Joining a new chorus can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming—especially when the chorus already has a long list of songs in its repertoire. Imagine stepping in and realizing you need to learn not one, not two, but several songs in a short amount of time. The pressure to keep up can feel daunting, but here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and it’s totally manageable.
Feeling Overwhelmed? It’s Okay to Feel That Way
It’s completely normal to feel stressed or panicked when you’re faced with a lot of music to learn all at once. The thought of being on stage with a large group, singing songs that you’re still learning, can be a nerve-wracking experience. You might even find yourself in moments of doubt, wondering how you’re going to remember all the lyrics, notes, and dynamics.
But here’s the thing: it’s okay to not have every song memorized and performance-ready immediately. It’s important to give yourself grace and recognize that you’re part of a team. Everyone is working together to help each other shine, and that includes acknowledging when you need help and support in learning new material. If you don’t know a song perfectly, it doesn’t mean you’re not “good enough” for the chorus—it simply means you’re on the journey of learning.
Take it One Step at a Time: Prioritize
When you’re learning music for multiple songs, a good place to start is to prioritize based on upcoming performances. Look at the performance schedule and decide which songs are most urgent. This will help you avoid the overwhelm of feeling like everything needs to be memorized all at once.
Focus on the songs that will be performed soonest, and break them down into manageable chunks. Identify which sections of each song are the most challenging and dedicate time to those first. Instead of trying to learn every note of every song all at once, zoom in on the parts that will help you the most in the short term. For example, if a performance is just a week away, prioritize the song that will be performed first and focus on nailing the most difficult sections.
The Power of Focused Practice: Break Songs Down into Sections
As you prioritize, the next step is to break each song into manageable sections. Trying to tackle an entire song in one sitting can feel overwhelming, so instead, break it down into smaller chunks that are easier to work with. Start with the most difficult section of a song (usually the part that requires the most memorization or technical skill) and work on that for a set period of time. Once you feel comfortable with that section, move on to another chunk.
Don’t rush the process. Give yourself permission to take your time, especially when it comes to the tough parts. As you make progress, you’ll start to feel more confident, and the larger piece will begin to come together.
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It’s Okay to Not Have Every Song Memorized
One of the most important things to remember when joining a chorus with an established repertoire is that it’s okay not to know every song perfectly. Your director and section leaders are there to guide you, and they understand that joining a new group with a lot of pre-existing material can be a huge challenge. Don’t expect to walk in and know it all immediately.
If you don’t have certain songs learned by the time of the next performance, have an open conversation with your director or section leader about it. Ask if there’s a way to help ease the pressure—maybe you can step off the risers for a few songs you’re not yet comfortable with, or just focus on the songs you’ve mastered for that performance. Work with the team to figure out what makes the most sense for you while still contributing to the chorus.
In a group setting, nobody is expecting perfection from anyone. The idea is to support each other and work as a team. If you’re struggling with a particular piece of music, don’t be afraid to ask for help—whether it’s your director, your section leader, or fellow chorus members. You might be surprised at how many people are willing to lend a hand, whether it’s providing tips or just offering a friendly ear for encouragement.
If you need help with memorization techniques or are feeling stuck with certain parts, reach out to me at SPARK! for guidance—I’d love to help you develop personalized strategies to improve your learning process.
Use Your Resources to Help You Learn
As a member of a chorus, you’re surrounded by people who are eager to help you succeed. Don’t try to learn everything in isolation. Use the resources available to you:
- Ask section leaders or fellow chorus members for advice, tips, or help with learning specific parts of songs. Many people are more than happy to help. It’s common for people to have their own memorization techniques that might work for you as well.
- Record your practices or ask others if you can record theirs. Listening to your own voice or other singers can help you hear how your part fits into the overall sound. Listening back is one of the best ways to identify areas where you need more practice.
- Take advantage of your director’s expertise. Your director likely has strategies and tips for learning music quickly, so don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance. They might even suggest helpful methods for learning songs more efficiently.
If you’re feeling particularly overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to contact me at SPARK! I offer personalized virtual voice lessons that can help you feel more confident and equipped to learn new material faster. I’d be happy to assist you in making the process less stressful.
Set Realistic Goals and Expectations
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of music you need to learn, but setting small, achievable goals can help you stay on track. Instead of focusing on learning every single song, set specific goals for each rehearsal or practice session. For example, you might aim to memorize the first verse of one song by the end of the week or be able to sing through one difficult section without hesitation.
And remember, don’t stress about perfection. Everyone’s learning journey is different, and it’s perfectly okay if you’re not 100% ready for every performance. You’ll make progress, and the more you practice, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small.
Don’t Forget to Be Kind to Yourself
Lastly, and most importantly, be kind to yourself throughout the learning process. It’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t come together as quickly as you want them to, but keep in mind that learning takes time. Progress isn’t always linear, and it’s okay to have days where things feel harder than others. Be patient, practice consistently, and trust that you will get there.
❤
Rachel
SPARK! Music & Artistr 
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