#musicians — Public Fediverse posts

What Makes a Great Choir?

A great choir is not simply a group of talented singers. It is a team of people who are united by a shared purpose, committed to excellence, and willing to serve one another through music.

As a choir director and music instructor, I’ve learned that the choirs that leave the greatest impact are not always the ones with the strongest individual voices. More often, they are the ones that sing with unity, discipline, humility, and passion.

Here are some qualities that distinguish a great choir.

1. Unity Above Individuality

In a choir, every voice matters, but no single voice should overpower the others. Great choirs understand that harmony is created when each singer contributes their part while supporting the whole ensemble.

The goal is not to be heard alone but to create a beautiful sound together.

2. Consistent Preparation

Excellent performances are the result of excellent rehearsals.

Great choirs arrive on time, learn their parts before rehearsals, practice consistently, and come prepared to contribute. They understand that discipline behind the scenes produces confidence on the platform.

3. A Teachable Spirit

No choir grows without correction.

Great singers welcome feedback because they understand that every correction is an opportunity to improve. Humility creates room for growth, while a teachable attitude strengthens the entire team.

4. Effective Listening

Choir singing is as much about listening as it is about singing.

Great choristers listen carefully to the conductor, blend with surrounding voices, maintain balance, and adjust their volume and tone when necessary. Listening creates unity, and unity creates excellence.

5. Character and Professionalism

Talent may open doors, but character keeps them open.

Respect for leaders, punctuality, commitment, positive attitude, and reliability are qualities that strengthen every choir. The way you conduct yourself during rehearsals is just as important as the way you perform on stage.

6. Understanding the Message

A choir does more than sing notes—it communicates a message.

Whether performing a concert piece or leading worship, great choirs understand the meaning of the lyrics and sing with sincerity, conviction, and expression. When the singers believe the message, the audience is more likely to connect with it.

7. A Heart for Continuous Growth

Great choirs never stop learning.

They invest in vocal training, musicianship, sight-reading, ear training, stage presence, and teamwork. They celebrate progress while continually striving for higher standards.

Excellence is not a destination; it is a continuous pursuit.

Conclusion

The strength of a choir is not measured by the number of voices it has, but by the unity, discipline, and purpose those voices share.

When singers listen to one another, respect one another, prepare diligently, and pursue excellence together, they create more than beautiful music—they create unforgettable experiences that inspire and uplift others.

A great choir is built one rehearsal, one relationship, and one shared commitment at a time.

Reflection

If every member of your choir approached rehearsals with the same level of commitment as you, what kind of choir would it become?

“A great choir is not defined by powerful voices alone, but by hearts that beat together, ears that listen carefully, and people who choose unity over individuality.” — Victor Adenola

#musicians #EvilMusicians

TriggerWarning This episode deals with csa, statuatory r@pe
Please take care ☮️

#EmmaRosaKatharina

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oyKrBY2JKxA&pp=ygUhZW1tYSByb3NhIGthdGhhcmluYSBiYW

The ICK: #BabyGroupies of the 1960s and 1970s : #Misogyny, #PowerImbalance and #CSA

Looking for someone to share a rehearsal space in Jack London, Oakland, CA. More info in the Craigslist post. Feel free to reach out if you are interested and want to learn more.

https://www.craigslist.org/view/d/oakland-shared-rehearsal-room-available/qhVbAkwYBirFRorG9gs1Ya

#musicians #SFBayArea #Oakland

How Sam Smith Found Their Voice

https://web.brid.gy/r/https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/how-sam-smith-found-their-voice

Learning Faster with Daily Practice

Many musicians believe that making rapid progress requires practicing for several hours every day. While long practice sessions have their place, they are not the secret to consistent improvement. In my experience as a music instructor and mentor, the musicians who progress the fastest are often those who practice consistently, not necessarily the longest.

Daily practice builds momentum. It strengthens muscle memory, improves concentration, and helps musical concepts become second nature. Just as a language is learned through regular use, music is mastered through regular engagement.

The key is not to ask, “How long should I practice?” but rather, “How well am I using the time I have?”

1. Consistency Outperforms Intensity

Practicing for 30 focused minutes every day is often more effective than practicing for three hours once a week.

Frequent practice helps your mind and body retain what you’ve learned, making each session a continuation of the previous one rather than a fresh start.

Small, consistent efforts produce remarkable long-term results.

2. Practice with a Clear Purpose

Avoid practicing without direction.

