Top 5 Reasons to Join a Youth Choir

When I first joined North Coast Singers, I thought I was simply signing up for another after-school activity. I loved music and enjoyed singing, but I never realized how much choir would shape who I am. Years later, I still carry those experiences with me—not only as a North Coast Singers alum, but also as a member and Executive Board officer of Villanova Voices, Villanova University's premier treble choir.

Looking back, these are the five biggest reasons I believe every young person should consider joining a choir.

1. Build Confidence and Find Your Voice

Standing on stage in front of an audience might seem intimidating at first, but choir teaches young singers how to perform collaboratively with purpose, joy and confidence. Over time, students become comfortable sharing their voices, expressing themselves and working towards a common goal.

Performance experiences helped me develop a poise and confidence that extends far beyond music. Whether giving presentations in the classroom, interviewing for a job, meeting new people or taking on leadership roles, the skills I cultivated through choir continue to benefit me today.

2. Make Lifelong Friendships

One of the best parts of choir is the community. Singing alongside others creates a special bond, and some of my closest friendships began in rehearsals, on the tour bus, in the green room or in world-class performance spaces alongside professional musicians, orchestras and ensembles.

Choir brings together students who share a common passion and teaches the importance of teamwork, listening and supporting one another. Many of the friendships formed through North Coast Singers have endured beyond high school, and I have found similar creative connections through Villanova Voices in college.

3. Explore the World Through Music

Music has a unique way of connecting people and cultures. Through a diverse repertoire, from classical and jazz to pop and folk, young singers are exposed to different languages, traditions and stories from around the world.

As North Coast Singers Artistic Director Michelle Risling explains, “It's my hope that music from other cultures will make children curious about the world.”

North Coast Singers offers performance tours that give students opportunities to embrace new cultures, music, food and communities. These experiences create memories that extend far beyond the concert stage and help young people develop empathy, generosity and a more complex understanding of the world around them.

4. Strengthen the Brain and Support Academic Success

Singing in a choir does more than advance musical skills. Researchers at Northwestern University's Auditory Neuroscience Lab have found that musical training supports language development and strengthens the brain's ability to process sound, helping create a strong foundation for literacy and communication.

Choir also teaches focus, memory and pattern recognition—skills that carry over into the classroom and everyday life. Choir students build the mental endurance and discipline to decode new material, often having to learn a difficult rhythm, a challenging harmony or even a new language. Beyond immediate skill-building, these activities foster long-term brain health and cognitive reserve that can counteract the short-term, reactive habits often associated with phones and screen time. 

5. Develop a Hobby That Lasts a Lifetime

Perhaps the greatest gift that youth choir gives is something that doesn't end after high school graduation.

Whether in college, a community ensemble or simply singing for enjoyment, music remains a lifelong source of connection and fulfillment. I experienced this firsthand when I joined Villanova Voices after moving across the country for college. Through the University’s arts program, I met some of my best friends, participated in exciting concert and collaborative opportunities, and now serve as the group's Assistant Tour Director helping to plan a performance tour to Greece. Joining Villanova Voices immediately gave me a community and a way to continue doing something I loved.

Many North Coast Singers alumni continue singing throughout adulthood, and some even return to San Diego to join Sorelle, North Coast Singers' women's chamber chorus.

More Than Music

For me, North Coast Singers was about much more than learning notes and rhythms. The program gave me confidence, friendships, unforgettable collaborative experiences and a lifelong love of music. For any young singer or parent wondering whether choir is worth it, the answer is yes—the lessons learned in choir extend far beyond the stage.

North County San Diego’s premier youth chorus program, North Coast Singers provides an excellent choral music education for students through culturally diverse repertoire and inspiring performance opportunities. Singers of all experience levels will improve vocal technique, learn harmonization, build confidence and make new friends. Encinitas-based rehearsals for student vocal ensembles begin in September. Email Info@NorthCoastSingers.com to learn more.

Amanda Swiecki is an Honors student at Villanova University School of Business. She serves as a Marketing Intern for North Coast Singers, made possible by the Vocare Summer Fellows program.