Question 1

Can singing in a choir help with stress and anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Studies show that group singing lowers cortisol and releases endorphins. Singing with others also creates a sense of connection: people listen, breathe, and move through music together - this shared experience can reduce feelings of isolation, lift mood, and create a stronger sense of belonging and community.
Many of our members find that our 90-minute rehearsals are the perfect "reset button" for a busy week. Reserve your place here!

Question 2

I have a breathing condition (like asthma/COPD), can I still sing?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Singing is a fantastic way to improve lung capacity and posture. We focus on relaxed breathing techniques & vocal exercises that benefit everyone, regardless of fitness level. Try your local choir for free here.

Question 3

I’m coming on my own, will I be able to make friends?

Accepted Answer

Most of our choir members join solo! We intentionally include a few minutes social break (sometimes with tea and biscuits!) to ensure you have time to chat and build local friendships in a relaxed environment. Reserve your free place here!

Question 4

Do I need to be a good singer to join a choir?

Accepted Answer

We are the choir for people who have told themselves all their lives that they 'can't sing'! We believe EVERYBODY can sing, there is safety in numbers and you never have to sing alone. Our choir members often find that their singing voice improves after they join - they grow in confidence, develop their musicality and are able to hold harmonies much easier than before. Here is the link to reserve your free place at your local choir.

Question 5

What kind of songs do you sing?

Accepted Answer

We avoid the stuffy "hymns and carols" stereotype. Our set list is full of uplifting pop, rock, and soul classics from artists like Fleetwood Mac, ABBA, and more modern hits all arranged specifically for our voices. Click here to reserve your place and try your local choir for free!

Question 6

How do I join Local Vocals?

Accepted Answer

After you have attended your free session, you will receive an email with a step by step guide on how to join your local choir and how to access the Members’ Area. You can also join here.

Question 7

Is there a choir for adults near me?

Accepted Answer

Our community choirs are for 16 years old and above.

Question 8

Can I bring a friend?

Accepted Answer

You are more than welcome to bring a friend along to try Local Vocals for free. They can book a free session online or we can collect their contact email once they arrive at rehearsals.

Question 9

How much does it cost to join Local Vocals?

Accepted Answer

Our choir subscription is £28 per month and includes:

- 10 rehearsals per term, three terms per year
- Access to our Members’ Area to download your individual harmony part, watch video tutorials, sign up for events and much more
- Sing bespoke arrangements and resources, produced by professional local musicians
- Take part in as many performances, events, fundraising opportunities, socials, recordings & media appearances as you like

Please note that subscription fees cover the cost of the professional choir leader, venue hire, production of all arrangements, musicians for performances, website/admin costs, musical equipment, accountancy and all other expenses incurred when running a small business.

Become an official Local Vocal here to start your singing journey with us!

Question 10

Why do I pay a subscription during summer/winter breaks from choir?

Accepted Answer

The £28 monthly subscription is split across 12 monthly payments to cover each of the three terms per year.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE (£28 per month):
January/February/March/April – Spring Term (£112)
May/June/July/August – Summer Term (£112)
September/October/November/December – Autumn Term (£112)

You are free to cancel your subscription at any time with 30 days notice but payment must be made for all rehearsals attended.

Question 11

Do I have to pay if I miss a rehearsal?

Accepted Answer

For Local Vocals as a small business, the costs remain the same, whether members attend rehearsals or not. If you are unable to attend your usual session, you are more than welcome to attend any of our other rehearsals across the North West and practise at home using your harmony tracks until your next choir session.

Question 12

What if I’m not very tech-savvy?

Accepted Answer

Our website is very accessible, and our support team are on hand at every rehearsal to offer advice and answer any questions.  Video tutorials on how to navigate the website are also available for those who need them.

Question 13

Do I have to attend all gigs & performances?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! Choir members are able to participate in as many or as few performances and added extras as they wish. Some members just attend the weekly rehearsals as a hobby, others take part in everything. It’s entirely up to you!

Question 14

What makes Local Vocals different to other choirs?

Accepted Answer

We are committed to celebrating our local communities through the joy of singing together. Local performances, local charity fundraising and the local community we have created are all important aspects of this. As well as this, we are very diverse in terms of our repertoire and performance opportunities, including collaborations with other local choirs. Whether we’re singing in a cathedral, outside a supermarket, or recording a charity single streamed thousands of times across the internet, our values remain the same - laughter, friendship, JOY and a whole lot of singing together.
Reserve your free place at your local choir here!

Question 15

Where can I find a Local Vocals choir in the North West?

Accepted Answer

We have over 30 singing groups across Lancashire, Cheshire, and Greater Manchester, including locations like Blackburn, Preston, Macclesfield, and Poulton-le-Fylde. You can find a full list of our rehearsal venues here.

Question 16

Where can I find a Local Vocals choir in the West Yorkshire?

Accepted Answer

We currently have 4 singing groups across West Yorkshire, including locations in Huddersfield, Wakefield, Leeds and Halifax. You can find a full list of our rehearsal venues here.

FAQs