Before you begin, identify one or two goals for the session:

• Improve a difficult passage.
• Strengthen your rhythm.
• Refine your tone.
• Memorize a section of music.
• Improve sight-reading or ear training.

Purposeful practice leads to measurable progress.

3. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity

Practicing while distracted or repeating mistakes without correction can slow your progress.

Stay fully engaged during your practice session. Play slowly when necessary, pay attention to details, and stop to correct errors before repeating them.

Deliberate practice always beats careless repetition.

4. Build a Balanced Practice Routine

An effective daily session should include:

• Warm-ups
• Technical exercises
• Repertoire or songs
• Sight-reading
• Ear training
• Music theory or musicianship
• A few minutes of enjoyable playing or singing

A balanced routine develops complete musicianship.

5. Review Before Learning Something New

Growth doesn’t come from constantly adding new material. It also comes from strengthening what you’ve already learned.

Spend a few minutes reviewing previous lessons before moving on to new ones. This reinforces confidence and improves retention.

6. Track Your Progress

Keep a simple practice journal.

Record what you practiced, what improved, and what still needs attention. Looking back over weeks and months will remind you how far you’ve come and keep you motivated.

Progress becomes more encouraging when you can see it.

7. Be Patient with the Process

Every musician experiences days when improvement feels slow.

Don’t mistake slow progress for no progress. Skills are often developing beneath the surface before they become noticeable. Stay committed, trust the process, and allow time to work in your favour.

Excellence is built one practice session at a time.

Conclusion

There is no shortcut to becoming a skilled musician, but there is a proven path: consistent, intentional practice.

Every scale you play or sing, every exercise you complete, every correction you apply, and every challenge you overcome brings you one step closer to your goals.

You don’t have to be perfect every day—you simply need to keep showing up.

Your future as a musician is shaped less by occasional bursts of effort and more by the habits you faithfully repeat.

Reflection

If you committed to just 30 minutes of focused practice every day for the next three months, how different would your musicianship become?

“Great musicians are not built by occasional inspiration, but by daily dedication. Every practice session is an investment in the musician you are becoming.” — Victor Adenola

Ultimate Guitar offers access to over 2 million tabs for guitar, bass, and ukulele. You can explore chords, take lessons, read gear reviews, and connect with fellow musicians. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their skills or collaborate. Check it out: https://getmusictools.com/ultimate-guitar #guitar #musicians #musiccommunity

How Janine Berdin learned to trust in her own artistry

https://web.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/people/artists/singer-songwriter-janine-berdin/

39 years ago today, August 15, 1987, Larry, Steve, Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers debuted at #61 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “Changin' Partners”. It went on to peak at #16 and spent a total of 15 weeks on the chart.

I played this song on the radio during my disc jockey days. (AM 650 KYAK 1987-1991) It didn't stick around for too long though.

#vinylcommunity #music #legendary #brothers #trio #singers #musicians #classics #vinyl #musiclegends #hitmakers #vinylcollection #musicislife

Si Mau ug J sing in Bisaya, but all listeners are welcome

‘Ginagamit namin ‘yung terms na hindi masyadong ginagamit to remind our generation na our language is beautiful,’ says Mau, one-half of the Tagum duo

https://justpaste.in/news/duo-si-mau-ug-j-profile/

#DavaodelNorte #Filipinoartists #Filipinosongwriters #musicindustry #musicians

A sneak peek of an extraordinary live jam from @elifyalvac, recorded exclusively for this week's Sine Waves On Sunday - hear the whole thing on Voice FM this Sunday from 3pm UK time:
https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/on-air/shows/sine-waves-on-sunday-with-max-williams/

#electronicmusic #SineWavesOnSunday #modularsynth #livemusic #newmusic #electronic #music #fedimusic #musicians #radio #synth

Preparing for Music Exams and Recitals

A music examination or recital is more than an opportunity to perform—it is a milestone that reflects your preparation, discipline, musical understanding, and personal growth.

As a music instructor and mentor, I’ve prepared students for music examinations, recitals, and live performances over the years. One lesson remains constant: students who prepare consistently perform with greater confidence than those who rely on last-minute practice.

Whether you’re preparing for a graded examination or your first recital, success is not determined by talent alone—it is built through intentional preparation.

1. Start Preparing Early

One of the biggest mistakes learners make is postponing serious practice until the last few weeks.

Music is a skill that develops gradually. Give yourself enough time to refine your technique, improve your confidence, and address areas that need attention.

