Mythbuster: YOU NEED TO READ MUSIC TO BELONG
There’s a myth that to join a choir, you need to be able to read sheet music like a seasoned maestro. The truth? You absolutely don’t.
At Out of the Blue Chorus, we welcome singers of all backgrounds and abilities. Some of our members have years of musical experience. Others walked in the door for the first time with nothing more than a love of singing. All of them belong here.
Yes, we use written music. But reading it isn’t a requirement to be part of something beautiful. Many of our singers have joined without knowing a single note on the staff and have grown their skills simply by being part of the group.
Let’s bust a few myths and clear the way for anyone who’s ever thought, “I’d love to join, but I can’t read music.”
Myth #1: “If I can’t read music, I’ll be lost.”
Not at all. At Out of the Blue, we teach in ways that make singing accessible to everyone. Our director teaches each part individually, breaking things down step by step, and giving the group time to get comfortable.
Even if there’s sheet music in front of you, you don’t need to read every note to sing your part. Many singers learn by listening and feeling their way through the music. Think of the page as a guide, not a test. You don’t need to be fluent in musical theory to find your way.
Myth #2: “Everyone else in the choir will know more than me.”
Out of the Blue is a community choir, which means we have a mix of all kinds of singers. Some have sung in choirs for years. Others joined because they enjoyed singing in the car and wanted to find a place where they could use their voice.
What matters most here isn’t your level of theory knowledge, but your willingness to learn, listen, and share the joy of making music together. No one expects perfection. What we value most is participation and heart.
Myth #3: “Learning music is too complicated.”
Learning to read music can feel intimidating, but it’s not required to start singing with us. And if you ever do want to learn more, choir is one of the most natural places to do it.
Week after week, singers pick up patterns, rhythms, and phrasing just by being present. It’s a gentle, organic way to grow your skills without pressure. You’ll be surprised at how much you absorb without even realizing it.
Myth #4: “I’ll hold the group back.”
This one’s easy. You won’t. Our choir is built on the idea of learning together. Our director is experienced at leading singers with all kinds of backgrounds and helping everyone move forward at a comfortable pace.
If you can follow directions, stay open to learning, and bring a positive spirit, then you’re already adding something valuable to the group.
Myth #5: “Real singers read music.”
Real singers sing. That’s it. Music reading is a tool, not a badge of legitimacy. Many incredible vocalists throughout history have learned entirely by ear, and community choirs like ours are living proof that music belongs to everyone.
Your voice, your enthusiasm, and your presence are what make the sound of Out of the Blue so special.
So What Do You Need to Join Out of the Blue Chorus?
A voice (any kind, trained or not)
A willingness to learn
A sense of inclusion
Maybe a water bottle
That’s all.
You don’t need years of formal training. You don’t need to sight-read like a pro. And you definitely don’t need to be perfect. Out of the Blue is about connection, community, and the shared joy of singing together.
Final Note: Your Voice Belongs
If the only thing standing between you and joining Out of the Blue is the idea that you “should” know how to read music, consider this your official permission to let that go.
This choir is built on people who love to sing, not on people who have memorized a music theory textbook. If you love singing, you already have what you need.
So step through the door. Open the folder. Take a breath. We’ll take care of the rest. You belong here.
