Music adjudication, masterclasses, arranging, and conducting
I’m a seasoned adjudicator for singing competitions in schools, as well as being sought after for masterclasses and vocal workshops. My insightful comments, positive feedback, and good humour have proved very popular with audiences, pupils and staff alike.
I have published several a cappella vocal arrangements, as varied as ‘Rolling in the Deep’ and ‘You’ll be Back’ from Hamilton, and have written several sacred choral works.
I direct vocal ensembles at the schools where I teach as well as tutoring an annual Madrigal and Partsong residential course at Benslow Music Trust.
Testimonials
“James gave a fantastic adjudication for our annual House Singing Competition. He was encouraging and amusing, and was able to communicate with the diverse audience - over 900 pupils, aged 11 to 18 - extremely effectively. The performers enjoyed his helpful musical feedback, laced with expertise and a supportive wit, and his adjudication was spot on."
— Alex Hodgkinson, Director of Music, Christ’s Hospital
“James’s performance class with our young singers was perfectly pitched. He was able to offer expert advice to all of them in a positive and entertaining way and he impressed everyone with his own solo singing.”
— Tim Frost, Director of Music, Junior King's School Canterbury
“It was a pleasure to welcome James Oldfield as our adjudicator for this year’s Montgomery Singing Competition. His excellent comments were wonderfully insightful, offering tailored advice to each of our 9 singers who sang in range of styles. His verbal feedback, full of positivity, charisma and wit, was matched by the detail and care in his written reports. A hugely enjoyable and informative evening for all..”