Early preparation reduces pressure and allows for steady improvement.

2. Understand the Assessment Requirements

Know exactly what your examination board or recital expects.

Depending on the programme, you may be assessed on:

• Technical exercises and scales
• Performance pieces
• Sight-reading
• Aural (ear) tests
• Music theory
• General musicianship
• Stage presentation, and musical expression

Knowing the expectations helps you prepare with purpose.

3. Build a Structured Practice Plan

Avoid practicing without a clear direction.

Create a weekly schedule that includes:

• Vocal or instrumental warm-ups
• Technical exercises
• Performance repertoire
• Sight-reading
• Ear training
• Music theory
• Mock performances

Consistent, focused practice produces better results than occasional long practice sessions.

4. Don’t Neglect Music Theory

Many learners spend all their time practicing pieces while overlooking music theory.

Understanding rhythm, notation, scales, chords, intervals, keys, and musical terminology strengthens your overall musicianship and makes learning new music much easier.

Theory and practical performance complement one another.

5. Practice Performing, Not Just Practicing

Preparing for a recital or examination is different from ordinary practice.

Perform your pieces from beginning to end without stopping, even if you make a mistake. Practice in front of family, friends, fellow students, or your instructor to simulate a real performance.

Confidence grows through experience.

6. Learn from Feedback

Every correction is an opportunity to improve.

Listen carefully to your instructor’s observations, apply the corrections consistently, and don’t become discouraged by mistakes. Growth happens when feedback is put into practice.

7. Develop Stage Confidence

Whether performing for an examiner or an audience, stage presence matters.

Walk confidently, maintain good posture, acknowledge your audience respectfully, and focus on communicating the music rather than worrying about perfection.

Remember, audiences often remember confidence and expression more than minor mistakes.

8. Take Care of Yourself

As your examination or recital approaches:

• Get enough rest.
• Stay hydrated.
• Eat well.
• Warm up properly.
• Avoid over-practicing the day before.
• Arrive early and stay calm.

A healthy body and a prepared mind support a confident performance.

If you’re considering internationally recognized music qualifications, some of the most respected examination boards include:

• ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) – Offers graded practical and theory examinations, with both in-person and online options for selected assessments.
• Trinity College London – Provides practical, theory, and digital music examinations, including flexible online performance assessments.
• MUSON (Music Society Of Nigeria) Offers graded theory and practical music examinations.
• London College of Music Examinations (LCM Exams) – Offers graded music qualifications in a wide range of instruments, voice, and music theory, with physical and selected online assessments.
• Rockschool (RSL Awards) – Popular for contemporary music, covering vocals, drums, guitar, piano, bass, music production, and performance arts, with both face-to-face and digital exam options.

These qualifications are internationally recognised and provide learners with structured goals and measurable progress throughout their musical journey.

Conclusion

Whether you’re preparing for an international music examination, a school assessment, a church presentation, or your first recital, remember that every performance is an opportunity to demonstrate not only what you know, but also the discipline you’ve developed along the way.

Preparation builds confidence. Confidence inspires excellence. Excellence is achieved through consistent effort over time.

Approach every examination and recital as a celebration of your growth, not simply a test of your ability.

Reflection

If your next recital or music examination were four weeks away, what changes would you make to your practice routine starting today?

“A successful recital or music examination is not won on the day of the performance—it is earned through disciplined practice, intentional preparation, and the commitment to improve every single day.” — Victor Adenola

Podcast with Sweeney Todd director Benjamin Samuel. Stages at a deconsecrated chapel in Melbourne, Australia. #theatre #culture #musicians #lgbtiqa #lgbtq #radio @3CRMelbourne
https://www.3cr.org.au/inyaface/episode/interview-sweeney-todd-director-benjamin-samuel-soundworks-productions

Heck, every band should do weddings. They're really weird and unpredictable. You'll have fun, especially when the entire wedding party stops dancing to stare at the band because the drummer decided he'd flip between downbeat on the 1 and downbeat on the 2, back and forth, because the song reminded him of Zep. This sounds strangely specific.

