Making a good impression is what counts whether you’re a business, singer or choir leader

• Posted by Chris Rowbury September 4 - Filed in Choir Post - 679 views

  [The views expressed in this blog are from my personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across the globe. Your experiences may differ from mine, so do feel free to leave a comment and let's begin a conversation! A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]

   

  I’ll let you into a secret: I’m not glued to my computer 24/7!

   

  

  photo by Nigel

   

  I wrote this piece a while back and have scheduled it to be published today.
  
  There, I’ve given away a trade secret.
  
  It’s not just about what you do, it’s how people perceive what you do.
  
  By publishing consistently (even public holidays like Christmas), I’m reinforcing the message that I write this blog every single week, come rain or snow or illness. It’s the impression I want to give even though I may write a whole set of posts in advance rather than week by week.
  
  It’s the same with singing and choir leading.
  
  Yes, we put in the time for preparation and rehearsal – that’s a given. But it’s not enough on its own. You need to create a good impression.
  
  That means that when you lead a choir you behave as if you you know what you’re doing (even if you don’t!).
  
  When you sing, you sing with ease and confidence (even if you’re feeling nervous and frightened inside).
  
  When you’re singing or choir leading and you’re not feeling on top form, then you put that to one side and carry on as if everything is OK.
  
  And if you’re running a business as a singing teacher, professional singer or musical director, then you show that you’re always available and always professional. Even if it means ‘cheating’ a little by scheduling the publication of a blog post in advance!

   

   

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  Chris Rowbury

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