Do singers need to read music?
Singing is fun and it is not all about singing as a soloist. If you can clearly hear the music and sing in tune with the music, it is possible to have fun by joining a choir or singing group.
Choristers Song Book in Blue
However, many people think that to be able to sing with a group you have to be able to “hit” the right note without help. Most people need a guide and that is what the sheet music provides. Reading music is like reading a map to reach a certain destination. Listening to the sound of a particular note, reproduced by an instrument or a voice, and finding it on the music is like finding the “You are Here” point on the map. Once that point on the map is found, you know in which direction to go and how far to go to reach your destination. Identifying a note on the sheet music is the first step towards learning how to relate the
Choisters Songbook
positions and timing of the different notes and to being able to reach your “destination” of reproducing the right sound and tune. Of course, it is not absolutely necessary to learn to read music to sing with a group. However, even having a little knowledge makes it much easier to reproduce the sound that the composer of the music intended. The level of enjoyment of participating in making music is also increased. There are many people who can give you a basic understanding of the written language of music. Let go of the fear that you can’t do it and try! Join a singing group and experience how people are willing to help you.
We do not have to be professional musicians to make music. Anyone who wants to can have the uplifting experience of making music.
My own experience of choral singing is that it gives immence pleasure to the singer; once you’ve tried it you feel uplifted, achieving a unique discipline and skill which cannot be matched. Join a choir and find out for yourself. Music reading skills enhance the experience but are not essential.