Singing
What is it?     What you need     Getting started     Find out more

 

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What is it?

  • Singing for pleasure is something that you can do on your own, as part of a small group, or as a member of a larger choir or of a  group performing musicals or opera.  

  • The range of types of music you can sing is enormous, from pop to classical, and jazz to different ethnic traditions.  

  • You can accompany yourself on a piano, keyboard or guitar (see playing musical instruments), or have other musicians to accompany you and others.    

  • Some people and groups just sing for their own pleasure.  Others work towards performances and/or competitions and exams.

Find out more

Organisations

British Choirs on the Net  www.rodcuff.demon.co.uk/choirs/
National Federation of Music Societies  www.nfms.org.uk/

 

Magazines

We have not managed to identify any magazines dealing specially with amateur singing.  But the organisations opposite may be able to help.

Getting started

  • Find a local choir or singing group or club (see organisations above).

  • Take a class or course at your local adult education centre or see if your local choir has introductory sessions.

  • Consult books or magazines on different types of singing and music.

  • Check in your local library/paper or education centre for more information.

What you need

Skills and people
  • Almost everyone has the ability to sing, but some skills in controlling and using the voice need to be learnt. Most groups of singers have people from a wide range of ages, and both sexes, in them.

  • You can sing at home on your own, but many people like to join a group of other singers and instrument players so that they can sing a wider range of pieces.  

  • Amateur singers normally welcome new members, but in the more serious groups you may have to sing (audition) for the organisers so that they know what your voice is like.  

  • Obviously you need to choose a group that sings the type of music you like, and it is better if the other singers are of roughly the same standard and have the same degree of commitment as you have.  

Equipment or clothing
  • The songs you sing are the main essential;  these may be in the form of a musical score or a tape or disk from which to learn.  

  • No special clothing is needed for most groups.  But a few, like church choirs, who do regular performances, may have some kind of uniform for these special events. 

A place or facilities
  • You can sing anywhere and groups may meet in people's homes, in the local village or community hall, or in schools and colleges.  

  • The essential is a room large enough to take the group and with an acoustic that make music making possible.

Have a go - get started now

 

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