Group Gospel Workshops

Experience the joy of Gospel Choral singing! From its roots of field songs and spirituals to its development into blues, jazz, R&B etc., Gospel music has been used as a herald of social justice and civil rights, for unifying and connecting people and as a powerful platform to let one’s ‘voice’ be heard. It is some of the most inspirational and electrifying music to arise from North America! This workshop will focus on presenting and experiencing Gospel music as an empowering force for overcoming adversity and oppression… and moving to an unbridled expression of joy and personal empowerment.

Learn its roots, evolution and techniques in a workshop setting, and then put that knowledge to practice in performance where friends and family can experience the joy of Gospel through the voices of you and your classmates! Learning Gospel music is fun – singing it with a group can be life-changing.

You will learn

  • The history of Gospel music and key developments over time
  • Vocal techniques for singing Gospel (style and form)
  • Foundations of rhythm and groove
  • Improvisational singing, call and response, and 3-part Gospel harmonies
  • How singing connects and empowers us
  • How to find your voice and communicate from your core

Click here to participate in an upcoming workshop.

Who should attend

Open for ages 16-80. No prior singing experience required, just a love of music and a desire to learn and practice.

Gospel Style Soloist Workshop

Are you a singer who loves Gospel music? Have you secretly dreamed of soloing in front of a huge Gospel choir but lacked the confidence or the skills to make that dream come true? Come and find your inner Gospel singer. Have an opportunity to explore improvisational singing, Gospel vocal styling and techniques, tips on finding appropriate material that works for you and your voice with an emphasis on establishing a “heart” connection between you and your audience. This workshop is also available in a smaller, coaching version. See below for details.

Workshop Package Options

All-Day Workshop

with mini concert/church service
$2,500+ GST
  • 6-hour workshop
  • Participants sing the songs they learned
  • Tuned piano required
  • 3 music stands required
  • Sound system required
  • Computer projection system required
  • Host pays all accommodations
  • Host pays all travel expenses

All-Day Workshop

with evening concert with the MM Ensemble
$2,500+ GST
  • + 50% of door ($600 guarantee)
  • 6-hour workshop
  • Participants sing in the concert
  • Tuned piano required
  • 3 music stands required
  • Sound system required
  • Computer projection system required
  • Host pays all accommodations
  • Host pays all travel expenses

Gospel Style Soloist Workshop

$2,300+ GST
  • 5-hour workshop
  • No concert
  • 20 person maximum
  • Tuned piano required
  • 3 music stands required
  • Sound system required
  • Computer projection system required
  • Host pays all accommodations
  • Host pays all travel expenses

Gospel Soloist Masterclass

Participants will be given a chart to learn and from which to prepare to ad lib (solo) over. Participants will also sing a solo of their choice, and Marcus, Darlene and Bill will then give individual input to the participants as they share their songs.
$2,300+ GST
  • 5-hour workshop
  • Concert optional (extra fee)
  • 10 person maximum
  • Tuned piano required
  • 3 music stands required
  • Sound system required
  • Computer projection system required
  • Host pays all accommodations
  • Host pays all travel expenses

Three-Hour Workshop

or School Presentation
$1,250+ GST
  • African-American Gospel singing – history, heart and sound
  • Tuned piano required
  • 3 music stands required
  • Sound system required
  • Computer projection system required
  • Host pays all accommodations
  • Host pays all travel expenses

Customized Workshop

Marcus, Bill and Darlene customize a workshops for your group, choir, school/college, festival/conference or cultural event, etc
Price TBD
  • Tuned piano required
  • 3 music stands required
  • Sound system required
  • Computer projection system required
  • Host pays all accommodations
  • Host pays all travel expenses

Contact the Workshop Coordinator