Partners in Song

Internationally-acclaimed tenor and teacher Richard Edgar-Wilson and international pianist and vocal coach Marc Verter offer a wealth of knowledge and international experience. This is a course not to be missed! Together, they lead this course designed for pianists and singers focusing on Art Song in English, German and French. Suitable for pre-formed pairs and individual applicants, the emphasis will be on “chamber music for two” rather than “diva and accompanist”. All participants are asked to bring along three pieces they would like to work on. 

During your course, you’ll work on Art Songs in German, French and English originally written for voice and piano. By the end of your course, we hope that the material covered and ideas discussed will enable you to further explore and apply the principles in your future music-making, thereby allowing a more satisfying and informed approach and a deeper understanding of what is involved in tackling the song repertoire.

The course focuses on how each duo collaborates as equal partners. Through the chosen repertoire, you'll examine the poetic texts and language, the composers’ music and markings as well as general background and context of the piece. You'll also explore matters of style and performance practice (including programme planning) to engage your audience's imagination and find ways to enhance and improve your own experience of performing and communicating the music. 

The course begins with a relaxed and informal introductory session where each duo runs through a song together. In the following sessions, you'll have the opportunity to work with one or both tutors. Tutor feedback will be given throughout and sessions are open to all, with opportunities for peer discussion. The course closes with a final informal concert where the ideas you've explored and discussed are put into practice in a supportive environment. 

This course is designed for singers and pianists working at the Confident and Skilful levels. Please see our Ability Levels Explained for further information. 

The course welcomes existing duos as well as individual singers and pianists. As a participant, you will need to be at an intermediate level of proficiency, have the ability to sing and play while listening to your duo partner, and responsive to the tutors' comments. 

Please select and prepare three English, German, or French Art Songs that you'd like to work on during the course (no orchestral reductions, transcriptions, opera or oratorio arias please). You will need to bring your own scores and provide copies to the tutors (and to your peers where possible). 

Helpful resources for repertoire: The Benslow Music Library also has a good selection of music which may be borrowed during the course or in advance by Benslow Music Members.  IMSLP is another online resource with a wide range of scores and parts.

If you're coming as part of a pre-existing duo, you will get the most out of the course if you can rehearse your chosen repertoire in advance. We recognise that this won’t always be possible though, and there will be opportunities for you to practice and rehearse together during the course too. Otherwise you just need an open mind, a love of song and a willingness to explore.