*NEW* Broadway Voices

What is the course about? 

Lawrence, Head of Singing at Laine Theatre Arts, and Dom, Professor of Musicology at the University of Sheffield and Visiting Professor of Film and Theatre Music at Gresham College, will lead a dynamic and practical exploration of vocal technique and performance, tailored specifically for those looking to strengthen their skills across a broad range of styles. Covering classic Golden Age repertoire through to contemporary musical theatre, they will provide you with tools to develop both your voice and your storytelling craft.

You will engage in focused warm-ups, breath control exercises, and techniques to enhance range, resonance, and clarity. Emphasis will be placed on healthy singing practices suitable for the varied demands of musical theatre repertoire, including legit, belt, and mixed voice techniques.

During the course you will work on songs from different eras and styles – ranging from the lyrical and structured Golden Age (such as Rodgers & Hammerstein and Lerner & Loewe) to the pop-infused sound of modern composers like Pasek & Paul, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Jason Robert Brown. Sessions will focus on text interpretation, phrasing, and emotional connection to material, encouraging you to bring authenticity and character to your performance.

Acting through song will also be a key component, allowing you a chance to explore intention, subtext, and stage presence. Individual coaching, group work, and performance feedback will help you refine your vocal and dramatic delivery.

The course culminates in an informal performance or sharing session, giving you the chance to apply your learning in a supportive environment.

 

What will we cover? 

• Vocal warm-ups and breath control
• Introduction to healthy vocal technique
• Confidence building
• Range expansion and vocal placement
• Stylistic differences in musical theatre genres (Golden Age, Contemporary, Pop-Rock)
• Text and lyric interpretation
• Connecting emotion to vocal delivery
• How to work with your pianist
• Final showcase-style performance for peers (informal)

What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to… 

You will leave the course with improved vocal control, a stronger connection to and understanding of material, and increased confidence on stage.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills? 

Open to singers with some prior experience in singing or performance. Perfect for students, amateur performers or shower singers looking to refresh their skills.

How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required? 

We will work in a masterclass setting, a supportive and interactive environment where you learn not only through individual coaching but also by observing your fellow course participants. You will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with the tutors in front of the group and receive tailored feedback on vocal technique, interpretation and performance.

You should prepare two contrasting musical theatre songs in advance. Preparing songs (not necessarily by memory) will allow you to focus on refining interpretation, vocal technique, and character work during the sessions rather than learning new material on the spot. You are encouraged to choose two contrasting pieces – such as a classic Golden Age ballad and a contrasting up-tempo number – to ensure a well-rounded exploration of style and storytelling during the course.

Is there anything I need to bring? 

Your music, a recording device, a water bottle and a notebook and pencil for writing down tips!

You will be asked to provide details of your chosen songs and upload the sheet music – in the correct key – in advance of the course.

Tutor biographies

Lawrence Broomfield-McHugh - see website here
Lawrence is an international vocal coach, performer, conductor, writer and consultant with over 20 years of experience. Currently Head of Singing at Laine Theatre Arts, he has taught at many of the top musical theatre institutions in the country, including Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, Mountview and Bird College. His graduates can be heard in every professional musical theatre production in the UK and in productions around the world. He has taught leading performers including Charlie Stemp (West End) and Ella Henderson (The X Factor) as well as film stars such as Lily James, Daisy Ridley, and James Norton.

Lawrence trained as a classical baritone at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire with Brian Rayner Cook and Adrian Clarke. Alongside his teaching he maintains an active performing career as a classical singer (choral, oratorio, and opera) and as a writer and presenter. He has regularly contributed to Music Teacher Magazine as a reviewer and author of feature articles. In addition to being on BBC Radio 3 as a voice expert, he has also been consultant to Sheffield University’s Musicals series and ABRSM Singing for Musical Theatre exams.

Dominic Broomfield-McHugh - see website here
Dominic is Professor of Musicology at the University of Sheffield and Visiting Professor of Film and Theatre Music at Gresham College. A world-leading expert on American musicals on stage and screen he has published ten books including Loverly: The Life and Times of 'My Fair Lady' (OUP, 2012), The Letters of Cole Porter (Yale, 2019) and The Oxford Handbook of the Hollywood Musical (2022). He won an Emmy as Associate Producer of the PBS documentary Meredith Willson: America's Music Man and has appeared on all the main BBC television and radio stations as well as NPR in America.

As a professional pianist, Dominic has accompanied West End performers including Olivier Award winners Sara Kestelman and David Bedella. He has worked with organisations including the Great American Songbook Foundation and the Sydney Opera House, and he has given lectures and talks all over the world including at the New York City Center, the Library of Congress, New York Public Library, Sadler's Wells, and Lincoln Center.