Group course · Hoxton, London
Open Mic Ready
A five-week course that takes you from the practice room to the stage.
Whether you’ve never performed before or you’ve been putting it off for years, Open Mic Ready is designed to get you up and singing in front of a real audience and actually enjoying it.
Five weeks. One live performance. Real progress.
Over five weeks, you’ll work in a small group of singers at our Hoxton studio, building the vocal technique, stage presence and performance confidence you need to perform your chosen song live at a real open mic night.
Each session is 2.5 hours long. The course culminates in a live performance at one of our monthly open mic nights, with a room full of supportive people cheering you on.
Maximum 8 students per cohort. Everyone gets individual attention.
What you'll cover
1. Finding and warming up your voice for performance
2. Microphone technique and working with a sound system
3. Stage presence, movement and what to do with your body on stage
4. Managing nerves and building genuine performance confidence
5. Choosing and owning your song and making it yours, not just a cover
6. Your live open mic performance
Who is this for?
Adults at any level who want to perform. You don’t need to be a confident singer to join, you just need to want to get up there.
Most of our students describe themselves as nervous performers when they start. Some haven’t sung in front of anyone since school. By the end of the course, they can’t wait to do it again.
If you’ve been saying “one day I’ll do an open mic” for longer than you can remember, this is your one day.
Your teacher
Valentina Pappalardo
Valentina is a professional recording artist, session singer and vocal coach specialising in pop and soul. She has a rare ability to explain technique in a way that makes you understand exactly what a sound should feel like not just what it should sound like.
She is also one of the warmest, most encouraging coaches we have. Which, for a course about overcoming performance nerves, matters enormously.
What our students say
★★★★★
"It was the best decision I've ever made. With Valentina's guidance, I found the confidence I needed to get back on stage. The final performance in front of my classmates and a bunch of strangers went amazingly well. I was so proud of myself."
Robbie
★★★★★
"I was an ok singer but a terrible performer when I started this. It's a super quick burst of classes that lifts you up and puts you on a stage with no excuses or get-outs — which is just what I needed. I've performed several times since, and the songs I workshopped on the course are always the ones performed best."
Jeremy
★★★★★
"Such a safe and supportive place to learn and push yourself beyond the comfort zone."
Estella
★★★★★
"Fantastic experience on the 5 week open mic course. Would highly recommend!"
Olivia
Course details
Duration
5 weeks
Session length
2.5 hours per session
Group size
Maximum 8 students
Location
Hoxton Works, 128 Hoxton Street, London N1 6SH
Culminates in
A live open mic performance night
Price
£400 per person
Reserve your place
£50 deposit at time of booking
Remaining balance
£350, due once minimum numbers are confirmed
Refund policy
Full deposit refund if minimum numbers aren’t reached
Ready to take the stage?
Reserve your place with a £50 deposit. Once we confirm the course is going ahead, we’ll send you a payment link for the remaining £350. If we don’t reach our minimum number of students, your deposit is refunded in full — no questions asked.
Common questions
Do I need to be a confident singer to join?
Not at all. Most of our students describe themselves as nervous performers when they start. You just need to want to perform and we’ll help you get there.
Do I get to choose my own song?
Yes. Part of the course is working out which song suits you and how to make it your own. Your teacher will help you choose something that plays to your strengths.
What happens at the live performance?
The course ends with a performance at one of our monthly open mic nights at the studio in Hoxton. It’s a relaxed, supportive evening with other CVC students and guests. You’ll have a room full of people who want you to do well.
What if the course doesn't reach minimum numbers?
If we don’t reach our minimum of 7 students, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and refund your £50 deposit in full.
Where is the studio?
Hoxton Works, 128 Hoxton Street, London N1 6SH. A short walk from Hoxton Overground station.
Can I join if I've never had singing lessons before?
Yes. This course is suitable for complete beginners and more experienced singers alike. The focus is on performance confidence, not technical perfection.
Still have questions?
Drop us a line at info@cityvocalcoach.com and we’ll get back to you.