Also, it's never a bad idea to insure your equipment, or at least to have a GoFundMe for accidental drownings. Alcohol, celebrations, and not spilling a drop onto the band's equipment has been heard of, though probably not on this planet.

https://flipboard.com/@wired/video-3revfhq4z/-/a-NV8P_6ggSIO5vF5dIjH9eg%3Aa%3A3199480-%2F0

#music #musicians #GreenDay #weddings

musicians who still

musicians who still 
music every now and then – 
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20260814:2259
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17-piece instrument

dreaming… a random bit

** in the ending of The Daily Post’s Weekly Photo Challenges from WordPress, here’s your Sunday Weekly Photo Prompt: travel **

medicine buddha mantra: Tayata Om Bekandze Bekandze Maha Bekandze Radza Samudgate Soha

health, wealth, and prosperity: Om Vasudhare Svaha

Rate this:

#Rocked

The #MusicIndustrySUCKS

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FcpwDIrrnhw

#music #musicians

#Drumeo

The Iconic #Drumming Behind #EvenFlow

#DaveKrusen, the original #drummer for #PearlJam

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sbzN0mQw7kE

#Drummers #music #musicians

Soul Fire Featuring Transglobal Underground at Walthamstow Trades Hall, London
Saturday 19 September 2026 at 7:30pm, Walthamstow Trades Hall, London https://www.ents24.com/london-events/walthamstow-trades-hall-1/soul-fire-featuring-transglobal-underground/7520301 #music #musicians #TransglobalUnderground #world #electro #dance

Listen to Carbon Woman, by Liberation Park. This track was inspired by a night in company contemplating on the possibility of extraterrestrial life. https://liberationpark.bandcamp.com/track/carbon-woman #music #musicians

Carroccio (1722) by Filippo Buonanni, from Gabinetto Armonico pieno d’istromenti sonori.

Source: Library of the University of Seville / Flickr: The Commons

https://pdimagearchive.org/images/65029f39-1896-48b5-8e68-7f6a02cbbbd8

#musicians #wheels #music #bells #carts #wunderkammer #engraving #art #publicdomain

Gold Radio: See the hideous AI version of Queen’s The Game that sparked Brian May rant. “While a number of artists have embraced AI as a new tool in their creative arsenal, it seems that Brian May is not going to be convinced of its merits any time soon. The Queen guitarist has gone on a rant against the technology after asking one image generator to re-create the cover of The Game album, with […]

Why Music Theory Isn’t Boring

For many learners, the words “music theory” can sound intimidating. Some imagine pages filled with unfamiliar symbols, complicated rules, and endless memorization. As a result, they focus only on learning songs while avoiding the theory behind the music.

As a music instructor and mentor, I’ve discovered that this perception often changes once students understand what music theory really is.

Music theory isn’t about making music more complicated—it’s about making music easier to understand.

Think of it as learning the language of music. Just as reading and writing help us communicate effectively, music theory helps us understand how music works and why it sounds the way it does.

• Music Theory Helps You Learn Faster:

Instead of memorizing every song from scratch, music theory helps you recognize patterns, chord progressions, scales, and rhythms. The more you understand these building blocks, the easier it becomes to learn new music.

Knowledge reduces guesswork.

• It Builds Musical Confidence:

When you understand keys, chords, intervals, and rhythm, you rely less on trial and error. You become more confident during rehearsals, performances, and collaborations with other musicians.

Confidence grows with understanding.

• It Improves Creativity:

Music theory doesn’t limit creativity—it expands it.

Whether you’re composing, arranging, improvising, or producing music, theory gives you the tools to transform musical ideas into reality. It helps you understand why certain sounds create excitement, peace, tension, or resolution.

Creativity flourishes when it’s supported by knowledge.

• It Makes Communication Easier:

Imagine rehearsing with a band or choir where everyone understands musical terms such as key, tempo, time signature, modulation, or crescendo.

Music theory creates a common language that helps musicians communicate clearly and work together efficiently.

• It Strengthens Every Musical Skill:

Whether you’re a singer, pianist, guitarist, drummer, violinist, saxophonist, choir member, worship leader, or producer, music theory strengthens your overall musicianship.

It sharpens your ear, improves sight-reading, enhances improvisation, and deepens your understanding of music.

Final Thought

Music theory is not an obstacle to creativity—it is a bridge to greater musical freedom.

The more you understand the language of music, the more confidently you can perform, teach, compose, arrange, and collaborate with others.

Don’t study music theory simply to pass an examination. Study it because every concept you learn gives you another tool to express your musical ideas with clarity and confidence.

The best musicians don’t just know what to play—they understand why and how it works.

Reflection

Which area of music theory would make the biggest difference in your musical journey if you took time to understand it better?

“Music theory doesn’t take the joy out of music—it unlocks the understanding behind it. The more you understand the language of music, the more confidently you can speak it.” — Victor Adenola