Children’s Choir FAQs
Joining the choir, attending rehearsals
& general questions
Joining the choir
How will my child benefit?
The Primrose Hill Children’s Choir is a fun, friendly and relaxing activity where children can develop a lifelong love of singing. Through songs, games and exciting performances, your child will build confidence, strengthen their memory, coordination and communication skills, and learn to work as part of a team.
Along the way, they will develop valuable choral skills, such as singing in tune and in harmony, that will support them throughout their school years and beyond, whether they continue singing for pleasure or pursue music more seriously.
What ages can attend?
Boys and girls aged 6-11. Older children are also very welcome, provided they are happy singing with the group.
Does my child need any previous experience?
No. Children of all abilities are welcome, whether they have sung in a choir before or are trying singing for the very first time.
Can my child come for a trial part-way through a term?
Yes. Your child is welcome to come for a trial rehearsal at any point during the term. However, we recommend joining earlier where possible, as this gives children more time to learn the songs for the end-of-term concert.
The trial is simply an opportunity to see whether your child enjoys singing with us. It is not about musical ability, which will naturally develop through regular rehearsals.
If your child joins later in the term, they can use our online practice tracks to help them catch up.
How can we book a trial rehearsal and is there a charge?
A parent or carer should get in touch via the Contact page beforehand, including a mobile number. This helps us make sure we are expecting your child and can welcome them properly on the day.
We offer a three-week trial period to help children settle in comfortably. A fee of £20 is payable before the first session, which covers the initial week plus two additional rehearsals.
Siblings receive a 25% discount.
After the trial period, if your child would like to continue, details of joining the choir are provided below.
After the trial how do we join and how much will it cost?
After the trial period, if your child would like to continue, please contact us to confirm their place in the choir.
The cost is £10 per remaining week of the term, payable in one upfront payment. Siblings receive a 25% discount.
If you have any concerns about affordability, please do get in touch so we can discuss options.
Attending rehearsals
On which day and time does the choir meet?
Wednesdays from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. For the dates each term see What’s On.
Where does the choir meet?
In the main space at St Mary’s Church, London, NW3 3DJ. Please enter via King Henry’s Road. Here is a map.
Is there public transport or parking nearby?
The church is a ten-minute walk from either Chalk Farm or Swiss Cottage tube stations. The 31 and C11 bus routes also stop nearby.
There is parking in the surrounding streets, but please allow a few extra minutes to find a space.
What should children bring to rehearsals?
Just a drink. There is a kitchen available where water bottles can be refilled. You may also wish to provide a small snack.
Are parents allowed to stay and watch?
Yes. There is plenty of space for parents to sit and watch and relax while the children sing. Alternatively, you may leave your child with us and return just before 5.30pm to collect them.
Is it a safe and supervised environment?
Yes. The church is a safe space. There are always several parents present, along with Matthew (who has a DBS check), to supervise the children and ensure they are safe and supported throughout the session.
General questions
What types of music do the children sing?
The children sing a wide variety of music, including classical, Disney, musical theatre, rock, pop, and music from around the world. Please see the children’s choir page for more information or visit the Hear Us page.
How will my child learn the songs?
We teach the songs to the children by ear during rehearsals. In addition, you will be sent practice tracks so your child can listen and practise at home if necessary.
What if my child has to miss a rehearsal?
Please let Matthew know in advance, as we do miss children who are absent. If your child misses a few sessions, please use the practice tracks to help them keep up with the music-learning.
More information
For more about the choir, including videos of performances, click here. There are audio recordings here.
Interested in singing or piano lessons?
See here.