Short course: Voice, Language, and Chinese Song: Mandarin Lyric Diction & Vocal Expression
Next course
Week commencing Monday 28 September 2026, sessions will be on Mondays from 5–6pm.
Note: During reading weeks and bank holidays, there will be no classes unless specified by the teacher.
Course content
Hosted by the Goldsmiths Confucius Institute for Dance and Performance, Voice, Language, and Chinese Song is a specialised short course at the intersection of Mandarin linguistics, vocal artistry, and performance practice.
Using Chinese song as a gateway to language, culture, and expression, participants will explore how spoken Mandarin adapts within musical settings, develop clear and authentic lyric diction, and cultivate greater confidence in vocal communication. Alongside practical singing activities, the course introduces key concepts in Mandarin phonetics, tonal adaptation, textual interpretation, and Chinese vocal aesthetics.
Whether you are a singer looking to expand your repertoire, a Mandarin learner seeking a creative approach to pronunciation, or someone with an interest in Chinese culture and performance, this course combines academic insight with practical exploration in a supportive group-learning environment.
Students will learn:
- Mandarin lyric diction and pronunciation
- Chinese vowels, consonants, resonance, and vocal placement
- Mandarin tones and their adaptation in singing
- Interpretation of Chinese song texts and poetry
- Vocal expression and performance techniques
- Chinese musical and cultural traditions
Who Should Attend?
- Singers and performing artists interested in Chinese vocal repertoire
- Mandarin learners wishing to improve pronunciation through music
- Language and culture enthusiasts
- Academics, researchers, and music educators interested in voice, language, and intercultural performance
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Mandarin Chinese is recommended, including familiarity with Pinyin and standard pronunciation.
Location
Enquiries and support
If you have any questions about this course please contact confucius (@gold.ac.uk).
We are committed to providing reasonable teaching adjustments for students with disabilities that may impact their learning experience. If you require adjustments, please contact us at confucius (@gold.ac.uk) so we can respond to your requests as soon as possible.
