Primrose Hill Choir FAQs
Joining the choir, attending rehearsals
& general questions
Joining the choir
Do I need to audition?
No. Singers of all levels, including beginners, are welcome.
Do I need to read music?
No. We do use written music, but you will be shown how to follow it when you first attend, and supported in developing your music reading during rehearsals. There is also a free How to Read Music download here, for your reference.
Can beginners join?
Yes. Beginners, or those returning to singing after a break, are very welcome. You will be warmly welcomed, supported by the musical director, and paired with an experienced singer to help you get started.
When can I come for a trial rehearsal, and do I need to get in touch beforehand?
You are welcome to come along for a trial rehearsal at any point during the term. We do recommend joining earlier where possible, as this gives you more time to learn the songs for the end-of-term concert.
The trial is simply an opportunity to see whether you would like to sing with us. It is not about your musical ability, which will naturally develop through regular rehearsals.
If you join later in the term, you can use our online practice tracks to help you catch up.
Please contact us before attending the first time here. You will be emailed PDFs of the music, practice tracks and full details about the choir.
The musical director will help you develop your singing technique and ability to read music.
How will I benefit from singing with the choir?
We sing a great mix of music and have a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. We have undertaken many exciting performances (see here), and lasting friendships are often formed through the choir. Singing is also beneficial for both mental and physical health.
The musical director will help you develop your singing technique and improve your ability to read music.
Attending rehearsals
On which day and time does the choir meet?
Mondays from 7.30-9.30pm. For the dates each term see What’s On.
Where does the choir meet?
Upstairs at the Primrose Hill Community Centre, 29 Hopkinsons Place, London, NW1 8TN. There is a map here and directions here. There is a lift for disabled access, but please contact us in advance to arrange this. On Bank Holidays we rehearse at a different venue (contact us).
Is there public transport or parking nearby?
Hopkinsons Place is a ten-minute walk from Chalk Farm tube station. Swiss Cottage and Camden Town are also within walking distance (around 15 minutes). The 274 bus route stops nearby.
There is parking in the surrounding streets, but please allow a few extra minutes to find a space.
How much does it cost and how can I pay?
You can either pay on a drop-in basis each time you attend, or pay for the term, which is the more economical option. We are one of the few choirs in the area that offer flexible drop-in payments.
Drop-in: £12 per session, or £10 for students and those on a low wage. Payment can be made at the door by cash or card.
⭐Pay for the term (save £4 per rehearsal): £8 per remaining week of term, or £6 for students and those on a low wage. Payment is made at the door, cash or card (plus a £1 fee). Termly payments are not available for the final two rehearsals of term.
What should I bring?
Please bring either printed copies of the PDFs emailed to you, or a device to view them on. It is also helpful to bring some water and a pencil for marking your music and making notes.
Which voice part will I sing?
On your first visit, you will join with two other singers to sing a few simple scales up and down so we can determine whether you are best suited to soprano, alto, tenor or bass. If you have sung before this will usually be the same voice part you are familiar with.
This is not a test of your singing ability, but simply a way to identify whether you are more comfortable singing higher or lower notes.
General questions
What types of music do we sing?
We sing a wide variety of music, including classical, rock, pop, gospel, musical theatre, world music and Christmas carols. Please see the choir page for more information or visit the Hear Us page.
How do I learn the songs?
We teach the songs by ear during rehearsals, giving you tips on how to read the music as we go along. In addition, you will be sent practice tracks so you can listen and practise at home if necessary.
What if I have to miss a rehearsal?
Please contact us in advance if you are unable to attend, as we do miss people who are absent. If you miss a few sessions, please use the practice tracks to help you stay up to date with the music. Regular attendance will help you learn the music more easily.
What is the choir community like?
There are about thirty singers. We have a mix of ages and abilities and a warm, friendly atmosphere. We work hard to learn to sing the music to a high standard, but we are also one of London’s most sociable choirs. We go to the pub after each rehearsal and have regular social events (see here).
Looking for some extra help with your singing, or piano lessons? See here.
For more on the choir, including videos of exciting performances and a free How to Read Music download, click here. There are audio recordings here.