Here in the northern hemisphere it’s cold, wet, dark and miserable. it’s the ‘slump’ end of the year before spring truly arrives.
Going to choir each week can help. But what happens if you lose the joy of singing?
I’ve marvelled before at how choir members turn up each week regardless of the weather or time of year (see What motivates you to turn up to choir week after week?).
This works because, no matter how bad things are, singing together always lifts the spirits.
But what if it doesn’t?
There may come a time when the joy of singing disappears. There can be several reasons for this, each with their own solutions.
wrong choir
You may have joined your choir because it was the only one in town. Over time you might have discovered that the repertoire is not to your taste, there are people who irritate you, or the way the choir leader teaches doesn’t work for you.
Solution
There may now be new choirs in your area, or your could
try one of the many online singing options. Or even start your own choir! See
How to set up a choir if you’re not a choir leader.
personal circumstances
You or a family member may be dealing with ill health. You might have experienced a bereavement. Work may have become more demanding. You may be caring for children or supporting someone else.
Solution
If you’re too ill to leave the house, try an online
choir. If you are really unwell, then take time out to rest and recover.
Listening to music can help while you do.
If outside responsibilities feel overwhelming, it’s important to create some ‘me time’. You can’t look after others or meet work demands if you’re burnt out. This is often when singing with others matters most.
Even if you have to drag yourself to choir, remember that desire follows action. You’ll almost always feel better afterwards!
it’s become a habit
Choir can become routine and you forget why you joined in the first place. You go because that’s what you do, not because you actively choose to.
Solution
Remind yourself why you started singing. Try to
recapture that first excitement. Don’t attend choir on autopilot.
Do something different each week: take a new route, stand next to someone new, learn a different part, dress up, or talk to someone you don’t know.
low boredom threshold
Perhaps the repertoire is too simple or you learn quickly, so repeating the same songs leaves you bored.
Solution
It may be time to find a choir with more suitable
repertoire.
You can also deepen your experience of familiar songs: explore different dynamics, listen more closely to other parts, work on blending, or set yourself challenges (such as longer phrases on one breath).
something has changed
An external change may have affected your enjoyment: a new choir leader, new members, different repertoire, a new venue, or even the time of year.
Solution
Look back over recent weeks and see if you can identify
what has changed. Is there anything you can do to reduce it impact?
Sometimes simply naming the cause helps. In extreme cases, it may mean finding a new choir.
not enough challenge
When people join an open-access, non-auditioned choir, most start at a similar level. Over time, skills improve. If new singers continue to join, the repertoire may no longer match your growing ability.
Solution
Look for extra challenges such as one-day workshops.
Start a small ensemble within your choir to sing harder music (or ask your
choir leader about creating a more advanced group).
burn out
Some singers join several choirs and sing almost every night. Add frequent concerts and it can begin to feel like a chore rather than a joy.
Solution
Avoid over-stretching yourself. Just because you love
singing doesn’t mean you need to do it constantly. A short break can help you
return with renewed enthusiasm
just stop
Maybe group singing simply isn’t for you.
Solution
To decide whether choir is right for you, read
5 good reasons why joining a choir might not be right for you.
Chris Rowbury
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