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Chris Rowbury's Blog Entries

  • The curse of confusion: why thinking is bad for singing

    Added September 25, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 822 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] I teach a song by ear in less than an hour at a workshop. Everyone picks it up really quickly and then they sing it brilliantly. We’ve been working on the same song with my very accomplished weekly choir for quite some time. They really strugg... read more

  • How to pace a long singing workshop effectively

    Added August 29, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 913 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   If a singing workshop is just a couple of hours long, then singers’ energy and concentration will probably be fine.     But for workshops which last a whole day, energy, concentration, focus, boredom, etc. all become factor... read more

  • Have you got what it takes to be a singer?

    Added August 22, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 753 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   There’s a lot of nonsense out there about what it takes to be a singer.     The fact is, you already are one! Let’s unpick some of the myths and misconceptions. what does it take to be a singer? I believe that every... read more

  • Choir and workshop leaders: make sure you’re on the receiving end from time to time

    Added August 15, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 638 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   I like being in charge, as do most choir and singing workshop leaders. Our job mainly consists of telling people what to do and helping them to sing the best that they can.     Trouble is it’s easy to forget what it’s... read more

  • Coming back to singing after a long absence or a bad experience

    Added August 7, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 1140 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Whether it’s bringing up a family or long-term illness or a bad singing experience, many people find it hard to get back into singing when they’ve been away for a long time.   photo by by Nationaal Archief, Den Haag, Rijksf... read more

  • Singing with a group of strangers – mixing and mingling ideas for learning names

    Added July 24, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 782 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   It always amazes me how surprised people are that a group of strangers can sing harmony together in just a few minutes. It’s not necessary to know the other singers to be able to sing well with them, but some people feel that they need to... read more

  • Four powerful ideas guaranteed to help you learn to sing better

    Added July 17, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 1015 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   People are always asking me how they can learn to sing. Everyone is already a singer of course, but it’s always possible to learn how to sing better.     Here are four simple but powerful ideas that will help you be a bette... read more

  • How much should you charge singers to be in your choir?

    Added July 10, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 1093 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Most choirs charge their singers to be a member (‘subs’). The amount can vary a lot from choir to choir.     What’s the best way to decide how much to charge your singers? Let’s look at some of the issues ... read more

  • Stepping up – how to find the courage to volunteer for solo or small group singing

    Added July 3, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 837 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   There are times in most choirs when a soloist or a small ensemble is required. These roles can be allocated by the MD but in many cases singers are asked to volunteer to try out.     photo by Paterm   What if you think you... read more

  • The challenges of running a drop-in singing group (and why you shouldn’t start one)

    Added June 26, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 1339 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] Some people run ‘drop-in’ singing sessions. People can drop in on any session they want, there is no commitment and no signing up for a ‘season’.   It’s a nice idea: no commitment, no pressure, all very fun, s... read more