Andrew Killian's well-known course is now run by Simon Catchpole at Bishopsgate, London, In two parts: each one day course
Levels 1 & 2
NEW DATES: We are considering dates in Summer 2025 Please Cueing to Music courses led by Senior SM in Opera and Musicals Simon Catchpole
The courses in November 2024 and February 2025 were possible and very well received and reviewed. We know however that a lot of people who wanted to take these courses were not available for the dates
We are looking at running the courses in late June Early July this summer. To do this we would like to know how many people are interested.
If you would like to take or or both of these excellent practical courses this summer please EXPRESS INTEREST in attending a course or courses in late June /Early July 2025.
Cueing to Music One-Day Course Level 1
Course Aim: To enable a potential DSM or Showcaller, one without musical knowledge, to Q from musical scores and thus feel confident enough to undertake such work with opera, musical and ballet companies.
Course Objectives
- To examine the basic elements of musical notation and the function of piano reductions in relation to the rehearsal process.
- To understand how singers, as opposed to actors, impact on the role of a DSM/Showcaller
- To undertake Qing exercises numerous and complex enough to instil confidence.
- To simulate a music test at opera company level
09.30 Welcome. Housekeeping. Course Overview.
10.05 Session 1: The Building Blocks
1.1 Music, Sound and Pitch
1.2 Notation
1.3 Rhythm
1.4 First Cueing Test
11.30 Coffee
11.45 Session 2: Wider still and wider…
2.1 The Orchestra
2.2 Dynamics
2.3 Tempi
12.45 Session 3: Second Cueing Test
13.00 Lunch
1330 Session 4: ‘I See a Voice’… adding the singer to the picture
15.00 Session 5 Simulated opera company music test in real time
16.00 Session 6 Summary
16:30 Finish
Cueing to Music One Day Course LEVEL2
Course Aim
To enable a potential DSM or Showcaller, one with basic musical knowledge and understanding, to cue from complex and problematic music scores with confidence.
Course Objectives
- To reinforce understanding of musical counting and notation.
- To practice cueing from music with unusual time signatures.
- To simulate performance issues with a mixture of Musical Qs, visual Qs and clearances.
- To simulate a demanding music test at opera company level
09.30 Welcome. Housekeeping. Course Overview.
10.05 Session 1: Qing at a Standard
11.30 Coffee/Tea break
11.45 Session 2: Qing at speed
12.45 Session 3: Simulating a demanding opera company music test in real time
13.00 Lunch
13.30 Session 4: Where’s the Beat? Irregular rhythms and impossible music 15.30 Coffee/Tea break
15.00 Session 5: Higher Stakes When you have to look away from the music…
15.45 Session 7: A final practice
16.30 Finish
All of the SMA-run courses lead to a certificate of achievement from the SMA, include course notes/materials and, if you are an SMA Member, completion of thesecourses can be added to your CV and listing on Spotlight Contacts.
All SMA Courses plan to finish by 4.30pm to allow for evening show calls. Earlier times or one-to-one courses can sometimes be arranged.
Please register your interest in an SMA course as soon as possible, to allow us to plan the logistics and confirm details
Level 1 & 2
Bishopsgate Institute 230 Bishopsgate London EC2M 4QH (opposite Liverpool Street Station)
Hours 0915- 1615
Each course is one day. Book either one or both.
No prior musical knowledge required for Level 1; Level 2 builds from Level 1 to a full opera company test standard ____________________________________________________________________
Please Note: The Course descriptions are from recent courses. Music content may vary- in particular some scores from musicals may be included (requested from previous feedback).
All of the SMA-run courses lead to a certificate of achievement from the SMA, include course notes/materials and, if you are an SMA Member, completion of many courses can be added to your CV and listing on Spotlight Contacts.
All SMA Courses and most others plan to finish by 4.30pm to allow for evening show calls. Earlier times or one-to-one courses can sometimes be arranged.
Please register your interest in an SMA course as soon as possible, to allow us to plan the logistics and confirm details .