Vocal Tech Introduction £20
A relaxed, practical online session with vocal coach CJ Johnson
New to singing? Unsure about vocal technique? Or would you simply like to understand your voice a little better?
This friendly 90-minute online introduction is designed to take away the mystery—and some of the nerves—before you begin singing with others. You do not need any previous training, and you will never be put on the spot.
CJ Johnson will guide you through a gentle group warm-up, introduce some of the basic vocal qualities used in contemporary singing and explain how different sounds should feel in your voice and body.
Everyone sings together with their Zoom audio muted, so nobody else will hear you. You will not be asked to sing solo unless you choose to demonstrate something as part of a question.
This session is ideal for:
No preparation or music-reading ability is required. The aim is simple: to help you feel more relaxed, informed and ready to sing.
Welcome and introduction
Meet CJ and learn what to expect from the session.
Guided group warm-up
Explore some of the exercises professional vocal coaches use to prepare and develop the voice.
Introduction to vocal qualities
Discover some of the different sounds and vocal qualities used in contemporary singing, with practical exercises to help you experience them for yourself.
Questions and answers
CJ will answer questions submitted by participants before the session.
Next steps
Leave with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of how to begin exploring your voice.
Tutor: CJ Johnson
Duration: 90 minutes
Format: Live online session via Zoom
Proposed date: Tuesday 15 September 2026
Proposed time: 5:00pm UK / 6:00pm Spain and Central Europe
You will need:
A laptop or desktop computer is strongly recommended, as a phone or tablet may not provide the best audio experience. We will send straightforward Zoom and audio setup instructions before the session.
Questions for CJ must be emailed to Sing Eat Retreat in advance. We will explain how to submit these after booking.
This session does not replace or add essential material to the tuition provided during your holiday. Everything introduced will be explored again with your tutors during the week.
It is simply an opportunity to meet one of our vocal coaches, experience the style of a typical warm-up and arrive feeling more relaxed and prepared.
This course is only avaialble to guest booked on our Les Miserable week.
Get in touch with a member of our team
We’ve got you covered! Travel feels uncertain right now—we know!
That’s exactly why we’ve introduced our Peace of Mind Booking for all bookings from today.
If your flight is disrupted due to major travel issues, you won’t lose your retreat.
We’ll simply move your experience to another date—no stress no hassle!
The choir wanted to give the group:
Fresh musical energy
Deeper expressive singing
Time to reconnect as an ensemble
What they didn’t want was a conventional choir course.
They were looking for something serious enough to develop musically — but uplifting and enjoyable at the same time.
Thirty-six singers travelled to southern Spain for a five-day Sing Eat Retreat.
Each day balanced focused musical work with time to relax, explore the landscape and enjoy being together outside the rehearsal room.
The musical programme was led by West End musical theatre professionals, working in close collaboration with the choir’s own leadership to support the choir’s artistic goals.
Together they explored:
Vocal technique
Expressive storytelling in music
Ensemble balance and blend
Performance confidence
There were also smaller sectional sessions and coaching, allowing singers to explore their voices in more depth.
Despite several hours of singing each day, the experience never felt heavy.
“We worked hard — really hard — but it never felt tiring.
It was energising.”
The real change came midweek.
As the singers relaxed into the environment and coaching style, something shifted in the ensemble sound.
Voices became freer.
Phrases became more expressive.
The choir began singing with greater emotional connection.
“Suddenly we weren’t just singing the notes anymore —we were telling the story.”
The retreat concluded with a relaxed public concert for locals.
There was confidence, connection and joy.
“It felt like we were singing together again.”
By the end of the week the Duffers & Gruffers Choir reported stronger vocal confidence, improved ensemble blend and a renewed musical energy. But the biggest change was emotional.
“It re-ignited the joy of singing.”
Since returning to the UK, the impact has continued. The choir has embraced more expressive repertoire, rehearsals feel more relaxed and energised, and members describe the group as “better and happier” — a powerful shift for a choir that had been together for more than two decades.
Several elements made the difference: collaborative musical leadership from the SER coaches, time together beyond the rehearsal room that strengthened the choir’s sense of community, and a carefully curated programme working towards a final performance that gave the week focus and momentum.
Many choirs reach a point where they want to refresh their sound, reconnect as an ensemble, and give members a meaningful shared experience.
Sing Eat Retreat designs private, fully tailored retreats for UK choirs, supporting and enhancing the work choir directors already do. We collaborate closely with each ensemble to create a programme that fits its repertoire, goals and singers — whether classical or contemporary.
If you would like to explore what a retreat might look like for your choir, we would be delighted to talk.