FAQ

  • Can I join Outside Voices?

    Outside Voices is a non-auditioned choir open to all levels, but there is one key requirement: you need to be able to sing the correct notes. If you can match pitch, meaning you can hear when you’re off and adjust, you’re good to go.

  • Do I need to read music?

    Nope. We don’t use traditional sheet music. Instead, we use a simple number system based on scale degrees along with lyric sheets. It’s easy to pick up, and we’ll walk you through it.
    We strongly encourage learning by ear using our custom practice tracks. Each part has its own track, so you can sing along at home and absorb the music over time the same way you’d learn a favorite song. Repetition is your friend.

  • What kind of music does OV sing?

    We sing a mix of indie, pop, folk, and whatever else feels right for the group. Each season is curated by David Beckingham, sometimes around a theme, sometimes not.

    We usually revisit four songs from our existing repertoire and add four to five brand-new arrangements each season. That way, we stay fresh while building on the music we’ve already learned.

    Past artists we’ve covered include:
    Radiohead, José González, The Cranberries, Oasis, Adrianne Lenker, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Maggie Rogers, Gregory Alan Isakov, Billie Eilish, Fleet Foxes, Sinéad O’Connor, The Beatles, and more.

  • When and where do you rehearse?

    We rehearse weekly in the evenings at the Japanese United Church, 4010 Victoria Drive, Vancouver. Sessions are held in the sanctuary, a beautiful space with great acoustics.
    Specific dates and times are listed on the registration page.

  • I tried to sign up but it was full. Can I join a waitlist?

    Yes. Our Tuesday and Thursday choirs tend to fill up fast. Retention is high, but spots do open up each season. Add yourself to the waitlist and we’ll reach out if there’s space.


    Join the Waitlist →

  • What’s the deal with the Summer Choir? Can anyone join?

    Yes. Our Summer Choir is open to the public and usually has more space since we rehearse outdoors. We give registration priority to regular season members, but anyone can join if there’s room.


    Just note: being in the Summer Choir doesn’t guarantee a spot in the Fall Choir, but it can increase your chances.

  • Is there a performance?

    Yes. Each season ends with a ticketed live concert (except our summer concert is outdoors and free). It’s a joyful, high-energy celebration of everything we’ve worked on together.

  • What does my choir fee go toward?

    Your fee helps cover:

    • The director’s time for planning, arranging, rehearsing, and teaching
    • Studio recording and editing of practice tracks
    • Rehearsal space rental
    • Printing lyric sheets and materials
    • Occasional guest musicians or accompanists
    • Filming and editing of our concerts
    • ASL interpretation at concerts
    • Riser rentals
    • General web, registration, social media and admin
    • Program insurance
    • Meal at final performance

    It keeps the whole operation flowing and helps us make something beautiful together.