— The Workshop · For Those Who Lead Singing

Practical
Rehearsal
Leadership

Every Minute Counts

Empowering singers and leaders to transform innate musical knowledge into actively engaged, meaningful music-making.

Date

Saturday 23rd May 2026

Duration

10am to 5pm

Location

Askea Parish Centre, Carlow. R93 FP22

Places

Limited to 20

— Your Workshop Leader

Mary Amond O'Brien

M.Mus. & CME Master Teacher

An accidental choir director — now nearly thirty years on.

My journey began in 1997 as an ‘accidental choir director’ when the principal of Bennekerry primary school — where I was teaching piano at the time — asked me if I would be interested in starting a school choir. I jumped at the opportunity. I loved to sing, though my only experience then was as a member of a local church choir.

I benefitted greatly in my early years from engaging in as many professional development opportunities as I could, including travelling abroad to develop the skills I needed to teach choir. For nearly thirty years now, my work has given great purpose and enjoyment to my life.

I am excited to share my skills and knowledge with people who have a passion for leading group singing — and an understanding of the importance of giving as many people as possible the chance to sing together.

— For Whom This Is Made

The skills learned here are transferable — to every group, every age, every genre.

Group singing leaders

Whether you lead a school choir, a community group, a church choir, or an ensemble of readers and non-readers alike — the skills on this day will meet you where you are and travel with you.

ii.

Trained musicians

There are many trained and experienced musicians and instrumentalists who, as a result of their musical expertise, find themselves newly in front of a choir — without yet having the skills to teach it. This day is also for you.

iii.

All levels of experience

Accompanied or a cappella. Every age, every genre, every style. The approach is universal because the craft is universal — gesture, voice, and attention.

iv.

Those who want to grow

If you have a passion for leading group singing and a belief in the importance of giving as many people as possible the chance to sing together — you belong in this room.

— The Shape of the Day

Live repertoire, introduced from scratch — so you learn the way your singers will.

Teaching a new song, from the first note

The live repertoire is introduced from scratch on the day. Experience exactly what it will be like for your choir members when you teach them a new song — and discover how your approach shapes everything that follows.

ii.

Gesture, animation, vocal modelling

How we approach a new song directly informs conducting gesture and animation. How we vocally model what we are looking for from our singers has a direct impact on what they give back to us.

iii.

Reflection, questions & Deeper Understanding

Time is given throughout the day for critical reflection — discussing how, and more importantly why, a particular skill was introduced, approached, and implemented. Everyone will have their questions answered.

Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook. Space is made for writing down teaching elements, stand-out moments, and the questions that arise as the day unfolds.

— Final Details

Using Live Repertoire You Will Learn To

Who is this For?

This immersive workshop if for choir leaders and aspiring conductors of all backgrounds including: