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Singing in harmony as a metaphor for life
Singing together is known to have many benefits, for both mental and physical well-being.photo by William MurphyBut if we think about it, singing together is also a wonderful example of how to live a...
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Learning songs by ear: what should you do while other parts are being taught?
When a harmony song is being taught by ear, you can find yourself not singing whilst other parts are being taught.Rather then zoning out or getting bored, there are plenty of things you can do which...
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How to keep your warm ups and singing sessions fresh and engaging
I teach singing workshops across the UK. I’m lucky to get a lot of the same singers turning up each time.Which means that I can’t keep on using the same old jokes or worn out warm up routines. Here’s...
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Why altos are often timid and nervous
Over the years I have noticed that the least confident part of my community choirs is often the alto section.photo by simpleinsomniaI can only speak from my own experience, but I’ve heard others tell...
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How to put on a successful concert 1: planning
It seems such a straightforward idea: learn a bunch of songs then find some people to sing them to.photo by Nick YoungsonBut planning a successful concert involves a lot of planning. Here’s a guide to...
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How to put on a successful concert 2: songs and concert structure
Last week we looked at planning and asked a series of questions like why? what for? when? who’s coming?This week we’ll look at the how: how you actually put a concert of songs together.There are...
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How to know which harmony part to sing – a guide for new singers
Many people who attend my choirs and singing workshops have either not sung since school or have never tried singing in harmony before.I am often asked “Which part should I sing?” Here are a few ideas...
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How to warm up your voice on the bus (or any other public space)
Sometimes we don’t get the chance to do a full warm up in private before a performance.photo by Justin MorganHere are some ideas for warming up your voice in public without drawing attention to...
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A little rant: don’t diss those who don’t read music
Somebody wrote to me recently about how other choir members look down on them because they don’t read music.It made me very angry that this sort of thing is still happening.Their choir leader hands out...
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Why ‘learning by rote’ can be an insult
Somebody asked on Facebook the other day for suitable songs to ‘learn by rote’.I imagine they meant songs to ‘learn by ear’ rather than by reading sheet music. I must admit, I was insulted. Here’s...
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What to do with your hands while singing – 5 ideas for singers in choirs
If you’re not holding sheet music, what should you do with your hands while singing?photo by mr. throkThis can be problematic in a choir. Here are some ideas.feelings will leak out in the bodySome of...
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Why I record the songs at the end of every singing workshop I lead
Some years ago I began to record the songs learnt at the end of each of my singing workshops.Here’s why I continue to do it, and what the benefits are.First of all, it’s not about getting a perfect...
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Choir leaders: how to give yourself a break and not feel guilty
We all need a break from time to time. Even choir leaders.But some of us find it hard to prioritise downtime. Here are some ideas for how to take a break without feeling guilty.Choir leaders work very...
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Having a “no music day” can improve your music-making
I’ve just returned from a week away. During that time I heard virtually no music and didn’t sing a single note.It got me thinking about how having a break from music can reinvigorate our music-making...
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How to adapt singing warm ups if you have limited mobility
Like many choir leaders, I get people to loosen up their bodies as well as their voices when preparing to sing (see Preparing to sing: what should a warm up consist of?).But we also need to be aware of...
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How to stand and sing without getting backache
I always encourage my singers to stand. It’s the most effective body position for singing.However, some older singers or those with back problems can be resistant. Is it possible to stand and sing...
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Why alcohol and good singing don’t mix
Performing in public can be nerve-racking. Some singers have a drink to take the edge off their nerves.But that often results in very bad singing. Here’s why should avoid it.One of the very first gigs...
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Why are so many people afraid to open their mouths and sing?
I believe that everyone can sing. But despite encouragement, there are many people who think that they can’t.photo by Sophia Spring/The ObserverFor them, just opening their mouths can be scary. Why is...
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What do you do if you’ve not finished teaching a song before the end of the...
Last weekend I ran one of my monthly drop-in sessions. I had underestimated the time it would take to teach a song so couldn’t finish it by the time the session ended.What can you do in situations like...
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When did you last tell your singers how grateful you are?
Your singers turn up to choir week after week without fail. It’s very easy to get caught up in the music-making and forget that they don’t have to be there.It’s good to show your gratitude to your...
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