Is it important for singers to memorise the songs they perform?

I’m often asked how to get singers “off book” for their next concert.

 

The assumption is that it’s best for a singer not to have lyrics or sheet music in their hands when performing. But is this necessarily a bad thing?

Singing songs of support across different cultures

When Russia recently invaded Ukraine there was an outpouring of support and solidarity. From money and arms, to thoughts and prayers.

Svitych youth choir, Nizhyn Mykola Gogol State University, Ukraine

Many choirs have chosen to sing Ukrainian songs as a demonstration of their support. How does this help?

How to use the internet to research a song in a foreign language

I teach songs from many different cultures, most of which aren’t in English.

Before I teach a song, I need to find out as much as I can about it: who wrote it, what language it’s in, its cultural context, translation into English and so on. Here’s how I go about it.

Payback time: honouring the cultures that songs have been taken from

We often think of traditional songs from other cultures as just “out there” for the taking, to be used freely.

photo by Ashashyou

But every song was written by somebody, and every song is rooted in a particular culture and context. This hasn’t always been understood or acknowledged by those who have carried the songs into different contexts.

What is a ‘popular’ song?

When does a song have ‘popular’ appeal? When is it entertainment?

Does ‘popular’ simply mean ‘well known’?

6 different ways of presenting lyrics when teaching and learning songs

There are many different way of offering lyrics to singers, more so if your choir doesn’t use sheet music.

None of the options are perfect. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each.

How much ‘stuff’ do you need to lead a group of singers? Far less than you think!

What is the minimum you need to get a group of people singing together?

A piano? Sheet music? A baton? Backing tracks? The less you rely on ‘stuff’, the freer and more resilient you become.

Singing benefits choir leaders too, not just singers

There is much talk these days of how singing is good for you, especially singing as part of a group.

photo by COD Newsroom

But that’s always from the singers’ perspective. We don’t often consider those who lead the singing.

Confessions of a singaholic – why too much singing might be a bad thing

Once you’ve discovered the joys of singing with others, it’s sometimes hard to know when to stop.

Here is a cautionary tale from someone who got rather carried away.

Reflect, reinvent, reboot, refresh – ideas for new beginnings PART 2

I thought I’d do a round-up of posts I’ve made over the years which are relevant in some way to new beginnings.

Part 1 was last week. This is Part 2.

Reflect, reinvent, reboot, refresh – ideas for new beginnings PART 1

People often use the New Year as a time for reflection and an opportunity to make fresh starts.

I thought I’d do a round-up of posts I’ve made over the years which are relevant in some way to new beginnings. This is Part 1. Part 2 will follow next week.

Posts from Christmas past – part two

I thought I’d do a round-up of posts I’ve made over the years which are relevant in some way to Christmas.

Part one was last week. Here is part two.

Posts from Christmas past – part one

I thought I’d do a round-up of posts I’ve made over the years which are relevant in some way to Christmas.

Here is part one. Part two follows next week.

How to deal with a toxic choir member

Very occasionally a singer may join your choir who seems to affect everyone negatively.

They are somehow ‘toxic’ and affect the whole choir. Here’s how you can deal with such a person.

Discovering “the space between” when singing

This week Mary Denn writes a guest post which introduces the Japanese concept of “the space between.”

photo by chris_j_wood

Since singing is a universal form of expression, other cultures can offer different insights into how we approach it.

Revealing your humanity as choir leader or singer will bring people on your side

As David Burbidge pointed out in his recent guest post about choir leadership styles, some singers end up putting their choir leaders on pedestals.

And even if you resist that extreme, it’s easy to forget that they have a life outside choir and music. Choir leaders are as vulnerable and human as you are.

Is it ever OK to criticise your choir leader in public?

Or … “Who’s in charge of your choir?” (answer: it’s not you!)

photo by jon jordan

I often hear from choir leaders about singers who point out to them that they’re not doing their job right. Is this ever justified?

Choir leading and power – striking a difficult balance

This week, David Burbidge writes a guest post about leadership in choirs.

photo by Quick fix

Is it possible to be in charge without diminishing those you are trying to lead? David believes you can be empowered as a leader whilst also empowering those you lead.

How your choir or singing business can stay in the public eye even though you have no events to promote

There are times, especially during the pandemic, when there are no choir events or concerts coming up.

But you need to keep your singing business in the public eye or people will forget you. Here are some ideas you might try.

Why rounds aren’t the best way to introduce singing in harmony

Rounds are often seen as a simple way into harmony singing.

photo by Hyacinth, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

But I would argue that they’re not that simple and aren’t a good way to introduce harmony. Here’s why.