved in putting on a performance. Good balance of theory and practical work. [A]ll in all a fantastic course, informative and best of all based on real industry experience by Ciaran.
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Shyness and Confidence
Having previously attended some singing masterclasses in England, it was clear from the very start that this course was going to be different. They had treated me too ‘nicely’ and with kid gloves when I showed a lack of confidence. Your attitude was refreshing – you had no time for an apologetic performance and said so. You asked me to name the ‘biggest’ singer I admired, and I identified Plácido Domingo. You told me to sing as big as him and not to let him down. Standing tall and bigger hand movements were asked for. The spoken introductions were as important as the song itself. As the ten weeks of the course progressed I felt my confidence and hence performance becoming better and better. I hope this was evident to you and the others.
Programming a Performance
Deciding on the selections and their sequence within the other participants’ selections and ensembles was much more problematic than I had ever realised. Choosing and preparing the ensemble pieces was also a very beneficial exercise and actually turned out to be great fun, not the chore I had imagined it would be. Preparing the ShowBook was a good team exercise which needed patience and perseverance.
Conclusion
I am very happy to have attended both courses [Performance Techniques and The Business of Performance]. They did me the world of good and indeed were great value for money.
This workshop can be taken alone or in conjunction with The Business of Performance. A reduced fee is available for participants who book both workshops together.
Ciarán Nagle, Teacher
Ciarán Nagle has amassed nearly twenty years’ experience as a professional performer and producer, and he has coached numerous singers in practical performance techniques. After training in the DIT College of Music and the RIAM, he became a member of the National Chamber Choir, singing with them until 1998. He also worked extensively with Opera Ireland and appeared in many of their productions. A keen fan of musical theatre and operetta, he performed roles as varied as Gaylord Ravenal in Showboat, Ralph in HMS Pinafore and Tony in West Side Story, that led to his appointment in 1998 as the lead male singer of Riverdance, with which he toured for two years across Europe and Japan. Upon returning to Dublin, Ciarán became the founding member of the Three Irish Tenors, which has gone on to win huge national and international success. He has also sung the National Anthem for both the Hurling and Gaelic Football All Ireland Finals in Croke Park to capacity crowds in excess of eighty thousand. In addition to the Three Irish Tenors, Ciarán’s recent projects include Druid, a touring show featuring top Irish singers; Ishna, a project with American violinist Tara Novak; and Edgewood Productions, a booking agency and management company producing events for corporate and governmental bodies at the highest level. He has also studied Mediation and Conflict Resolution in University College Dublin with a particular focus on dispute resolution in the Arts.
Enrolment
Enrolment for this workshop requires a completed enrolment form and full payment of tuition fees. (Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a 2010-2011 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 eight.
Purchasing this workshop as a gift? Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a Gift Certificate Booking Form.
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