About Sacred Harp

About Sacred Harp

Sacred Harp is a form of traditional, unaccompanied, community harmony singing. Our tradition welcomes people of all backgrounds, ages and levels of experience. If you are new to Sacred Harp, this page should answer some of your questions. If not, please get in touch with us.

What is Sacred Harp?

Sacred Harp is both music and a tradition. The tradition as we know it today comes from the United States, but the music can trace its roots to a number of places and time periods, including 'Parish Singing' in English churches in the eighteenth century. Sacred Harp is a branch of the wider shape-note tradition—so called because, unlike in standard western notation, the note-heads are assigned different shapes and names according to their relative pitch in the scale. Shape-notes are designed to aid those who don't read music, and help singers learn unfamiliar songs quickly.

How is Sacred Harp done'?

Most Sacred Harp singing today happens at events (called 'singings' or 'sings') organized for that purpose in various kinds of venues. Events are neither rehearsals nor performances (nor are they church services), and no regular commitment is required; we just meet to sing together. Singers sit in a hollow square, with each of the four voice-parts occupying one side and everyone facing the middle. Attendees take turns to choose and 'lead' songs, the only restriction being the same song cannot be sung more than once during the day. In addition to this, there are numerous 'local singings' - more informal gatherings usually 2–3 hours in length, often held on a weekly or monthly basis.

Why is it called Sacred Harp?

The name refers to a number of things, none of which include actual harps! The name 'Sacred Harp' refers to the human voice, used to sing. It's also the name of the most popular of the books we sing from. The most widely-used edition of The Sacred Harp was published in 2025, although the content and format of the book have changed little since its original publication in 1844. The book contains over 500 songs, ranging from simple hymns to epic anthems to multi-layered 'fuging tunes'. In Rhode Island, we sing from other songbooks, including the Shenandoah Harmony and the Christian Harmony.

What does it sound like?

The sound of Sacred Harp has been described as anything from 'Eighteenth century heavy metal' to 'bluegrass Gregorian chant'! You'll have to judge those descriptions for yourself, but the music is certainly beautiful and probably quite unlike anything you've ever heard before. It is full-voiced singing. You can hear samples of Sacred Harp singing on albums or elsewhere on the web, but the only way of truly experiencing it is to attend a singing and have a go yourself.

Do I have to audition?

No, absolutely not! One outstanding aspect of Sacred Harp is its openness and inclusiveness. We warmly welcome and encourage anyone who wants to join in to sing. You don't need to be a 'good' singer to sing Sacred Harp. All that's required is enthusiasm and the desire and/or confidence to try it for the first time. Sacred Harp isn't a choir; there are no auditions, rehearsals or performances, which means we don't spend ages going over the same songs time and time again, nor do we have to worry if a particular song doesn't go well. It's not about technical perfection—it's about enthusiasm, participation, and community.

Do I have to be able to read music?

No. The shape-note system was devised to make it easier for people who can't read music. Before singing the words to a song, the group will 'sing the notes'. This helps everyone familiarize themselves with the music without having to worry about fitting in the words. Also, many people learn the tunes by ear, so as long as you're willing to give it a try, you'll be fine. Try and position yourself within earshot of an experienced singer to help you.

What are the four parts? Which part should I sing?

The four parts are treble (for people high voices in any octave), alto (for people wilower voices), tenor (for men and women) and bass (for men with low voices). These four parts each occupy one side of a 'hollow square' with everyone facing the middle. Unlike most other music in four-part harmony, the tenor section has the tune, and for this reason newcomers may find it easiest to sing this part. You can always try out different parts until you find one that suits your voice. 

Is there a conductor?

Sort of. At Sacred Harp singing days and conventions, everyone attending is invited to 'lead' a song of their choosing from the book - the only restriction being the same song cannot be sung more than once at a particular event. Leading involves standing in the middle of the square and setting the tempo by beating time (look at some videos to see this in action). Many singers join in with this, as it helps keep everyone together and is useful for those without a good view of the leader. When the song is finished, the leader returns to their seat and the next one announces their choice of song - it's very democratic and inclusive. Even if you're not comfortable leading by yourself, we encourage newcomers to stand in the centre of the square of singers and experience the oldest form of 'surround sound'! Some local sings use a 'singing school' format, with one experienced singer 'teaching' and leading most songs themselves. We don't adopt this format in Sheffield, but we are more than happy to explain and help you with anything you're not sure about.

Can I just come and listen?

Yes, by all means - but we think you'll find it hard to resist joining in! The music wasn't meant to be performed, and the best way of experiencing it is to have a go yourself.

Do I have to be religious?

No. The song texts are Christian in nature, and many are characteristic of the era they were written in, but most Sacred Harp singing now (including in Sheffield) isn't an act of religious worship but one of musical enjoyment. Some people do approach Sacred Harp from a Christian perspective - and all singers should be mindful of this - but many approach it from a folk music angle and others simply do it because they enjoy the power and beauty of the music. At more formal Sacred Harp events, such as singing days and conventions, traditions such as opening with prayer and saying grace are respected and cherished, but we promise - and expect - absolute tolerance and respect for all singers, regardless of their religious beliefs (or lack of them).

OK, I'm convinced! How do I get involved?

Simply turn up to one of the many Sacred Harp events held up and down the country, or to our local singing in Sheffield.

Adapted from Sheffield Sacred Harp