5 Derby choirs to join even if you can't sing

Have you ever fancied yourself as the next Taylor Swift?

If you can’t help yourself from belting out bangers as you go about your daily chores, then you may be surprised to know there are choirs in Derby just for you.

Some singing groups not only encourage singing, but also perform for larger audiences at events. 

Singing can be more than just a hobby. 

Joining a local choir can be a great way to gain confidence, increase interaction and perhaps even make new friends. 

People find it to be an uplifting experience and one which makes the soul feel lighter, and the day brighter. 

The beauty of singing is that it is such an inclusive activity which brings people together.

If you love singing but find your not-so-dulcet notes are as bad as nails scraping over a chalkboard, then we have a very special choir on our list.

READ MORE: Love Derby

There is a choir in Derby that encourages tuneless singing, so there really is something for all levels of singers.

Here are choirs and singing groups in Derby, in no particular order, where you can practise your singing, who knows, your next stop could be Britain’s Got Talent!

All information is correct at time of publication. 

Please check with choir organisers before visiting.

Join a choir in Derby

Sing For Your Supper 

Featured on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, this is a relaxed, fun and local choir.

Reading music is not essential.

What is imperative, is your love for singing. 

When away from politics, Nadine Peatfield is musical director of the choir. 

Songs this choir has sung include hits such as Beautiful Day, 'Aint No Mountain High Enough and Fix You.

When: Wednesdays term time 8pm-9.30pm 

Where: Evergreen Hall, Cornhill, Allestree, Derby DE22 2FT

For more information visit their website by clicking here. 

Derby Choral Union

This large, friendly four-part choir is made up of around 80 voices, singing favourite classics and newer choral works under a professional music director. 

They perform at least three concerts a year accompanied regularly by a professional orchestra with top-level soloists.  

When: Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm

Where: St John's Church, Devonshire Drive, Mickleover, Derby DE3 9HD

For more information visit their website by clicking here.

Tuneless Choir Derby

If your singing sounds like ‘two cats fighting in an oversized biscuit tin’ - the choir director’s motto, not ours - then this choir group with a difference is one for you.

You are encouraged to sing ‘tunelessly’ and just roll with it, no judgement. 

Songs battered by the group include Suspicious Minds, Heaven is a Place on Earth, Manic Monday, Don’t Stop, These Boots Are Made for Walking, and The Power of Love. 

When: Mondays, 7.30pm

Where: St Edmund’s Church, St Edmund's Close, Allestree, Derby DE22 2DZ

For more information visit their website by clicking here. 

Sing Viva Choir

This mixed-voice choir with sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses, welcomes those in caregiving or support roles. 

You can join in the fun, in-person at the Multifaith Centre at university campus, or from the comfort of home via Zoom.

When: Tuesdays, 7.30pm -  9.30pm (monthly)

Where: Multifaith Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB

For more information visit their website by clicking here. 

Surtal Arts 

Celebrating multiculturalism, this informal and friendly choir group sings songs in South Indian languages including Urdu, Bengali, Punjabi, Tamil, Marathi and Gujarati. 

The group started in 2022 and is made up of approximately 10 people which includes a professional singer who is on hand to help train voices.

This year, they will perform for the International Women's Day Festival (IWDF) on March 9, 2024 at Derby City Centre.

When: Regular practise sessions occur every fortnight on Sundays, 2pm - 4pm.

Where: Kestrel House, Osprey Close, Sinfin, Derby DE24 3DD

Practise sessions for IWDF will take place on February 18, 28. 

For more information visit their website by clicking here. 

If listening to amazing singers is more your thing, then how about seeing a heartwarming performance by Our Dementia Choir? 

Our Dementia Choir in Derby

The choir supports people living with dementia through musical activities, whilst providing an engaging, friendly and safe space for those living with it. 

It began as a BBC 1 documentary in 2018 when award-winning star Vicky McClure formed a choir of people living with dementia in Nottingham.

The past six years has seen the choir raise awareness of dementia by touring the UK at private and public events, from garden parties with 20 guests to festivals with 20,000 attendees.

Derby Theatre will host Our Dementia Choir on Tuesday February 20, 2024.

For more information about this event visit the theatre website by clicking here.