Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: GUEST,Claire M
Date: 25 Jun 12 - 08:15 AM

Hiya,

Brilliant; really felt like I was *there* reading that! Do they say anything special before relaxation??

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Dec 11 - 02:34 PM

Two friends have been a few times . They said they were marvellous.

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 11:33 AM

Sounds like a real treat. Unfortunately it will have to wait until my partner (the driver) is retired. He is tied to the school calendar. Hope Maddy and Co are still doing this is 7 to 8 years. I want to do the Masterclass and then the Harmony class.

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: Simon G
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 07:40 AM

Give it a go.

We went to a Cloudstreet singing course hosted as Stones Barn. It is a fantastic location, in a great area. You can't fault the hospitality from Maddy and her team -- generous and friendly. It makes for a great atmosphere and brings out the best in people.

You won't regret it, give it a go.

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: GUEST,Doc
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 09:07 PM

I'm a Yank who traveled to England just to attend one of Maddy's courses. Definitely worth the cost and travel. Maddy, Abbie and Rose are very nice people and excellent teachers, the fellow students talented and friendly.

The people of the Borders were genuinely warm and welcoming.

The scenery is fantastic, leave lots of time for wandering.

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: GUEST,Jiggers
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 06:15 PM

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback,

I intend to give it a go in the new year.

Jiggers

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 03:04 PM

Here,

Ryburn Three Step

heers

L in C

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 02:10 PM

I shared a room last year at Folkus - and at that price its an even better bargain. Sod the snoring - just go for it.

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: Suegorgeous
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 01:45 PM

Just looked at Folkus website - never heard of it before! I'd like to have gone...shame that all the single rooms are now sold out (I wouldn't inflict my snoring on anyone!) :)

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 01:29 PM

Is ti true that the Ryburn 3 Step run some pretty good days out?

L in C

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: GUEST,SJN
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 12:49 PM

I always avoid the courses that are too large to fit in the Barn, too. However, I think they've been sticking to the Barn recently.

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: LesB
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 12:29 PM

I havn't been to one of Maddy's, but I have been to a few with Abbie Lathe with SJN & met Shelly & lots of other nice people most of whom are Stones Barn regulars.
If they are as inspiring as Abbie's then they must be good.
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: Santa
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 12:22 PM

Actually it's Mrs Santa, himself stubbornly refuses to try, so my daughter has been on 2, and my sister 1, with me. The setting is lovely and Maddy is relaxed and friendly. I've been on 3 so far.

I suggest you check the number that can be booked on the course that interests you, I much prefer the smaller sessions. These are contained within the barn. I would not want to go to one that had to spill over into the village hall.

The course leading to a concert is good fun, but the need to have something ready to be performed can override the opportunity to follow an interesting idea. Only reasonable, as people pay to attend the concert.

Don't overlook the fact that the price is for the course alone. You need to find, and pay for, your own accommodation. There are plenty of suggestions on the barn's website. It is remote, so you need to consider transport, though lifts can often be arranged within the group.

Thia all sounds rather downbeat, I have no doubt that I will go back, but I will be choosey.

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: GUEST,Shelley
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 11:50 AM

I can only echo what has already been said really. I'm an addict too, but can only afford one year at the moment. I've done Singing from the Soul three times, Singing from the Heart (which included at concert at the village hall) and Complicated but Rewarding Harmony. The courses have done wonders for my confidence as a singer - I'm a choral singer, and hadn't really considered myself a soloist before - I do now!

I've made loads of friends through the courses (including the previous poster I think!) and like me, most people keep going back for more! The setting is magical too - it's so good to get away from it all for a few days!

Everything is very relaxed, in fact, sessions start with relaxation before a note is sung. Maddy, Abbie and Rose make a great team, and if all three are there, you might be treated to a Maddy and the Girls reunion at the candlelit supper!

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: GUEST,SJN
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 10:14 AM

I've been to loads of the Stones Barn courses (usually 2 a year). I am a total addict! Some of the courses focus on vocal technique; others have focused on performance techniques; others on complicated harmony; others are just about getting together and singing loads of songs.

They're all different, and always wonderful. You can go on Masterclass after Masterclass and you always come away with something new. Most of the courses are suitable for all levels of experience (except, perhaps, the Complicated Harmony one). People often think they 'won't be good enough', and that everyone else will be far more advanced than them (it's happened to all of us when we first went!), but such worries are soon dispelled, as everyone encourages everyone else. Just come and learn from the 'masters'; you don't have to be a 'master' to attend!

The courses don't all have a concert at the village hall involved; in fact, hardly any of them do.

A course at Stones Barn is a great experience. As well as benefiting from the experience and knowledge of Maddy and - depending on the course - marvellous singing teacher Abbie Lathe (who can diagnose a vocal problem in an instant, and solve it just as quickly - and is renowned for her ability to get people over their fears about singing), and Maddy's daughter Rose, you have lots of laughs, lots of great food, and meet some really great people.

Thoroughly recommended. I've already booked for 2 courses next year.

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: GUEST,Foggers
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 07:50 AM

Ooops that was me - not sure why me name did not come up.

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 07:49 AM

Hmm yes we are interested in a singing course too - it will be a mutual belated Xmas treat, so we are really interested in any comments about the Stone Barn courses with Maddy Prior.

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 06:53 AM

Theres a couple from our club going this year. I'll let you know how they got on.

I'm going to the Folkus weekend in Feb, Steve Tilston is teaching guitar there this year. i went on Folkus last year - it was a blast.

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 06:48 AM

My friend John has been - said it was brilliant, but I never asked him in what way. Fancy one myself as well. All the students join her on stage for a concert at the end of the course - Must be worth it just to say you have been on stage with Maddy:-D

I think it is stagecraft as well as singing - or is that a different course?

Cheers

DeG

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: JohnB
Date: 20 Dec 08 - 10:52 PM

No but my wife probably wouldn't let me.
JohnB

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: Suegorgeous
Date: 20 Dec 08 - 08:34 PM

Not yet, but planning to go on one this year.

Subject: RE: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Dec 08 - 07:30 PM

Gee, this sounds interesting. Do you think a singer from California would survive a course, if he behaved himself?
Click here for information on the Stones Barn courses.

-Joe-

Subject: Been on a Maddy Prior singing course ?
From: GUEST,Jiggers
Date: 20 Dec 08 - 05:58 PM

Hi,

has anyone on Mudcat been to the Stones Barn for a singing course with Maddy Prior ?

If yes then I'd be keen to find out your experience as I am thinking of going in the coming year.

Jiggers