Breath control is the foundation of good singing. Whether you are a beginner finding your voice for the first time or an experienced performer preparing for a recital, developing strong breathing technique will transform the way you sing. As a professional baritone and choral conductor, I have seen firsthand how targeted breathing exercises can unlock…
Running a choir takes enormous effort, from choosing repertoire and leading rehearsals to organising concerts and managing members. But one area that many choir leaders overlook is promotion. Getting the word out about your choir does not have to be complicated, and with the right approach you can attract new singers, fill concert seats, and…
Whether you are a solo performer, a choir director, or a music teacher, having a professional website is one of the most important investments you can make in your career. In a world where audiences, event organisers, and collaborators search online first, your website is often the very first impression people have of you and…
Selecting the right repertoire is one of the most important decisions a choral conductor makes. The music you choose shapes your choir’s identity, determines how quickly your singers develop, and ultimately decides whether your audience leaves a concert feeling moved or indifferent. Getting it right requires balancing artistic ambition with practical reality. Know Your Choir…
Choral singing is one of the most rewarding activities you can take up, regardless of your age, background, or musical experience. The benefits extend far beyond making music – singing in a choir can improve your physical health, boost your mental wellbeing, and connect you with a community in ways that few other activities can…
A well-run rehearsal is the backbone of any successful choir. It is where the real musical work happens, where singers grow in confidence, and where a group of individual voices learns to become one unified sound. Having directed The Phoenix Consort and worked with choirs of all sizes, I have developed an approach to rehearsal…
Whether your regular conductor is away, you are preparing for a special concert, or you simply want fresh musical input, hiring a guest conductor can transform your choir’s performance. But finding the right person requires thought. Here is what to consider. When to Hire a Guest Conductor There are several situations where bringing in a…
Starting a choir is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a musician. When I founded The Phoenix Consort at Durham University, it began with a simple idea and a handful of enthusiastic singers. Today it is an award-winning ensemble that has performed across the UK and internationally. Here is what I…
A good warm-up is the foundation of every productive rehearsal. It prepares the voice, focuses the mind, and brings the ensemble together before tackling repertoire. Here are the exercises I use regularly with choirs from primary school groups to The Phoenix Consort. Physical Warm-Ups Singing is a physical activity, so begin with the body. A…
What Adam Offers Oratorio & Concert Solos Experienced in major oratorio works including Bach’s St John Passion and St Matthew Passion, Handel’s Messiah, and Schubert’s Winterreise. Adam brings musical intelligence and vocal warmth to every solo engagement, whether with professional orchestras or amateur choral societies. Recital Programmes Adam performs regularly as a soloist in recitals…