The choir began in January 2016 after then-local resident Nadine Cooper suggested something radical: a choir for people who love singing but do not believe they can sing well.
Inspired by her own childhood experience of being asked to stop singing, Nadine teamed up with community choir leader Bernie Bracha to try something completely different.
Their one ‘rule’ was simple: everyone should leave feeling uplifted.
There would be no auditions, no sheet music, no vocal parts, and no pressure – just singing for the joy of it. The first Tuneless Choir session took place on 14 January 2016 in West Bridgford.
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What started as a small local experiment has since grown into a nationwide – and now international – movement. There are now over 30 Tuneless Choirs across the UK, with a brand-new choir launching in Canada this month.
Nadine has since returned to Yorkshire, where she has helped establish another Tuneless Choir there.
For the past five years, the West Bridgford choir has been managed by Jacqueline Kent, a founding member who has been part of the choir since the very first sessions.
Over the years, Tuneless Choir has enjoyed some unforgettable moments, including performing to a 2,000-strong audience at Nottingham Concert Hall, appearing on stage at Cornbury Festival in 2016 and 2022, and even hosting a tuneless proposal – followed by a tuneless wedding – when Jacqueline was proposed to by fellow member Bruce. They married in 2021, with the choir also involved in their unique ceremony.
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Most importantly, Tuneless Choir has brought confidence, connection, and laughter to countless people who once believed singing was not for them.
West Bridgford Tuneless Choir is still going strong and is always open to new members. If you have ever been told you cannot sing, or just want to sing without being judged, you will fit right in.
They are celebrating this amazing achievement at their next session on 22 January at All Hallows Church, where the choir first began.
For more details or to register your interest, contact Jacqueline on 07956 753 441.
