Resources for Choristers

In order for choristers to feel comfortable and confident, both during ensemble rehearsals and independent practice, having certain foundational understanding can make a significant impact. It is important to ask questions when you have them, and you can seek to learn more through your own research. I have noticed that though there are luckily plenty of materials available, many cater to other musical settings e.g. singing solo, playing piano, participating in an orchestra, etc. As a chorister of two decades who has performed with over twenty-five different groups, I set out to curate a set of resources that could specifically support singers in choirs. This list of recommendations comes after watching over one hundred YouTube videos, and the short ones listed below will be useful whether you are new to participating in choirs or are looking to review fundamentals. Happy singing!
- Pirahashini

Reading Notes: What do different pitches sound like? How are they indicated on sheet music? How are they named on a piano? What do the various symbols mean?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exTi3gFBVFU

Note: Being able to play notes on a piano (whether you have a physical keyboard, or use a virtual one on a website) can help you practice your music accurately on your own.

Reading Rhythms: How are basic rhythms written? What do different notes and rests look like? What do time signatures indicate?
(watch in succession) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1EH61WIjn8

and 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zymwqfvZg0

Note: The rest of the videos in this person’s music theory playlist are also well done, and cover some of the same concepts as other videos here in an easy-to-review format.

More Rhythms: How are complex rhythms written? What about syncopation (off-beat)?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ5bj9W90WU

Note: This video has interactive components that allow you to practice reading rhythms. The same logic that works for reading note rhythms also applies to rests.

Choral Scores: How do you read sheet music for choirs? How do you follow your notes?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkEEtFNFXrA

Note: This video is a more in-depth diagram of score layouts and how to improve your sight-reading 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn7YJWGsw5Q 

and this video is an explanation of other markings you encounter in sheet music 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dae8vhHuPFE 

(some of these are for instrumentalists, but most can appear in vocal music as well, and there is a top comment with timestamps for the various terms).

Following Conductors: What do the various gestures indicate? How can we follow them?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_6cTbyWP88

Note: Many videos regarding conductors are specific to orchestras, but the concepts here also apply to a choir. Each conductor has their own style, but use the same basic approach.