Ep #04: Rehearsal Etiquette That Works - My Top Ten Tips To A Better Rehearsal

Rehearsals don’t fall apart because the music is too hard. More often, they fall apart because the room leaks time, focus, and respect in tiny, repeatable ways. I’m Russell Scott, and I’m putting a spotlight on the unglamorous topic that quietly decides whether your choir rehearsal feels calm and musical or chaotic and exhausting: rehearsal etiquette.

I share my top ten rehearsal etiquette rules for singers and choir leaders, built from years of real rehearsal rooms. We talk about arriving early (not merely “on time”), bringing your own music, and why a simple pencil can save you hours across a rehearsal cycle. I also get into the behaviours that derail learning fastest: chatting while instructions are given, staring at the page instead of watching the conductor, and letting phones pull attention out of the room. Along the way, I explain how marking the score creates continuity week to week, why “it’ll be alright on the night” is a dangerous mindset, and how staying engaged during other sections makes the whole ensemble better.

We finish with the wider point: etiquette is not about being Victorian or strict for its own sake. It’s about building a culture of professionalism, teamwork, and presence so rehearsals move faster, feel better, and lead to more confident performances. If you’re a choir director, conductor, or vocal leader who wants stronger rehearsals and a more responsive choir, this one will give you a clear framework you can use immediately.

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