Cecil Sharp House Choir

Cecil Sharp House Choir are an incredible bunch of individuals that together create this soul searching sound. They were a dream to work with and listen to
Ben Eshmade, Daylight Music

All adult learning will take place ONLINE during the Autumn term. We are working towards holding ‘in person’ class learning at Cecil Sharp House from Spring 2021, if possible and safe to do so.

Cecil Sharp House Choir has English folk song at the heart of its repertoire.

Since 2020 the Choir has been directed by inspirational choir leader Rose Martin. From its foundation in 2008 until 2019 the Choir was led by Sally Davies, who also arranged most of the Choir’s repertoire.

Cecil Sharp House Choir has become known for its spirited and moving renditions of traditional songs. The Choir concentrates on singing a capella folk and traditional songs from Britain and beyond. It is un-auditioned and is for confident singers who are able to hold a tune and are keen to perform. There’s no need to read music – all songs are taught by ear.

Cecil Sharp House Choir performs regularly at Cecil Sharp House and at a host of other venues and events such as at the British Library, Southbank Centre, the Roundhouse, the National Maritime Museum, Oslo Musikkfest and the House of Commons.

Who is the Choir for?

The Choir is for confident singers over the age of 16 who are able to hold a tune, willing to memorise song lyrics and vocal parts, and committed to performing. There’s no need to read music as all songs are taught by ear and performed from memory.

We do not hold auditions, although due to the popularity of the choir it can sometimes take a term or two before a space becomes available.

You need to book in advance for the full term.

Online rehearsals for Autumn 2020

A traditional choral rehearsal experience is not possible online. During the Autumn term, the Choir will predominantly be using creative ways to develop songs already in their repertoire and explore ways of singing together using available technology. New songs will also be introduced and learned, if not whole choir arrangements. Of course, there will also be the obligatory tea break (bring your own) and time to socialise as well.

New to Cecil Sharp House Choir?

It could be challenging to join the Choir at this time. Please read the information on this page carefully before signing up so you are clear about who the Choir is for and what the online sessions involve. If new to singing in a choir you may find our online Monday Folk Choir Workshops a better fit for you at this time.

When does the Choir meet?

Weekly on Wednesdays, 7–9pm

Due to Covid-19 related restrictions, if any session cannot take place at Cecil Sharp House it will take place online instead. All adult learning will take place ONLINE during the Autumn term. We are working towards holding ‘in person’ class learning at Cecil Sharp House from Spring 2021, if possible and safe to do so.

This is the best ongoing musical experience of my life

2020-21 rehearsal dates

Autumn term (ONLINE): 16 September – 9 December (no session 28 October)
Spring term: 6 Jan – 31 Mar (no session 17 February)
Summer term: 21 April – 14 July (no session 3 June)

Fee

Term fee: £90 | £72 concessions (12 week term)

Advance booking required

Bookings normally open 6-8 weeks before the start of each term. A booking link will be published on this page as well as within the What's On section of the website.

Adult learning concessionary rates are available for people: in full-time education; in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance; or an income-based benefit. You will need to provide evidence of eligibility before your attendance at the class or course - either in person at the Box Office or emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more information, please visit our Terms & Conditions

Choir Leader Rose Martin

With firm roots in both the choral and folk traditions, Rose is a passionate believer in the power of singing together and sharing songs to create a strong sense of community and cohesion. Rose grew up in Kent, and later studied at Chetham’s School of Music, and King’s College London, where she cut her teeth as a choral scholar. Over the last ten years Rose has worked as a choral singer, conductor, workshop leader and teacher, and her musical journey has spanned many genres, with folk always being closest to her heart.

Rose loves to bring people together in song, and leads a number of office choirs in London. She’s a vocal coach and conductor for the Kent Youth Choirs, Musical Director of Note-orious, (an East Dulwich community choir) and has recently led a community singing project for Shakespeare’s Globe. As a performer, Rose has sung with some of the finest choirs around, and continues to sing in many genres, the common thread being singing with others! She is a member of the vocal group Shards, and has sung on many albums and film soundtracks with the London Contemporary Orchestra and London Voices. Growing up with an Irish heritage, Rose has always been fascinated by traditional music and has developed a wide knowledge and love for folk music from around the British Isles and the world. Her enthusiasm for folk music has also involved working with the Trad Academy, and with a collective of folky friends regularly playing and calling ceilidhs.

How to get the best from joining the Choir online

For the best possible experience you will need a computer with a webcam, microphone and ear/headphones. You will also need a stable home Internet connection or 4G-mobile connection (Note that using a mobile internet connection can be costly, check your mobile phone tariffs before choosing this option).

The choir will be taught using Zoom, with some additional material distributed via sound and video files. You do not need a Zoom account to join the course and will be able to access the sessions via your browser and our web links. A free basic Zoom account will, however, get you access to additional sound settings, which could be helpful if not essential.

You can also use the Zoom app on a tablet or even a mobile phone; however, a larger screen will give you a better overall experience. It is possible to join the choir sessions via a call from an ordinary landline, however, this would be a substantially different experience and we do not recommend this if you want to be able to make the most of the choir sessions.

Listen to Twice Good Morning

The recording by Cecil Sharp House Choir was recorded in Kennedy Hall at Cecil Sharp House, and features fourteen wonderful tracks that capture the spirit of the Choir and the building. Featuring a selection of glorious a capella harmony arrangements of traditional songs, mostly arranged by original choir leader Sally Davies, the recording draws on the best of the choir’s repertoire.

Buy the CD