Your Questions & Worries Answered
I don’t think I’m a good singer / I don’t like performing - does that matter?
No, not at all! We do not aim for musical perfection and we are not building towards public performances, so there is no pressure or expectation of any standard. We leave judgement at the door, both of ourselves and each other. We are here to have fun and to gain the benefits of singing in a group. ( See Press page for more info on the many benefits of singing! ) Besides which, we are pretty confident that you’re much better than you think you are anyway. The tips and techniques you learn during our sessions will help you improve, too!
do I need to read music?
No, not at all! There will be no music reading - just lyrics. Songs will be taught by ear and many are so well known you will pick them up really quickly.
will we be split into groups?
Mostly no. There may be a few easy parts or harmonies that will be fun to play with and sometimes we may split a song to make it easier to sing, but we are not dividing you into groups of soprano, alto, tenor and bass.
I can’t always sit / stand for long periods - will this be a problem?
No, not at all! We vary what we are doing throughout most sessions - we may be sitting, we may be standing, we may be in a horseshoe - as long as we know what your needs are we can accommodate them. You should never feel that you cannot join in or even have a dance, too!
Does it matter if I can’t make it every week?
No, not at all! Obviously we want you to gain the maximum benefit from your weekly group singing sessions, but if lifestyle, job, health or transport issues mean you can’t always make it, that’s no problem! If ever there’s anything we can do to help, please ask - we may just be able to help you find a solution.
how much are the sessions and do I have to pay for a term?
Sing for your Self is designed to be affordable, inclusive and ok to join in whenever you can, so our sessions are charged at £7 each, on a Pay As You Go basis. As a result, you can attend any session you like throughout the week; you don't always have to attend the same session time. This means that we can fit into your week flexibly, so hopefully you can get that feel-good fix even if your week changes a bit. You can pay online, by card (+10p fee) or in cash. There is no termly fee or block booking necessary, although you can choose a block booking voucher if it makes life easier for you.
We also run a Pay It Forward Scheme - if you feel you would benefit from or enjoy our sessions, but find yourself not being able to afford it right now, please do get in touch and ask me to use the PIF Scheme.
Refreshments during daytime sessions are funded by a donation tin, to cover the teas/coffees/biscuits and the extra hall hire. Recommended donation is £1-£2, but whatever you can afford is fine!
how long are the sessions?
At each session we sing for 1 hour. During the daytime sessions there is then a 30 minute social time where we have refreshments and time to chat with one another. The extra funding for the 30 minutes hall hire and the refreshments is covered by donations in a tin. There is no set fee for this, so please try to bring a little loose change to help cover these costs. (There is no obligation to stay for the refreshments if you are unable to / do not wish to.)
Evening sessions are kept to 1 hour with no refreshments, to fit in with people’s busy evenings. Occasionally we go to the pub afterwards for some fabulous social time. This is usually pre-arranged.
what do I need to wear / what should I bring with me?
Whatever you like - you may prefer to be comfy, you might like to put on a nice top - it’s entirely up to you, but recommend that you don’t wear anything too restrictive. It is a good idea to bring a bottle of water/cordial with you, and always hydrate well in the hours before your singing session, too, to be in best voice!
is there an age limit?
We are open to adults from 18 years and upwards - and there is no upper age limit. All we ask is that you are patient with ALL ages and adopt the inclusive nature of our groups. 16/17 year olds are welcomed when accompanied by an adult. If you, or someone you are bringing, has a particular need, please do let us know beforehand - we are not the experts but more than happy to be guided by you! (With this is mind, please note that our Thursday evening sessions are fragrance free due to an allergy of one of our members.) Our Tuesday and Thursday daytime sessions are in venues suitable for babies, so if you would like to do something for yourself without needing childcare, please do feel free to bring your tiny people along. But please remember this is an activity for you, not your baby.
Anything else?
YES - Don’t forget to bring along your open-mindedness and optimism - we hope these groups will bring some social fun and new friendships into each other’s lives!
