Create your own deadlines and bring some structure to your life and work

Essentially I’m a very lazy person. I don’t do anything unless I absolutely have to.



The way I manage to get things done is to set public deadlines. That way I can’t escape!

The sound of silence – rediscovering the art of listening

With far fewer people around at the moment, I am starting to hear things that I don’t normally notice.



It made me realise that in our usually busy daily lives, many of us have lost the art of listening. It’s time to reconnect with the world.

10 things choir leaders can do when stuck at home

What is a choir leader without a choir?



There are times when you won’t be able to be with your choir in person. Here are some things to help keep your choral and music interests alive.

How to sing harmony on your own

I love harmony singing. But sometimes I don’t have the luxury of other people to sing with.



Here are some ways to sing harmony, even if you’re on your own.

10 things singers can do at home when there’s no choir to go to

There are many reasons why you might not be able to get to choir and have to stay home.



How can you keep your choral and musical interests alive? Here are 10 ideas.

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.