“Mike McCarthy is a gifted musician, conductor, and educator and our students went deep into interpretation with his rich and deep knowledge. Mike was both nurturing and exacting in leading our singers to a high level of performance mastery. Our choirs were changed by his visit and have grown exponentially from his skill and artistry.”
Dr. Phillip Collister-Murray, Professor of Music, Towson University, MD
Choral Workshops
Regarded as one of the finest choral directors in the United States, Mike McCarthy has extensive experience working with a wide range of choirs including children, volunteers, college and professional ensembles. Equally comfortable in any setting, Mike will work with workshop organizers to tailor an experience that is educational, experiential, and most of all, fun!
During his 20 years working as a singer, Mike has developed a strong “sing healthy” philosophy to his work with choirs. Through building a healthy technique, choral singers can greatly increase the joy of singing as they discover more sophisticated ways of communicating text and broadening the individual and unique palate of colors that every human voice possesses.
In his workshops, there is a strong emphasis on vocal development where participants learn about their voice and learn how to apply that more generally to their enjoyment of singing. There are three basic workshop models, listed below, that can be adapted to meet the goals of your particular organaization.
Workshop 1 Mike McCarthy
Customise a two or three day workshop where Mike will work with your choir, culminating in a performance or liturgy. Singers will have the opportunity to develop both their choral skills and individual vocal development, providing the individual with a much broader set of vocal skills to be successful in all of their singing.
In addition to rehearsals and performances, Mike is eager to spend time with workshop participants in social time, sharing insights, answering questions and generally being part of that choral family. Those who know Mike know also that having fun is a big part of his philosophy.
Workshop 2 Mike McCarthy & Laura Stuart
“Michael and Laura have elevated the Bridgewater College Choral Program to new heights, blending their exceptional musical expertise, inspiring leadership, and a genuine passion for choral artistry to deliver performances, rehearsals, and workshops that are both technically masterful and deeply moving.”
Dr. Ryan Keebaugh, Director of Choral Music, Bridgewater College, VA
This is the most popular workshop we offer.
Partnering with accomplished singer and vocal coach Laura Stuart, this workshop creates an opportunity for singers to learn and develop individual singing technique alongside, and in support of their choral skills.
With Mike now fully focuses on developing repertoire for the performance, Laura works with small groups or individuals to help develop healthy singing habits that allow them to be more successful in navigating the choral repertoire.
In sharing the “fun philosophy” Laura brings immeasurable joy to her work. Whether you are an accomplished singer in need of a brush up, or a beginner taking early steps, Laura will meet you where you are and inspire you.
Workshop 3 Mike McCarthy & Ensemble
For those seeking a more immersive experience, we would add a vocal ensemble of top professional singers. Each ensemble singer adopts a hands-on approach, coaching their sections within a full rehearsal or in sectionals. The ensemble members are carefully chosen, and driven by a passion to share their love of singing and their skills. As with the other workshops, fun and fellowship are the key ingredients. Expect to form lasting bonds with your ensemble colleagues.
The structure of this two or three day workshop can offer both learning and performing opportunities for participants, providing a lifelong experience.