FAQ

Do I have to audition to be in a Sing Australia Group?

No. The Sing Australia Groups are totally inclusive. We want people to feel completely welcome to participate based on their love of singing. The Sing Australia concept is that everyone is equal in their desire to sing and that is the basis for the formation of the groups. It is a non-critical and non-judgemental approach to singing. Allowing everyone the freedom to express themselves with their singing voices is very important.

Will I be able to join a Sing Australia Group if I cannot read music?

Yes - most certainly. Reading music is a helpful tool but it is not essential. The music performed by the Sing Australia groups is well rehearsed providing good opportunity to learn the notes without being able to read them. Practicing hearing is also a good tool for learning and performing music. Some people can learn music just as quickly by hearing the notes as reading them. They can most certainly memorise just as quickly, if not quicker, than sight readers. The main thing is to come prepared to just enjoy yourself.

Do I have to attend Group Every Week?

No. The concept of Sing Australia Groups is to make it possible for people to attend when they can. It is appreciated that most people lead busy lives and it is not always possible to keep to a weekly commitment. Some people have extended leave for several months involving overseas trips and they are always welcomed back to group.

Do I have to perform at Gigs?

No. We realise that some people find it difficult to perform in public and so there is no obligation to do so. The only requirement that we do have is that people performing at gigs must attend a sufficient number of rehearsals to be prepared.

Do I have to know my voice type to join a Sing Australia Group?

No. While we do work on some part singing we allow people the opportunity to place themselves in a voice type(Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) that makes it easiest for them. In time we have found that most people discover their voice type when they understand more about their voice. We can assist in the process of helping people to determine their voice type but it is not one we rush into.

Can I obtain further instruction on Singing to assist with my involvement in a Sing Australia Group?

Yes. The Leaders of the groups will either assist you directly in providing singing lessons individually or in classes or refer you to a Singing Teacher. 

What are the costs of joining Sing Australia?

Sing Australia is based on a users-pay-principle. We do not believe that we should seek Government assistance to support something we all love. If you become a member of Sing Australia, you pay an annual membership fee of $90 + GST, which is due 21 days from your first visit of a choir rehearsal.

Pensioners pay a reduced rate of $60 + GST. If a pensioner's couple join together, the second member will only pay $30 + GST. Your pensioner's card will have to be sighted by the group leader before you are entitled to the pensioner's rate.

Students or those in groups of special circumstance (groups in areas of exceptional drought) pay a special rate of $20 + GST. Special circumstance eligibility is reviewed on an annual basis. Students are required to provide verification of their eligibility for student rate to the group leader.

The annual fee covers the overall administration of the network, a performance licence for each group, the public liability insurance covering all groups for gigs and performances and the copyright of the songs we sing.

There is also a group attendance charge which is paid at the time of attending a group rehearsal. This is generally about $5.50 but may vary from group to group, dependent upon local expenses. This charge covers the cost of an accompanist, conductor, venue hire and group administrative overheads. The proceeds of this charge are managed by the Group Leader.

Special packages are available which provide significant cost savings for new members. Please view the Specials area in the Merchandise section.

Do I have to buy all of the songbooks immediately?

It is essential initially to buy the Songbook which your group is predominantly using. Your group leader will be able to advise you of this.

Ultimately, each member should buy the full range of Songbooks for use at rehearsals and performances, and to enable personal practice. These vary in price but they are all produced at cost.

Special packages are available which provide significant cost savings. Please view the Specials area in the Merchandise section.

What if I'm tone deaf?

Tone-deafness is a contentious matter. It often presumes a permanent problem, whereas in our opinion in most cases it is simply due to a lack of experience in singing and therefore in tuning to what you are hearing. You might be surprised to discover that you can sing in tune with encouragement and a few tips. This has been the experience of many who have joined Sing Australia. But one thing is for sure: you will never tune up if you don't sing!