Côr Skills is BACK for 2025!
By partnering with the National Music Plan in Powys, we will be running a series of taster workshops before hosting a residency on the 24th-27th of February, in Lampeter.
If you or a young singer you know would be interested in a place on the residency, please email to request a registration link.
Côr Skills is a choral development project which aims to ensure young singers in Wales can develop the confidence and skills needed to access a wide range of vocal and choral opportunities – from the National Youth Choir of Wales to county choirs and plenty more besides.
Targeting young singers between the ages of 14-18, this project aims to annually engage with 40 young participants from a diverse range of backgrounds in a fun, engaging, and interactive way – enabling them to take their talent and skills to the next level.
Kindly supported by a number of organisations including ABRSM and The Backstage Trust, the project offers opportunities for participants to develop their vocal and general musicianship skills – working alongside a team of expert singing leaders whilst having plenty of fun along the way!
Working with the National Youth Choir of Wales’ conductor Tim Rhys-Evans, a pilot version of the project was first delivered in 2018/19 and we’re delighted to have been developing the project further in 2022 and 2023.
In 2023, the project experienced huge success in the form of our very first Côr Skills Residency, which took place in the Urdd Centre in Cardiff Bay in February, and in July we hosted our second Cor Skills residency of the year at the University of Wales, Trinity St. David, Carmarthen. Aimed at current and new participants, this residency built on the work we had already begun with young singers. It gave them their first opportunity to perform in public as a group alongside the National Youth Choir of Wales at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama!
These four-day residential course offered participants the opportunity to work with an expert team of singing leaders and special guests; giving participants the opportunity to develop their vocal technique, prepare for performances and auditions and develop their musical theory skills through participation in a series of specially tailored sessions. There was also a range of fun social events throughout the residency and plenty of opportunities to make new friends.
Côr Skills 2025
Applications for the 2025 residency are now being accepted. We’re currently working with National Music Plan in Powys and educational contacts to fill these places. If you or a young singer you know would be interested in a place on the residency, please email nyaw@nyaw.org.uk to request a registration link.
Entry Requirements
NYAW accepts applications from people who live/study in Wales or were born in Wales.
This residency is aimed at 14–18-year-olds and is open to all currently within school years 9 to 13. It is also open to those attending college or who may not currently be in formal education.
Applicants do not need to have any formal vocal or musical training or performance experience but should be able to demonstrate a passion and talent for singing, and the potential to be part of a recognised choral group(s).
We particularly welcome applications from young people who are currently under-represented in the arts. This includes young people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, young D/deaf and Disabled people, and young people from lower-income families.
If you’re a teacher, course leader or vocal trainer and would like to connect us with your students, please email nyaw@nyaw.org.uk.