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Why singing together is a great healer
The world can be a scary and upsetting place. Here in the UK we’re witnessing political infighting, uncertain futures, austerity measures and a rise in racism.photo by Dainis MatisonsBut singing...
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“This is the right space, and these are the right people” – working with the...
A singing session is coming up and you’re excited. It will be in a grand hall with loads of singers!photo by Pierre-Henry MullerBut the day comes and it’s a tiny space and only a handful turn up. How...
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How to find a suitable choir to join
Someone was looking to find choirs in our area. They Googled a bit, but they didn’t find my choir even though it’s mentioned on several websites.Hackney SingersThis made me realise that there’s an art...
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Why do some audience members insist on sitting at the back of concerts?
[Spoiler alert: I don’t know the answer!]Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor venue, unless there are allocated seats there will always be a few audience members who insist on sitting as far away as...
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You can’t avoid feelings of apprehension at the start of a singing workshop
I’ve just come back from my annual visit to the English Lake District to run my summer singing weekend.On a weekend workshop I always find the first session on the Friday night tricky. There is an air...
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If the energy in your choir is low do you go with the flow or wake everyone up?
I ran a whole weekend of singing recently and when the Saturday evening session rolled round everyone was understandably very tired.photo by Son LeeThis slot has always been problematic: do I do simple...
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If a song’s not working, when do you stop flogging the dead horse?
Sometimes I bring a great song to choir and for some reason the singers really struggle with it.photo by Clear Path InternationalHow do you decide whether to persist with a song until it comes right,...
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Just because a song is hard or you don’t like it doesn’t mean you should give...
Last week I looked at why singers might be finding a song hard going: If a song’s not working, when do you stop flogging the dead horse?photo by Tanya LittleI suggested easy solutions to most...
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Finding songs for the new choir season
A new season kicks off for many choirs in a the next few weeks. I don’t know about you, but I always seem to leave it to the last minute to find new repertoire for my choir!Here are some ideas for...
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Has your voice gone rusty over the summer?
Choir members all over the country are gearing up for a new choir season. Many of you might not have sung at all over the long break.How can you best prepare for getting back into singing without...
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Integrating new choir members: a guide for new singers, existing members and...
Most choirs take new singers on at the beginning of a season. Joining an established group can be quite scary and new singers need to find a way of catching up quickly.Here are some ideas for how best...
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“I’m a choir leader and sometimes I hate my job” – but that’s OK!
Sometimes the last thing I want to do is to drag myself off the sofa and go to choir.photo by Ed Van BruntBut it’s my job so I make the effort and usually it’s worth it. I used to worry that everyone...
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The non-technical guide to becoming a singer
Some people get put off by all the technicalities of singing: music theory, diaphragm, larynx, vocal blend, head voice, legato, etc.But singing is much easier than you think. Here’s how to get...
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What to do when only one man turns up to your mixed choir
There’s a mixed voice singing workshop with plenty of women singers, but only one man turns up. A new community choir starts and only one man comes to the first session, vastly outnumbered by the...
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The choir leader’s guide to catching a cold
Here in the northern hemisphere it’s the season of coughs and sneezes.In case you’ve not managed to catch your first cold of the season at choir, here’s a handy guide to get you started.I know some of...
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Don’t let your choir leader do all the work – realise how capable you are as...
There are some great choral conductors and singing workshop leaders out there. They get the very best out of their singers.photo by U.S. ArmyThe downside is that singers can end up believing that they...
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Make singing part of your five-a-day for wellbeing
Are you doing your five-a-day for wellbeing?Here are five things that can help with your feelings of wellbeing if done daily.five-a-day for wellbeingThere has been a lot of research to show how...
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How to draw out the reticent singers in your choir
When a nervous singer turns up to your choir or someone comes to your singing workshop who’s never sung in public before, it’s all too easy for them to hide at the back.photo by Homini:)Here are some...
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How to introduce harmony to a group of novice singers
I’m often asked for examples of simple harmony songs that might work with a group of inexperienced singers or people who have not sung before.Rather than recommending specific songs, I always suggest a...
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Does your choir need ground rules?
Occasionally somebody in your choir may behave in a way that is not acceptable. It could be inappropriate language, disrupting a rehearsal or simply singing louder than everybody else.Example of choir...
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