Finding Your Voice: The Ultimate Guide to Putney’s Community Choirs (2026)

From classical masterworks to ear-led harmony—discover the perfect singing group for you in SW15.

Putney is one of London’s true hubs for communal singing. The best part? The most prominent groups in the area are non-audition, meaning the doors are open to everyone. However, the way you learn and the type of music you sing varies significantly between them.

To help you find your musical home, we’ve compared the three most distinct non-audition experiences in the area.

1. The Classical Tradition: Putney Choral Society

The Putney Choral Society is a prestigious local institution for those who love the grandeur of classical music. They perform major works with professional orchestras and soloists.

• The Style: Large-scale classical repertoire (e.g., Bach, Mozart, Brahms).

• The Learning Method: While they are a non-audition choir, rehearsals are structured around musical scores. Because they tackle complex classical pieces, members are generally expected to have some ability to read music or follow a score to keep up with the pace of the programme.

• Best For: Singers who want a traditional "choral society" experience and enjoy the challenge of classical music-reading.
  

2. The Traditional Community Choir: Dover House Singers

The Dover House Singers bridge the gap between casual community singing and formal choral structure. They are a welcoming, inclusive group with a long history in the Putney area.

• The Style: A diverse mix of songs, including folk, jazz, and classic choral arrangements.

• The Learning Method: Like many traditional community choirs, they typically utilise sheet music to learn their harmonies. This is a brilliant space for those who want to develop their notation-reading skills in a friendly environment.

• Best For: People who appreciate a structured, score-based rehearsal without the high-pressure demand of a purely classical repertoire.
  

3. The Natural Voice Experience: Pulse Choir

At Pulse Choir, led by Aaron Evans, we offer the "Natural Voice" alternative. While we share the "non-audition" philosophy of our neighbours, we are the only group in Putney that focuses entirely on learning by ear.

• The Style: A soulful, high-energy blend of world music, jazz, and contemporary harmony.

• The Learning Method: No sheet music and no scores. We learn everything through call-and-response. This allows you to stay "off the page" and connect directly with the rhythm and the people around you. It removes the barrier for anyone who feels they "can't read music."

• Best For: Those who want to "switch off" after a long day. It is ideal for people who feel intimidated by sheet music or simply want a more rhythmic, instinctive, and social singing experience.

Comparison at a Glance: Which SW15 Choir is for you?

Choir	Audition?	Learning Style	Primary Repertoire
Putney Choral Society	No	Sheet Music (Reading expected)	Classical Masterworks
Dover House Singers	No	Sheet Music (Reading helpful)	Traditional & Mixed
Pulse Choir	No	By Ear (No reading required)	Soulful & Contemporary

Ready to join the harmony?

If the "by ear" approach sounds like the right fit for you, we invite you to join us for a Free Taster Session at St Stephen’s Church. No notes, no nerves—just great music.

• When: Thursday, Feb 5th, 19:00 – 21:00

• Where: St Stephen’s Church, 1 Manfred Rd, Putney, SW15 2RS

• Cost: FREE Taster (£10 weekly thereafter)

• Book Your Spot: https://www.singwithaaron.com/pulse-choir