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10 golden truths I have learnt from 20 years of choir leading
I started my first choir WorldSong in Coventry back in September 1997. Which means I’ve been in this choir leading lark for just over 20 years.photo by Alex RisteaHere are some of the things that I’ve...
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What is harmony singing?
I had several new members join a singing project recently. I quickly realised that they didn’t really know what they’d let themselves in for!It’s so easy to bandy words around without realising that...
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Rehearsing and singing in a circle: the pros and cons
Many singing groups work in a circle when learning and rehearsing songs.There are some advantages, but also downsides. Let’s look at the pros and cons.Singing groups and small choirs often work in a...
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When teaching a new song goes horribly wrong
I taught a new song to a group on Saturday. It was a bit of a car crash!U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano What can you do when teaching a new song goes horribly wrong?It’s happened...
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To mic or not to mic? – that is the outdoor choir question
At this time of year many singing groups are asked to sing outdoors.Whether it’s on stage at a noisy festival or a pop-up choir at your local village fete, the question of amplification will arise....
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How to sing better 1: getting started and not making excuses
I get asked questions like these a lot: “How can I be a good singer?” or “How can I sing better?”Of course, it depends on what you mean by ‘good’ and ‘better’. In this series of four posts I’ll outline...
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How to sing better 2: discovering your own voice and learning to love it
I get asked questions like these a lot: “How can I be a good singer?” or “How can I sing better?”Of course, it depends on what you mean by ‘good’ and ‘better’. In this series of four posts I’ll outline...
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How to sing better 3: breath control, vocal range and singing in tune
I get asked questions like these a lot: “How can I be a good singer?” or “How can I sing better?”Of course, it depends on what you mean by ‘good’ and ‘better’. In this series of four posts I’ll outline...
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How to sing better 4: getting down to it, putting the hours in and...
I get asked questions like these a lot: “How can I be a good singer?” or “How can I sing better?”Of course, it depends on what you mean by ‘good’ and ‘better’. In this series of four posts I’ll outline...
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How to find the right choir to join 1: finding choirs in your area
It’s summer break in the northern hemisphere and many singers are missing regular singing opportunities. They might be considering joining a new choir after the break.September is also a time when...
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How to find the right choir to join 2: is this the perfect choir for me?
Last week I looked at how to find choirs in your local area.photo by Tom BroganHaving found a potential choir to join, how do you know if it’s right for you? In this post I’ll help you find out.is it...
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How to cope with singing in the heat
There’s been a real heatwave across Europe this summer. Which is great for those on holiday, but can be a bit much when we have to sing in such heat.Here are a few things that might help you cope with...
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New season, new songs – how to find new repertoire for your choir
Here in the UK autumn is in the air. Choirs often start back in September, a time when new songs are needed.I’m here to help! Here are some resources for finding new songs for your choir.Planning a new...
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Choir leaders, are you doing too much for your singers?
I’m not looking for sympathy, but leading a choir can be hard work!photo by Jean-Marc VoltaBut it doesn’t have to be that way. Maybe you’re working too hard. It’s possible to do less and get the same...
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Getting ready to go back to choir: 5 ideas to help singers and choir leaders
Many choirs start back in September after their summer break.Here are five things you can do to prepare yourself for a smooth re-entry, whether you’re a singer or a choir leader.If you’re a choir...
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How to prepare new choir members for their first visit
No matter how hard you try to make your choir a friendly, welcoming place, joining a new choir is like starting a new school. It can be frightening.photo by Capture QueenHere are some ideas that may...
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Keeping it fresh: 5 ideas to keep regular choir attenders engaged
We all have our favourite warm ups and our favourite jokes. But if someone comes to choir every week, they may soon get weary of our patter.photo by Tobias ToftHow can you keep things fresh so choir...
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How to bring harmonies to life when teaching a song
To teach a harmony song to a group, you don’t want whole sections standing around waiting their turn.photo by COD NewsroomNot only should you break the song into chunks, but you should build the...
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New singing weekends and new website!
I'm delighted to announce that a brand new, full responsive version of my website will go live tomorrow, Tuesday 25 September 2018:chrisrowbury.comThis will coincide with my twice-yearly newsletter...
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If you’re a man, do you have to be a ‘bloke’ in order to sing?
There are plenty of opportunities for men to sing together these days. They are called things like “Sing like a bloke” or you can even go to ‘BlokeFest’.Does that mean that men have to be ‘blokes’ to...
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