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A nation that sings: Britain’s tradition of amateur choirs is alive and kicking!
From office choirs to the Proms, community ensembles are a much-loved British tradition. But how can we ensure their longevity for future generations?
Rousing moments: united by song
Anyone who has experienced the magnificent sound of the amateur BBC Symphony Chorus filling the Royal Albert Hall will know its emotional power. The tradition of the BBC Proms concluding with this jubilant finale is symbolic of how deeply the choral tradition is valued in the UK.
From community choirs to school ensembles, military choirs to the Big Sing festival, the UK is a nation that delights in coming together through song.
Then and now: a timeline of the community choir
Before the Reformation, only professional singers participated in choral traditions. Monastic choirs, parish church choirs, guild choirs, and collegiate and court choirs all performed complex polyphonic music in Latin.
When English became the language of the mass and musical forms were simplified, choral practice gradually moved beyond professionals and religious institutions into the wider community. By the 19th century, the Victorians had fully embraced the tradition of community singing. Factory choirs, civic festivals, and military and school choirs celebrated choral practice, cementing the tradition and ensuring a lasting future.
Today, structures for communal singing are stronger than ever. Community choirs provide accessible, inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds while helping to promote the mental health benefits of singing together. Across the UK, classical, contemporary, pop, jazz, folk, and gospel choirs continue to nurture social inclusion, foster musical ambition and build confidence, keeping the tradition of community singing alive.
Securing the future of the choir
Behind every piece of music is a creator, and anyone invested in the future of community choirs will want to know that writers and composers are fairly compensated for their work. The Amateur Choir Licence from PMLL (Printed Music Licensing Limited) offers a quick and straightforward solution to the copying of music, giving musical directors and choir organisers peace of mind that the music they copy is licensed correctly while ensuring creators are properly paid – helping to sustain the UK’s rich tradition of amateur singing.
This means choral music can continue to be performed and enjoyed by community choirs, while composers and writers are supported to produce new works for future generations of singers. By making licensing simple and transparent, PMLL – a non-profit organisation owned by the Music Publishers Association (MPA) – helps choirs focus on what they do best: singing together and sharing music within their communities.
How to get a licence
Applying for an Amateur Choir Licence through the PMLL website is a simple process. Applicants can check whether a licence is needed and then enter details, such as the number of copies, the size of the choir, and the number of songs to be performed. Pricing is tailored accordingly. Licence fees are collected and distributed back to publishers, who in turn pay the composers and writers of the music.
The PMLL exists to guide anyone responsible for a choir’s repertoire. It provides clear information on when permission is required and offers a simple, straightforward process to obtain a licence, giving choirs the confidence to perform legally.
Find out if you need a licence and how to get one here.
