The renowned Egyptian singer helps children build confidence and stage presence through engaging vocal exercises at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival 2025
Sharjah, April 26, 2025
Inside the vibrant halls of the ongoing Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), young voices soared – not just in tune, but in confidence – during a dynamic workshop titled “Live Singing Techniques: The Importance of Rehearsing for a Concert”. Part of the 12-day event’s creative agenda, the session brought a mix of music, movement and performance psychology to the spotlight.
Led by Aly Al Alfy, a seasoned Egyptian singer and performer, the workshop invited children to explore not just how to sing, but how to perform – in front of an audience. With six back-to-back sessions across three days, Al Alfy used his own experience and research to help participants unlock the hidden link between talent and stage presence.
“There are many singers with great voices who struggle on stage. My workshop is built on the difference between singing for yourself and performing in front of a crowd,” said Al Alfy, who focused on helping children overcome shyness and connect with their listeners.
In his sessions, Aly – whose audition at MBC The Voice in 2015 garnered close to 7 million views – introduced practical tools like breathing exercises, vocal warm-ups, and microphone techniques, all woven into interactive games that children could easily relate to. Over the course of the workshop, he noticed a clear transformation.
“At first, I explained theory – about talent versus professionalism – but it was when I turned those lessons into games that the kids really lit up,” he said. “They played, laughed, and learned.”
Young participants were eager to reflect on their takeaways:
“I learnt that I shouldn’t be shy in front of everyone,” said Hana, eight, from Egypt, beaming after completing the voice exercises.
“I learnt how to sing and breathe properly,” added Hidayat Subhan, nine, from India.
Haya Ibrahim, 10, also from Egypt, said she loved using the microphone for the first time. “It was like talking to everyone without shouting!”
The session turned out to be more than just about vocal technique as it helped children discover their voice in the broadest sense: through self-expression, confidence, and creativity.
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