My daughter aged 11 is a very keen singer - having passed grade 6 with merit. She is interested in 'being an opera singer'. Has anyone got any ideas/ details etc of summer schools or courses in this sort of area for children. There seems to be plently out there for instrument players but not for singers.

Plenty in LOndon, Jacky. Do you live in LONDON?

Wow - she must have an amazing amount of natural talent to pass grade 6 with merit at only 11 years old!

David

I agree. She must be really talented! Lots of professional singers didn't even start singing till 11 or 12!

HI - no we live at top of highlands! Could make it to London if it was worth making the trip -ie probably residential course -as have relatives 'down south'. PLease let me know any ideas!

I'm not a singer, but I would say you don't want her to do a Charlotte Church. Not just the lifestyle, but also her voice being trained in what I would say was a totally inappropriate way for her age. She shouldn't be having 'proper', operatic-type singing lessons until she's at least 16, even 18.

At her age, I would say you should just get her to do as much singing as possible, maybe through choirs which are always sociable, fun things to do. There must be lots of choir summer schools. Drama would also be useful if she's serious about opera!

I agree with this. Girls voices develop as they get older. It's just becoming apparent in one of my pupil's voice who is 16 this year.
David

A SENIOR PROFESSOR SAID AT RAM LAST MONTH THAT KIDS WILL SPOIL THEIR VOICE IF THEY TRAIN TOO EARLY IN CLASSICAL (OPERA SINGING). SHE SAID THE YOUNGEST AGE FOR TRAINING IN OPERA IS AT LEAST 15. ANYTHING YOUNGER IS DEFINITELY - DID YOU HEAR HER - DEFINITELY - HARMFUL. She's very experienced (elderly, too!) and currently teaches postgraduates in singing at RAM. Non-classical training is fine.

Thanks for your comments !

Jacky

Why don't you check out the site for the National Youth Choirs
http://www.nycgb.net/

They have a Northern Girls' Choir (aged 11+) to train young singers like your daughter. This is an excellent organisation, employing high-quality, professional coaches who will have the interest of your daughter's voice at heart. She'll learn much about singing (if accepted), have a great time socially, and be linked into an organisation that could sustain her vocal work until she's out of University if you want.

I agree with others about not pushing a young voice too hard too soon. NYC doesn't do that. It's quite hard to get in, which will also give you a feel as to how your daughter compares with others of her age, but if she made it I think she'd have a wonderful time. Quite a few of my pupils are involved in the organisation (at various different levels) and absolutely adore every minute of their courses. They meet in the holidays on the whole.

Worth a look - I warmly endorse it as a route for young singers.

Thanks for that - will do.I looked at the Scottish one, but they dont take singers until 15 or so. Its just a shame it's so far away.