Singing Classes for Children

Singing at STAMP

Singing is a core part of musical theatre and features across all three of STAMP's weekly groups.

At our studios in Frederick Street, South Shields, children and young people develop their singing as part of wider musical theatre sessions combining singing, dancing and acting.

What members work on varies throughout the year and is often connected to the productions they are preparing for.

Members may work on songs as a full company, in smaller groups or, where appropriate, individually as they prepare for performances.

What children learn through singing

Singing at STAMP is about more than learning the notes of a song.

Depending on their age, experience and the material they are working on, members can develop areas including:

• singing as part of an ensemble;
• pitch and rhythm;
• clear diction;
• breathing;
• phrasing;
• harmonies;
• projection;
• confidence;
• character and storytelling through song;
• combining singing with movement and choreography;
• preparing songs for performance.

The exact focus varies between groups, productions and individual members.

Musical theatre also asks performers to think about why a character is singing and what they are trying to communicate to the audience.

This means members are developing both their musical skills and their ability to perform a song as part of a story.

Singing in Minis

Minis is for children aged 3–6.

Singing is introduced alongside movement, acting, creative play and other activities in an age-appropriate way.

At this age, our focus is on helping children enjoy music and performance, join in with others and gradually become comfortable using their voices.

Minis members can also be encouraged to try small singing or speaking parts in performances where appropriate.

Children do not need previous singing or performing experience to join Minis.

Visit the Minis class page for current session times, fees and availability.

Singing in Blue Group

Blue Group is for children aged 7–12.

Singing and vocal work form part of weekly sessions alongside dancing, acting, drama and performance skills.

Members work on material for upcoming productions as well as developing their ability to sing confidently as part of a group.

As productions approach, singing sessions may focus more closely on learning and polishing songs, harmonies, character, diction and bringing musical numbers together with choreography and staging.

For most Blue Group productions, members also have the opportunity to audition for individual roles.

Visit the Blue Group class page for current session times, fees and availability.

Singing in Green Group

Green Group is for young people aged 13+.

Singing and vocal work form an important part of Green's performance-focused musical theatre sessions alongside acting, dancing, ensemble work and preparation for productions.

Older members can work on more challenging musical material and develop areas such as harmony, phrasing, character, interpretation and performing confidently as part of an ensemble.

As with Blue Group, most Green productions include auditions for individual roles, giving members opportunities to prepare material and experience the audition process.

Visit the Green Group class page for current session times, fees and availability.

Group singing and individual development

STAMP's regular weekly groups are musical theatre classes rather than one-to-one singing lessons.

A large part of our singing work therefore involves learning how to perform as part of a company or ensemble.

Members learn to listen to the people around them, follow musical direction, hold their own part and contribute to the overall sound of a number.

At the same time, every voice and every member develops differently.

Some children arrive confident about singing in front of other people. Others may initially feel much happier singing as part of a group.

We encourage members to challenge themselves where possible, while respecting what they are comfortable with.

For one child, progress might be singing confidently within the ensemble. For another, it could be taking a solo line, auditioning for a role or eventually performing a principal part.

Do children need to be good singers to join STAMP?

No.

Children and young people do not need previous singing lessons or performing experience to join our regular weekly groups.

We work with members from different starting points.

Some join STAMP already confident in their singing. Others may never have sung anywhere other than at home or school.

We want members to develop from wherever they are starting rather than feeling they have to reach a particular standard before they can join.

If your child is completely new to performing arts, read Musical Theatre for Beginners.

What if my child is nervous about singing?

Being asked to sing can feel very different from singing at home, particularly for a child who is shy or worried about being heard.

Musical theatre gives members opportunities to begin as part of a larger group rather than immediately expecting them to sing alone.

We encourage members to take opportunities and challenge themselves, but we also respect what each person is comfortable with.

There can be as much or as little opportunity as a member feels ready to take.

Confidence can build gradually as members become familiar with the group, the teaching team and performing on stage.

Read our Classes for Shy Children guide for more information.

Singing for productions

One of the main reasons we develop singing at STAMP is to put those skills into practice on stage.

As a production approaches, members work towards taking songs from the rehearsal room into a fully staged performance for a paying public audience.

That can mean remembering music while performing choreography, following cues, listening to other performers, staying in character and communicating the story of the song to an audience.

An ensemble number can be every bit as important to a production as a solo.

For most Blue and Green productions, auditions are held for individual roles. Members are encouraged to research the production, prepare for the roles they are interested in and experience the audition process.

Specific roles or solo opportunities are not guaranteed.

You can read more about Student Performance Opportunities and see our current productions.

Who teaches singing at STAMP?

Singing and vocal work are delivered as part of the wider teaching teams across Minis, Blue and Green.

Green Group's current teaching team includes Christopher Perry-McCourt as Voice Coach. Christopher trained at the London School of Musical Theatre and has professional performance and musical direction experience.

Our other groups also include singing and vocal work as part of their regular musical theatre sessions.

You can see the current teachers, roles and biographies in our Team Directory.

Is STAMP a singing school?

STAMP is a musical theatre and performing arts organisation rather than a specialist one-to-one singing school.

Our weekly sessions bring singing, dancing and acting together.

That makes STAMP particularly suited to children and young people who enjoy singing but also want to develop their acting, movement and performance skills and have opportunities to take part in staged productions.

If you are specifically looking for individual singing tuition, graded vocal examinations or a programme focused exclusively on singing, our regular musical theatre groups may not be the same type of tuition you are looking for.

If your child wants to sing as part of a wider performing arts experience, STAMP may be a good place to start.

Singing classes in South Shields

STAMP has provided performing arts opportunities for children and young people in South Tyneside since 2006.

Our weekly musical theatre classes take place at:

STAMP Studios
5 Frederick Street
South Shields
Tyne and Wear
NE33 5DY

Our three regular groups are:

• Minis: ages 3–6
• Blue Group: ages 7–12
• Green Group: ages 13+

All three include singing alongside other areas of musical theatre.

Current session times, fees and availability are available through our Classes page.

How to join

You do not need to arrange a singing audition before joining one of STAMP's regular weekly groups.

Start by choosing the group that matches your child's age and checking its current availability.

Where trial sessions or registrations are available, the appropriate joining option will be shown on the website.

Visit How to Join STAMP or explore all STAMP classes to get started.