Circle Singing

Create Music Together — On the Spot, With Just Your Voice

Circle Singing is a spontaneous, improvised vocal experience where a song leader guides a group into layered harmonies, rhythms, and melodies — no sheet music, no preparation, no instruments. Just human voices creating something beautiful together.

How It Works

1. Participants form a circle around a song leader
2. The leader assigns short melodic or rhythmic phrases to different sections
3. Layers build — harmony, rhythm, counter-melody — all improvised
4. Solos emerge as individuals are invited to sing over the group
5. Songs evolve naturally and end when they feel complete

Why Get Involved?

• 🎵 No experience needed — if you can hum, you can participate
• 🧘 A meditative, joyful experience for singers and non-singers alike
• 🤝 Creates instant community through shared music-making
• 🌟 Pioneered by Bobby McFerrin — now a global movement

Highlights

• Make Music New York hosted a 24-hour Circle Singing marathon last year
• Works in any setting — parks, churches, libraries, town greens
• One of the lowest-barrier participatory events you can host