For those who want more singing in their life, getting private singing lessons or joining a choir are both excellent options. But how do you know which one is right for you? Here are some things to consider:
Technical Improvement
Both regular choir singing and private singing lessons will improve your technical abilities. Singing more regularly means you’re engaging the parts of your body that you need to singing and this will help improve your singing. However, choir sessions are more about improving the sound of the group overall, and correctly singing the chosen piece. Occasionally choir leaders will give technical singing advice but generally this will be broad. In private singing lessons, lessons are tailored to your technical challenges and needs. Your teacher will be able to focus on your sound and offer technical advice and exercises that will specifically help you.
Individual vs. Group Activity
However, the special attention mentioned above may not be what you’re looking for. At the end of a long day, it can be a really wonderful thing to go along to a choir and participate in the collective experience, without feeling individual pressure. One of the beautiful things about being in a choir is the shared energy and the way in which the members work together to create a great sound.
Choice of Repertoire
That being said, in a choir setting you will have little say over the music that is being sung. This can be a great opportunity to be exposed to music you wouldn’t otherwise get to know, but this may not be what you’re looking for. In a private singing lesson, you can decide what genres or songs you would prefer to work on. Sometimes they may not be quite appropriate for your ability but your teacher can help you find songs that you are excited about and that are suitable for lessons.
Community
If you are looking to meet people in your local community, choirs are a wonderful way to do this. Usually throughout the course of rehearsals you will get to know the other people singing near you and most choirs also have some social events throughout the year. That said, there are performance opportunities for solo singers that can provide a sense of community participation as well. I have often coached singers to prepare for non-professional music theatre auditions or open mic nights. Both of these offer the ability to work on your solo singing but also to connect with a new community.
So there are some ideas for you to ponder if you’re not sure whether a choir or private singing lessons are for you. There’s also no need to choose! Many singers both take private singing lessons and participate in choir and this can work really well. If you want to find out more about private singing lessons and what they can offer you can read more HERE or book in for a singing lesson HERE.
