About Songworks choirs
Songworks runs weekly community choirs in North London for people who love to sing. With no auditions and no need to read music, it’s a fun and pressure-free environment in which to enjoy your voice as part of a big, beautiful sound.
Songworks is a lively social network and a big part of community life, performing at events and supporting local causes that are close to the singers’ hearts. We have a longstanding partnership with the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants, and we have also supported homeless charity All People All Places, inclusive theatre and performing arts company Haringey Shed, and this year Haven Group, which provides a safe and positive space for children with additional needs and their families.
We have also played a role in larger-scale events, performing on stage in Trafalgar Square at the Women’s March, taking part in Sing for Water, and leading the singing at the Walk with Amal event at the Southbank Centre.
Our three choirs are based in Crouch End and Muswell Hill – visit our choirs page for more details.
About Denise
Songworks is led by Crouch Ender Denise Dobson, who is a firm believer in the Zimbabwean proverb, ‘If you can talk, you can sing’. She is part of the Natural Voice Network, a network of choir leaders who believe singing is everyone’s birthright.
All the world’s been a song for Denise for as long as she can remember. Brought up on the Beatles and the Fureys and Val Doonican, Denise wondered where the women were and has been making her mark ever since! Denise is all about community and is passionate about the power of humanity. Smiles are on the faces of her choir members and that’s just the way she likes it. Denise’s charismatic choirs have been bringing harmony and heartfelt joy to north London since 2013.
In 2019 Denise was awarded an International Women’s Day Unsung Women’s Award by the London Borough of Haringey, recognising her outstanding contribution to the local community.
WHAT SONGWORKS STANDS FOR
Denise is committed to a non-judgemental approach that promotes inclusion, minimises environmental impact and supports equality and social justice, and these principles underpin everything Songworks does.
Frequently asked questions
Who can join?
Anyone! There are no auditions, and you don’t need to be able to read music as all the songs are taught by ear. Past singing experience is not required – in fact, if you’ve always wanted to sing but haven’t dared, Songworks is a great place to give it a try.
When and where are the choir sessions?
In Muswell Hill on Monday evenings, and Crouch End on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Visit the Our Choirs page for more details.
Will I have to sing on my own?
No. You’ll sing as part of a group and nobody is ever singled out for a solo.
What sort of songs does the choir sing?
Denise carefully selects beautiful songs from different genres and from around the globe, so hopefully, there’s something for everyone. We sing folk songs, pop classics, world music and original arrangements composed especially for Natural Voice choirs, ranging in mood from uplifting and fun to soulful and meditative. From simple rounds to more complex pieces, what they have in common is their wonderful harmonies.
Is singing good for you?
Our members say they find choir sessions energising, stress-busting and confidence-building and they value the chance to meet and connect with others. There is growing evidence that singing in a choir has huge benefits for physical and mental wellbeing.
Will I have to perform at Songworks concerts?
There’s no pressure to perform, and it’s not the main focus of choir sessions. That said, many of our choir members find performing a really rewarding and fun part of the Songworks experience. Our performances have become a regular feature of local festivals and events, and concerts give us the chance to share songs with family and friends while raising funds for local causes. Visit the Our Choirs page to see which of our choirs perform.
How much does it cost?
The fee varies term to term depending upon the number of weeks.
Please contact us for more information at hello@songworkschoir.co.uk