An early-spring trip to Mid Wales came with a purpose.

Voices are joined in unison to mark St Davids Day in the ‘Land of Song’ each March — but I have always been out of key.

That is, until I spent a few days at Cwm Moel, the singing B&B near Builth Wells, in the company of retired music teacher Eleanor Madoc Davies [pictured above].

I was there for some individual singing tuition on assignment for Telegraph Travel.

Here’s a preview of my article:

It felt pretty daunting at first, hearing my own voice naked against a piano accompaniment, but we tried the songs in different keys to establish I was better suited to a baritone or top bass range.

By the end of the first session, I was struggling. I don’t read music and staying in key was proving challenging.

“Don’t give up,” said Eleanor. “It’s the sound I’m chasing. A rich, round tone.”

Whilst in the area, I took some vocal inspiration from the Builth Wells Male Voice Choir, who let me sit in on their rehearsal in the upstairs room of a local pub.

Here’s a sample of the choir in perfect harmony.

 

Read the full feature via Telegraph Travel.

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