Think you can't sing? Think again.

“Oh I can’t sing, I mean – I love singing but I’m no good at it.”

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve heard that exact phrase over the years, when I mention that I lead choirs or singing groups (just the word ‘choir’ sends people into a place of panic & assumption). What would you say if I asked you if you sing? How quickly do we write ourselves off? Or talk ourselves out of doing something because we already think we can’t do it before we even try? But the stories we tell ourselves in this way throughout our lives, might be what are holding us back.

The truth is, I honestly believe everyone CAN sing. Genuinely. I don’t mean you’re about to perform a Puccini Opera in the Royal Albert Hall, but you can genuinely hold a tune if you put your mind to it. I promise. And you’ll be pleasantly surprised how good it feels, and what other positive outcomes it might have. What I do through the singing sessions I run, is I give people permission to have a go. To have fun. A safe space in which to try something different and for it to be OK, whatever happens. And for many of those who give themselves permission to ‘just do it’, the benefits are huge. Greater confidence, lower stress, better communication with others, even better physical health (breathing, posture, stamina) as well as lower stress levels. Workplaces that introduce singing for their teams (more on that another time) have reported lower incidences of stress-related absence, greater productivity, improved collaboration. Who doesn’t want that?

Below are two of the testimonials I received in 2019 and 2020 from Executive Assistants who took part in my sessions, either as part of a 2-day conference event (remember those?!) or over a number of weeks as part of a global Assistant network. These - and others - are on my LinkedIn profile too:

“I have just returned from ExecSec LIVE in London, and one of the highlights was being part of the 'One Profession - One Voice Choir' , led by Helen Rees. Helen encouraged and empowered a group of strangers (many of whom had never sung before) to become a choir, learn a new song and perform it in only two days. From the very first rehearsal, she led us with enthusiasm and had us all believing in ourselves in no time. What's more, we sounded really good! Our performance showed us all how precious and uplifting singing as a group can be and I know I, for one, started Monday with a spring in my step thanks to the sense of achievement and joy it created. Thank you Helen, for creating something very special. For we are, under your leadership, truly Glorious.” Dinah Liversidge, 2019

"Being part of the #OneProfessionOneVoice choir for #ExecSecLIVE has been an adventure and a revelation. This is all down to the outstanding musical leadership of Helen Rees who has the amazing capacity to bring people together by the power of song. I've loved her constant praise and encouragement through the whole process, whether on line, or in the same room as she builds her choir up from a group of nervous, self conscious (mostly) "shower singers'' into a union of harmony. She really believes that "anyone can sing" and she makes us believe it too. Being in the choir has been a thoroughly uplifting experience for everyone who has taken part. Her dedication, support and great sense of humour had us laughing and crying in turn as she took us on the most amazing journey, making us all feel glorious. We want more!" Helen Monument, 2020

So, before you tell yourself you can't sing. Just remember - you can. And if you give yourself permission to participate, you will wonder why you didn't try it sooner.

Helen Rees, January 2021