THE SINGING TREE – Mehli Mehta Music Foundation

The Singing Tree comprises children’s choirs at age levels and are the Foundation’s initiative to help children find their voices and discover the joy of singing music in groups. Vocal exercises and part singing teaches them to listen and develop a sense for musical harmony. These classes also incorporate practical theory. The Foundation recently added a sixth choir exclusively for young students aged 15 to 21, titled ‘The MMMF Youth Chorus’. In addition, the Mehli Mehta Music Foundation has launched a new one-on-one Voice programme from January 2019 for students interested in training their voices for solo classical music.

How does singing benefit my child?

The Foundation believes that singing in a choir is strongly correlated with qualities that are associated with success throughout life. Students who sing in choirs have academic success and valuable life skills. Multiple skills increase after a student joins choir.

Choral music requires no external instrument – the voice box is the chorister’s instrument.
There is an improvement in self-confidence, self-discipline and memory skills.
Choristers learn to be team players and participate effectively in group activities.
Choristers are better listeners because listening skills are honed and developed.
Choristers learn to sing music from around the world in many languages, across eras from ancient to modern.
Choir participation can enhance social development; it strengthens a sense of togetherness and reduces stress and anxiety.
Choral music helps emotional and physical wellbeing (good singing is based on good breathing).

What is expected from children who are part of the Singing Tree?

Each choir meets once a week for an hour-and-a-half. The lessons are structured into 45 minutes of voice exercises followed by 45 minutes of singing. The Foundation expects choristers to attend regularly, be disciplined, and arrive to class on time. The Foundation also expects that choristers will come to class for additional rehearsals prior to a concert or performance.

The Mehli Mehta Music Foundation presents an annual choral concert with over 150 students, including the Foundation’s Singing Tree choirs, along with students from the Udayachal High School and our Outreach schools. Strengthened by our close association with the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona, a visiting choral conductor from the Palau undertakes intensive training of the choral students over a 6 to 8 week period, culminating in the annual choral concert. The choral teacher also conducts training and workshops for the Foundation’s choir teachers.