When did you last sing together? You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone

That last time I was in a room with a group of singers was nearly four months ago.

If I had known then that I wouldn’t be singing like that for the foreseeable future, would I have behaved differently?

Singers listen with their eyes as well as their ears

I've been trying to sing against a recording of two other people singing different harmony parts.

I found it almost impossible to pitch accurately because I couldn't see them.

What singing online can and can’t achieve

Last week I looked at What is unique about singing together.

In this post, I’ll consider which aspects of singing together can be duplicated online and which can’t.

What is unique about singing together?

Singing together in a group is something special. It is a very different experience from singing on your own.

But what exactly is it that we get from singing with others?

Singers miss out when there’s no choir, but what about choir leaders?

There are plenty of studies now about the many benefits of singing together. But they only look at the experience of the singers in a choir.

I’d like to consider what choir leaders get out of leading a choir and what they might be missing when choirs aren’t meeting.

How to get the most out of singing online – a guide for singers

Choirs are not meeting at the moment so lots of you have gone online to sing.

Given that it will be just you singing at a screen, what can you do to get the most out of an online singing session?

How to use singing to lift you out of a low mood

Like everyone in lockdown we all have good days and bad days.

Today I’m feeling particularly low and unmotivated. But I got out of it. Here’s how.

What to write about when there are no choirs or singing together?

I’m finding it hard to come up with an idea to write about today.

Writing about choirs, harmony singing, vocal technique, etc. seems a little like adding salt to a wound when choirs aren’t able to meet. What shall I write about for the next few months?

Discover the joys of singing on your own

Opportunities to sing with others, especially in harmony, are very rare when you’re confined to your house.



This could be a chance to discover the joys of singing on your own.

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!