Community Choirs

This chapter interrogates the enduring amateur-professional binary in Western musical culture, demonstrating how affective and social rewards of singing are shared across both spheres. Despite a near-universal desire to sing, many adults in industrialized societies identify as “non-singers,” a consequence of entrenched myths that singing is an innate gift rather than a skill that can be learned. These beliefs, compounded by the historic professionalization of music, have contributed to the marginalization of community singing and to the undervaluing of amateur practice. Against this backdrop, the chapter argues for the pivotal role of skilled, professionally trained leadership in community choirs, where musical, pedagogical and facilitative expertise can safeguard vocal health and expand participation. The analysis situates these dynamics within Aotearoa New Zealand, where colonial cultural legacies and competitive frameworks have inhibited the development of a robust, grassroots singing culture. As an alternative, the chapter proposes a model of “true amateuring,” grounded in repertoire choice, rehearsal design and successful performance, that fosters excellence without elitism. In this continuum, community choirs are positioned not only as sites of musical development but also as spaces of relational and cultural value.