A0990 - Sing Reggae to Broadway: musical theatre singing (beginners)

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Start Date: 22/09/2026      End Date: 24/11/2026        Start Time: 18:30      End Time: 20:00        Hours per Week: 1.50      No of Weeks: 9
Fees:      £90.00 (tuition)     £172.00 (overseas)     £28.00 (concessionary)
Tutor: Cynthia Gerald        No of Places: 5
Idea Store Whitechapel

Course Overview

Course Overview
Have you always loved musical theatre and wanted to try singing, but never known where to start?

This supportive and enjoyable beginner course is designed for adults who want to explore singing in a relaxed, confidence-building environment, with a particular focus on musical theatre and selected Reggae-influenced Broadway repertoire. No previous singing experience is needed.

You’ll learn the foundations of healthy singing technique while working with a range of well-known and enjoyable songs. Through fun group exercises and guided practice, you'll develop your voice, improve your breathing and pitch, and begin to sing with greater confidence and expression.

The course introduces learners to both contemporary Broadway songs and Reggae/Caribbean-influenced musical theatre numbers, providing an opportunity to explore different musical styles and performance techniques. Using a selection of contrasting songs, you'll discover how rhythm, phrasing, storytelling and vocal delivery can vary across genres while developing your overall singing skills.

You’ll explore elements of Reggae and Caribbean music, including groove, syncopation, rhythmic phrasing and call-and-response techniques, alongside the projection, characterisation, dynamics and ensemble skills associated with contemporary musical theatre. The course also focuses on stage presence and storytelling, helping you connect emotionally with songs and perform them in a natural, engaging way.

Throughout the course, you’ll be supported by your tutor and encouraged to rehearse, build confidence and share your progress with others in a friendly and inclusive environment.

By the end of the course, you'll take part in an informal class showcase, where you can perform a short section of a song in a supportive setting. The emphasis is on enjoyment, personal achievement and taking pride in your progress, while discovering the exciting musical journey from Reggae to Broadway.

What will you learn and be able to do?

What will you learn and be able to do?
* Use correct posture, breathing and vocal warm-up techniques during singing activities with increasing independence by the end of the course.
* Sing Reggae/Caribbean-inspired songs using basic rhythm and syncopation accurately with tutor support.
* Sing clearly using appropriate diction and projection so that lyrics can be understood by the audience during class performances.
* Demonstrate basic performance skills by using facial expression, stage presence and emotional connection while singing at least one song.
* Take part confidently in group singing activities and perform a short musical theatre or Reggae-influenced song extract in the final class showcase.
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
No prior experience needed, just a love for singing.
Prosp User 8

Equipment required

Equipment required
Comfortable clothes you can move in.
Flat shoes or trainers (nothing with heels).
A bottle of water.
A notebook and pen if you want to jot things down.
All music and lyrics will be provided on the screen in class.
Prosp User 9

How will you know you are making progress?

How will you know you are making progress?
Your tutor will give you regular feedback.
You’ll notice you can remember more lyrics, follow dance steps more easily, and feel more confident performing.
You might be asked to fill out an ILP form which is an aid for self reflection on your progress at the beginning middle and end of course.
Prosp User 12
No written exams.
You’ll be assessed on your participation and progress in class.
You may take part in a small performance at the end to show what you’ve learned.
The focus is on enjoying yourself, building confidence, and working as a team.
Prosp User 11

Progress opportunities - your next steps

Progress opportunities - your next steps
A higher level Musical Theatre class.
Singing lessons to build your voice.
Dance workshops to grow your movement skills.
Acting or drama classes.
Other performing arts or creative courses if you want to keep learning.
Join a choir and other singing and music courses at Idea Store Learning
Prosp User 10

Other info

Other info
Don’t worry if you’ve never done this before. It’s designed for beginners.
You don’t need to be able to read music; lyrics will be on the screen.
Practicing a little outside class will really help, but it’s not required.
Most importantly come ready to have fun and try new things!
Prosp User 13

Extra Support

Extra Support
Firstly, let your tutor know. In addition, contacting one of our experienced and friendly Learner Support and Advice team is likely to be helpful. For further information, email ideastore@towerhamlets.gov.uk and a member of the team will get back to you.
Prosp User 14