No auditions. No pressure. Just great music and great company.
Thinking about joining a choir can feel like a big step — but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you read music fluently or just enjoy a good sing, you’ll be warmly welcomed, supported, and part of the group from day one.
Got questions? You’re not alone — here’s everything you need to know before your first rehearsal.
No.
We may ask you to run through a quick scale with our Musical Director, Callum, just to find the best section for your voice — but there are no formal auditions.
Not at all — although it can be helpful.
You’ll receive sheet music each term, but we also provide learning tracks so you can follow along and learn by ear. If you’d like to develop your music reading skills, there’s plenty of support available too.
That’s absolutely fine.
We have members with all levels of experience — from complete beginners to seasoned singers. The only thing that matters is that you enjoy singing and are willing to give it a go.
That’s completely normal — most people are.
We’re a friendly, inclusive, supportive group and we’ll make sure you feel welcome. You’ll be paired with someone in your section for your first few weeks, so there’s always a familiar face nearby.
We’ll help you figure that out.
Before your first rehearsal, our Musical Director will run through a quick scale with you to find your natural range. From there, your section and your buddy will help you settle in.
Yes — absolutely.
We encourage you to come along for a couple of sessions before committing. Each rehearsal focuses on different parts of the music, so it’s worth trying more than once to get a feel for it.
No.
As the term goes on, catching up can feel a bit harder — but with practice tracks and other resources, you’ll have plenty of support to learn at home.
We offer flexible monthly options:
- Bronze – £15 (covers basic running costs)
- Silver – £17.50 (supports stability and contingency)
- Gold – £20 (supports growth and extra events/hiring soloists)
- Other – you’re welcome to contribute more if you’d like to support the choir further
Monthly standing order is preferred, but other arrangements can be discussed.
We’d recommend attending as regularly as possible, especially at the start of term.
That said, we understand that life happens — just let your section know if you can’t make it. Membership fees aren’t adjusted for missed rehearsals.
We mainly sing classical choral music (think Gounod, Schumann, Mozart), but we also include more modern pieces — from Billy Joel to Broadway.
We also sing in a variety of languages, so you might find yourself tackling Latin, German, French… and more.
Yes — we usually perform two concerts each year:
- Summer concert
- Christmas concert
Dates are shared well in advance. Dress code is typically simple (e.g. black attire), with full details provided ahead of time.
Rehearsals run from 7:30–9:30pm (arrive around 7:15pm).
- Warm-ups to get started
- First rehearsal session
- Tea/coffee break (with cake, obviously)
- Second rehearsal session
We also run optional 6:30pm sessions, including repertoire practice and occasional music theory workshops.
Absolutely. Dalkeith Singers is a welcoming and supportive choir, and we encourage anyone who enjoys singing to come along.
Everyone in the choir is at a different stage, and we all challenge ourselves in different ways. Some find rhythm easier, others find tuning comes more naturally — and that’s completely normal. What matters is enjoying the music and being part of the group.
Our Musical Director offers guidance on posture, breathing, and technique, with options for both standing and seated singing. There’s no required position for rehearsals or performances, and support can be given on a one-to-one basis if helpful.
During rehearsals and concerts, we follow music and lyrics across multiple pages. While many members use a book, music stands or tablets can be used if that works better for you.
Our venues are accessible, and we’re always happy to answer any questions or arrange a visit ahead of time to help you feel comfortable and confident.
Amazing — we’d love to have you.
Just click the button below, fill in a short form, and we’ll be in touch with everything you need to know before your first rehearsal.
It only takes a minute.