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VOCALS AT WATERBEAR

Through live performance opportunities and peer collaboration, you’ll build a versatile repertoire and a strong stage presence, preparing you for a career as a confident, expressive vocalist.

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VOCALS EXPERIENCE

VOCAL

EXPLORATION

As a student of vocals at WaterBear, you’ll learn your craft in small groups of no more than 12, in a supportive and creative environment. It’s a learning experience that’s designed to support and encourage individual personal development. You’ll get to explore the full capabilities of your voice and develop a wide repertoire to broaden your vocal range and boost confidence.

VOCAL

DEVELOPMENT

Our team of vocal tutors, mentors and visiting faculty, all working professionals, will provide you with valuable insights and perspectives via masterclasses, workshops, lectures, and one-to-one mentoring. Mic’ technique, posture, tone, breathing, vocal health and confidence are all areas of focus, and you’ll get loads of live performance opportunities to hone your stagecraft.

ESSENTIAL

GEAR AND FACILITIES

You’ll have access to a wide range of industry standard facilities, including dedicated instrumental teaching spaces, working music venues, social areas, songwriting and meeting rooms, and Mac suites. You’ll also have free, bookable access to recording and rehearsal facilities. We recommend all vocalists should invest in their own mic (Shure SM58 or similar). Additionally, the ability to record to a reasonable standard at home is also very useful.

LIVE

PERFORMANCE

You’ll have regular opportunities to perform live in working music venues in Brighton and Sheffield. We also offer support slot opportunities at numerous festivals, gigs and events across the UK throughout the year. Live performance, along with the support of emerging artists and grassroots venues through our Keeping Music Live campaign, is central to what we do at WaterBear.

1-1 MENTORING

Musical Development

At WaterBear, one to one mentoring is at the heart of your growth. Alongside support for your academic progress, artistic growth and career planning, you will receive dedicated time with industry professionals to focus on your musical skills whether that means improving your practice, developing your stagecraft or exploring new techniques.

ARTIST AND CAREER

DEVELOPMENT

Our Music Industries team, composed of active artists, producers, and industry professionals, will support you through both your artistic development and career planning. The focus is on real-world application and industry-facing outcomes, including work experience, live performance opportunities, live industry projects, masterclasses, showcases, soundchecks, A&R feedback, and industry networking and events.

WORK

EXPERIENCE

Through our extensive partner network, you’ll have access to work experience opportunities across many areas of the industry. These include festivals, touring, recording, session work, record labels, publishing, PR and marketing, live event management, backline, tech’ing, musical instrument manufacturing, teaching, studio internships, and much more.

WATERBEAR

COMMUNITY

You’ll be part of an incredible community of artists, musicians, and, music industry professionals, all focused on creating great music and supporting one another’s creative careers. Every member brings unique ideas, strengths, perspectives and experiences that will enrich your learning and help you grow as an artist and professional.

FLEXIBLE

VIRTUAL LEARNING

Through our online virtual learning environment (VLE) all course content is available 24/7, whether you are studying on-site or fully online. You’ll have access to a wide range resources, and tuition, all tailored to suit your individual needs. Everything online is accessible to all students, allowing you to tailor your own learning journey at your own pace.

Vocals Opportunities

Vocalists at WaterBear gain access to a wide range of real-world experiences designed to strengthen both their artistry and industry understanding. Opportunities include:

Masterclasses & Q&As

Learn directly from professional vocalists, coaches, and industry experts in exclusive sessions focused on technique, performance, and career development.

Songwriting Camps & Collaboration

Take part in structured writing camps and creative sessions with musicians, producers, and songwriters across pathways.

DEP & Session Work

Step in as a DEP vocalist for live shows, recordings, and rehearsals to gain professional experience and build your reputation.

Paid Vocal Opportunities

Access a range of paid roles including features, function gigs, session singing, and live performances.

1-1 Industry mentoring

Mentoring and support from WaterBear’s vocal and careers team to help you refine your voice, grow your network, and reach your next step.

Studio Recording

Work with producers to record high-quality vocal tracks, learn mic techniques, layering, and harmonies, and create professional demos.

WHO YOU’LL LEARN FROM

To reach your full potential, you’ll need to be taught by great tutors. At WaterBear we have some of the best tutors and mentors in the UK today. As working professionals, the tutoring and visiting faculty team may be subject to occasional change and availability may vary. Our visiting faculty also bring a wealth of experience in the form of in-class masterclasses and Q&A sessions throughout the year.