Duke of Edinburgh Award Skills
The Skills section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award encourages the development of personal interests and practical and social skills.
By choosing to develop a particular skill you will not only developing a new talent but you will also boost your self esteem, develop practical and social skills and learn how to set and rise to a challenge. It will also be great fun!
Singing as a DofE Award Skill
Opera superstar Katherine Jenkins achieved her Silver Award – and unsurprisingly did singing for her Skills section, studying for her Associated Board of Music Singing Exams – getting a higher grade for her Silver than Bronze.
What will you do during the course?
By way of example, the twelve-week (three month) Bronze Award course covers;
- Discovering your vocal range
- Learning healthier ways to sing
- Increasing your stamina
- Improving your technique
- Learning one or two songs that you will be able to perform
- Having fun!
Getting started
Singing in front a complete stranger can be quite daunting for some people so, whichever course you’re considering, Helen recommends an informal ‘trial’ lesson during which time you and she will have chance to get to know each other a little better.
It’s also an opportunity to chat about what you want to gain from the course; what style(s) of music you would prefer to work with, your musical experience so far and how you would prefer to measure your progress.
At the end of the course
You will receive a signed certificate of completion.
“Helen has a natural ability to relate to others and draw out their voice in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. My butterflies just few away and I found a new confidence. I would highly recommend teaming up with Helen to guide you through the Duke of Edinburgh skill section. She will help you explore your inner musical self at any level!” [E – a former DofE Award student]
What will lessons be like?
Lessons will last for 1 hour and during the first few weeks Helen will teach you healthier ways to sing which will involve some technical exercises. Though this may sound scary it really isn’t. These exercise are designed to improve your breathing support, vocal technique and increase your range and stamina.
After the technical exercises the rest of the lesson is dedicated to the performance piece(s). Helen will help you choose song(s) that you’ll enjoy singing and will suit your voice.
Song Style Choices
Choices can be made from a number of different styles for the performance piece, for example:
- Classical
- Jazz
- Musical Theatre
- Rock and Pop
How much does it cost?
- Trial lesson lasting 45 minutes (which does not count towards the DofE Skill) = £27.00
Total Course Fees for the
- DofE Bronze Skills course (3 months) = £420
- DofE Silver Skills course (6 months) = £840
- DofE Gold Skills course (12 months) = £1680
All fees are payable monthly in advance.
