Bristol Sacred Harp present a singing school with special guest instructor Tim Eriksen. A hardcore punk musician with a PhD in ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University, Tim has taught courses in American and world music at various US colleges, and as frontman of the legendary folk-noise band Cordelia’s Dad, he is the only singer-songwriter to have shared a stage with both Kurt Cobain and Doc Watson. Tim is over in the UK to play in The Songs of Martin Carthy tour, and has kindly agreed to teach a one-off singing school for us.

Sacred Harp is a unique and powerful four-part singing tradition that has survived in the southern states of the US for over 180 years. There are no performances, rehearsals or choirmasters - we sing for our own enjoyment, from a book designed to be easily accessible to those with no musical background. Tim Eriksen has been singing Sacred Harp for decades, and has taught classes ranging from inner-city school children to Nicole Kidman and Jude Law in the film Cold Mountain. Whether you're an absolute beginner or a more experienced singer, you'll come away with a better understanding of your own voice and a head full of joyful sound. There will be plenty of opportunities to chat and ask questions, and we'll take a break with tea and snacks.

Singing school starts at 7pm, but don't be put off if you need to arrive later.

How much does it cost?
Sacred Harp singing is always free, but we suggest a donation of between £5 and £10 to help cover room hire, travel and other costs. No one turned away for lack of funds.

Transport:
-Buses: any bus serving stops called 'The Centre', (including Park & Ride services) ~2-5 minute walk
-Trains: Temple Meads, ~20 minute walk
-Cycling: There is unlikely to be much space for storing bikes inside, so please lock your bike up nearby.
-Parking: Nearest paid car park is a ~4 minute walk at Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel, Broad St, Bristol BS1 2EL. Other nearby parking can be found at the Galleries, Trenchard Street, or on-street parking at, for example, Queen Square. The venue is in the Clean Air Zone.

Accessibility:
-There is not level access to singing room (3 outdoor steps, no handrail).
-Toilet: from Centrespace website "There is a disabled access toilet on-site, equipped with one support bar and an emergency pull cord. While functional, it may not meet all accessibility standards."
-We sing sitting down. Seating will be a mixture of chairs and benches.
-If you use reading glasses, bring them - text on some songs can be small, and lighting a little dim.
-Do not attend if you suspect you have, or are developing a communicable, respiratory infection such as Covid-19, a cold or the flu.
-Some singers take a lateral flow test before singing - it's encouraged, but we know this isn't possible for everyone.
-We sing in a medium-sized room that doesn't have openable windows.

Entry requirements: no age restrictions.

https://timeriksenmusic.com/home
https://timeriksen.bandcamp.com/album/banjo-fiddle-and-voice
https://bristolsacredharp.org/
https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/colston-hall-the-lantern/sat-4-apr-eliza-carthy-special-guests-the-songs-of-martin-carthy-139349