Even the most seasoned choir singers fall into habits that can affect the sound and cohesion of a group. From tuning issues to stage presence, small missteps can have a big impact on ensemble quality—especially in performance or competition settings. Here are eight of the most common mistakes choir singers make, along with simple ways to fix them.

1. Singing Too Loud for the Section

In a choir, singing too loudly doesn’t make your part stronger—it throws off the balance. When one voice dominates, the blend suffers and tuning becomes more difficult.

How to improve: Focus on listening to your section and matching dynamics. A choir thrives on unity, not individual volume.

2. Poor Vowel Matching

Misaligned vowel shapes lead to muddy tone and tuning problems. Even when singing the same note, mismatched vowels can make it sound out of tune. 

How to improve: Practice uniform vowel formation in your section and be attentive to how others shape their sounds. Consistent vowels improve blend, clarity, and resonance.

3. Ignoring the Breath Plan

Inconsistent breathing disrupts musical phrasing and can break the emotional flow of a piece. If everyone breathes randomly, phrases become choppy and disconnected. 

How to improve: Mark collective breaths in your score and coordinate with your section. Breathing together strengthens ensemble unity and helps the music breathe naturally.

4. Not Watching the Conductor

If your eyes are always on your score, you risk missing cues, cutoffs, and expressive gestures. The conductor is your visual guide to tempo, dynamics, and interpretation. 

How to improve: Make a habit of glancing up regularly and learning to follow with peripheral vision. Visual connection translates directly into musical connection.

5. Neglecting Diction and Consonants

Muffled or late consonants can make even the most beautiful harmonies unintelligible. Good diction enhances clarity, projection, and emotional delivery. 

How to improve: Pay attention to initial consonants and word endings—especially in group entrances or quiet passages. Clean, unified diction energizes the music and helps your audience connect with the text.

6. Skipping the Warm-Up

Warming up is not optional. Singing without properly warming up your voice can lead to vocal fatigue, tension, and limited range. 

How to improve: Even short exercises - like humming, lip trills, and breathing drills - prepare your voice for healthy, flexible singing. A well-warmed voice blends more easily and lasts longer.

7. Relying Too Much on Others

Leaning on stronger singers in your section might seem harmless, but it holds back your own growth and the group’s progress.

How to improve: Learn your part thoroughly at home using recordings or practice tracks. A confident, independent section sounds more cohesive and makes rehearsals more productive.

8. Underestimating Your Role

Every singer contributes to the overall sound of the choir. Even if you’re not in a solo or leadership role, your consistency, focus, and preparation matter. 

How to improve: Treat every rehearsal and performance as a team effort. The best choirs are those where every voice, no matter how soft or subtle, feels valued and essential.

Polish Your Skills, Elevate Your Choir

Great choir singing doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from attention to detail, thoughtful listening, and a willingness to grow. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you not only improve your own performance—you strengthen your entire ensemble.

Want to hear what excellence sounds like? Explore the INTERKULTUR World Rankings and get inspired by top international choirs!

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