[The views expressed in this blog are from my personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across the globe. Your experiences may differ from mine, so do feel free to leave a comment and let's begin a conversation! A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]
Patience is one of the most useful traits a choir leader can have.
But sometimes – despite your best efforts – you become impatient. What can you do to prevent taking it out on your singers?
I’m often complimented on my (apparently) endless patience.
But very occasionally I lose it.
At times like that I can become cross and have been known to take it out on the singers (not a good idea).
It comes as a huge surprise to them since most of the time I am gentle, amiable and amusing!
There are many reasons why your patience might wear thin.
None of them are really to do with what the singers are doing. You should be able to deal with anything that they throw at you. That’s your job!
The fault always lies with the person leading.
It could be that you had a sleepless night, that you’re coming down with a cold, that you’ve got problems in your personal life, and so on.
Whatever it is, it means that you don’t have that bottomless well of patience that you usually draw on.
Another reason that choir leaders can become impatient is that you have become too focused on product and are not totally involved in the process.
If you are trying to create the perfect rendition of a song, or you wish you had better (or more) tenors, or you find your rehearsal space too small (or hot or resonant), then you are doomed.
You have to work with what you’ve got. If you don’t accept the situation in front of you, you are bound to become frustrated and impatient. See Don’t stress about things you can’t control
Here are five ideas you might try next time your patience deserts you.
You might also like to read Is there an alternative to being patient when leading a choir?
I’d love to hear what you do when you get impatient in a rehearsal or workshop. It happens to us all! Do drop by and leave a comment. I do read them all.
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Chris Rowbury
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