How to sing together in times of isolation

We are living in unprecedented times. People are not allowed to socialise.



How do we keep singing together? I’ll look at some of the options.

Ought choir leaders to be making health decisions for their singers?

We are living in “interesting times” (according to the old Chinese curse). Many of us are finding ourselves in the uncomfortable position of having to make health decisions for other people.



But is it our responsibility as choir leaders?

Back to basics: how to reawaken your passion as a singer in a choir

Do you find doing the same warm ups week after week a bit dull? Are you bored with the same old repertoire?



It might be time to revisit the basics of why you joined a choir in the first place and what inspires you as a singer. Read on to find out how to reinvigorate your singing as a choir member.

Back to basics: how to reawaken your passion as a choir leader

Ever found the same old warm up exercises a bit boring or ending up just going through the motions during a rehearsal?



It might be time to revisit the basics of what you’re doing as a choir leader and why. Read on to find out how to reinvigorate your choir leading.

When you start singing for the first time, be prepared to fail. A lot.

I mentioned skateboarder Barry Dring in my last post. And here he is again!



When he was interviewed, Barry pointed out that when learning to skateboard, you have to fall off. A lot. It’s the same with any new skill, including singing.

Singing in a choir: meditation for those who can’t sit still

Meditation is often suggested as a way of reducing stress, promoting emotional well-being and enhancing self-awareness.



But what if you find it hard to sit still? Then join a choir and reap the same benefits!

How do we know if a culture has a traditional music scene?

I’ve just spent a wonderful month in Mexico. While I was there I tried to find local live music, but to no avail.

Silvia María Zuñiga

How does one find the traditional or representative music of a culture when we’re so inundated by Western influences?

How much should you polish a song before moving onto the next one?

Some songs are quick to learn and some take a while before they bed in.

photo © Oast House Archive (cc-by-sa/2.0)

How long should you spend on a teaching/ learning a song before moving onto the next one?

How to recruit a new leader for your choir

There will come a time when you’ll need to find a new leader for your choir.



Let’s look at ideas for how to recruit someone suitable.

Is being in a choir that doesn’t suit you better than no singing at all?

I love singing certain kinds of songs, but not others. Some people don’t mind what they sing, as long as they’re singing.

photo by Nick Allen

What if you end up in a choir that just doesn’t do it for you? Is that better than not singing at all?

Can anybody be a choir leader?

As you probably know, I believe that everyone can sing.



But can anybody be a choir leader?

Opening your choir to new members – who? when? how?

Even if you don’t recruit regularly, there will come a time when you’ll invite new members join your choir.



But who, when and how?

Is it time to widen your musical horizons?

Many of us are in choirs which sing a particular kind of repertoire.



But it’s good to get out of our comfort zone now and again and see what else is out there.

Singing and hydration – myths and recommendations

As singers, we’re often told to drink plenty of water.



But why is that, and how much is ‘plenty’?

Booze, cream and other vocal dangers

It’s the festive season, a time for (over) indulgence.



There’s nothing wrong with moderation, but some of your indulgences can be bad for your voice.

Does interval training work?

There are many interval training exercises to help singers distinguish between, say, a perfect fourth and a minor third.



But do they actually work? Do the exercises carry over into the singing?

Why choirs may choose not to sing Christmas songs

‘Tis the season to be jolly (apparently) and to sing Christmas carols.


But some choirs choose not to include Christmas songs in their repertoire. Why might this be?

Easy Christmas carol arrangements for choirs and audiences

If you’re anything like me, you leave everything to the last minute.



In which case, you might be short of simple arrangements for your Christmas concert. Well, I’m here to help!

Mind the gap between warm up and song: how to ensure vocal technique gets applied

I know an experienced choir leader who has developed problems with his voice.



Although he was aware of his vocal technique during warm ups, it all went out the window when he came to sing. How can you avoid that?

The long and the short of it: height differences in singing groups

I was teaching a group about what might affect the vocal blend when singing harmony in small groups.



Somebody pointed out that it’s much easier if everyone is the same height. This got me thinking …