Exploring the Many Types of Choirs

The harmonious blend of voices in a choir creates a unique magic. Across cultures and generations, choirs have served as a vital source of beauty, inspiration, and community. From sacred hymns to contemporary pop music, the act of singing together in a choir fosters deep and meaningful connections among people.

But did you know there are many different types of choirs, each with its own unique style, purpose, and sound? In this post, we’ll explore some of the most well-known — and a few lesser-known — kinds of choirs that exist today.

Children’s Choirs

Often associated with schools, churches, or community arts programs, children’s choirs focus on musical education and performance for younger voices. These ensembles help build confidence, teamwork, and foundational vocal skills from an early age.

Youth Choirs

Bridging the gap between childhood and adulthood, youth choirs provide a space for teenagers to express themselves and develop advanced musical abilities. They often explore a broader range of repertoire, from classical to contemporary.

Community Choirs

These all-ages, often non-auditioned groups welcome anyone who wants to sing. Community choirs are about participation and connection as much as performance, offering an inclusive and joyful singing experience.

Church and Liturgical Choirs

Found in places of worship, these choirs lead congregations in hymns and spiritual music. Some focus on traditional choral arrangements, while others incorporate gospel, contemporary Christian, or world music influences.

Professional Choirs

Composed of highly trained vocalists, professional choirs perform at a high artistic level — often for recordings, tours, or collaborations with symphonies. These choirs require auditions and typically offer compensation.

Chamber Choirs

Smaller and more agile than large choruses, chamber choirs usually consist of 12–36 singers. They specialize in complex harmonies and intimate repertoire, often performing in acoustically rich venues like chapels or concert halls.

Gospel Choirs

Rooted in African American spiritual and religious traditions, gospel choirs are known for their emotional expression, call-and-response singing, and vibrant energy. Their music often features powerful solos and rhythmic clapping or movement.

Barbershop Choirs

This uniquely American style of a cappella singing features four-part harmony and a distinctive “ringing” sound. Barbershop choirs, often called “choruses,” are as much about fellowship as they are about finely tuned chords.

Show Choirs

Combining choral singing with choreography, show choirs are a dynamic fusion of music and movement. Popularized by TV shows like Glee, these ensembles are high-energy, theatrical, and often perform in competitions.

Pop and Contemporary Choirs

These choirs sing chart-topping hits and modern favorites with upbeat arrangements. They attract singers of all ages and often appeal to those looking for a more casual or creative choral experience.

A Cappella Choirs

Focused entirely on unaccompanied singing, a cappella choirs require precision and teamwork. From collegiate groups to elite vocal ensembles, a cappella choirs push the boundaries of what the human voice can do.

Virtual Choirs

Born out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic and now a growing trend, virtual choirs bring singers together from around the world using digital platforms. Though remote, these choirs showcase the resilience and adaptability of the choral world.

Why Choirs Matter

No matter the type, choirs serve as a reminder of the power of collaboration. Singing in a group builds confidence, encourages empathy, and strengthens community bonds. Whether you’re a trained vocalist or just someone who loves to sing in the car, there’s a choir out there for you.

Ready to Join a Choir?

Consider what kind of music you enjoy, how much time you can commit, and whether you want a formal or relaxed environment. From church choirs to pop collectives, there’s something for every voice — including yours.