How to quickly improve your quartet?

May 28

If you need to get your barbershop quartet sounding good quickly within just a few weeks, here are the most effective strategies:

Song selection

Choose simpler arrangements - Pick songs with straightforward harmonies that showcase your strengths. Quartets tend to overcomplicate their songs because they have heard a high level quartet doing an amazing performance. Be realistic, pick a song that matches your qualities and work from there.
Focus on quality over quantity - Perfect 1-2 songs rather than struggling with many.
Find arrangements with "built-in" ring - Songs with lots of dominant seventh chords will help you achieve that barbershop sound more easily.

Focus on fundamentals first

Tuning and blend - Start each rehearsal with tuning exercises. Lock in those chords before working on anything else.
Vowel matching - Agree on consistent vowel shapes. Record yourselves to check if you truly sound unified.
Balance - Ensure the lead is prominent, bass is solid, and harmony parts (tenor/baritone) blend without overpowering.

Performance refinement

Memorize quickly - You just can't focus on blend and performance while reading music.
Simple, unified visual plan - Agree on basic expressions and minimal choreography that everyone can execute consistently.
Find a coach - Even one session with an experienced barbershopper can dramatically improve your sound and impact.
Work with a metronome - It's an invaluable tool and I guarantee every judge sitting in front of you will be tapping their pencils as soon as you start singing and if you deviate from that tempo they will start writing.

Rehearsal efficiency

Record practice sessions - Listen back objectively to identify problem spots.
Duets, duets, duets - The two that aren't singing are actively listening for improvement opportunities. Focus on synchronization, tone match, and vowel match. Be kind with your feedback!
Individual preparation - Everyone should learn their parts between group practices.
Sectionals - Have pairs practice together (lead/bass, tenor/bari) to strengthen chord precision.

Quick wins

Target the "money notes" - Identify and perfect the big moments in each song.
Work on consistent attacks and releases - These make a huge difference in perceived quality.
Practice mic technique - If you'll be using microphones, learn proper positioning and technique.
Know how you're going to walk on stage. Practice walking from your applause-acceptance position back to the quartet position.

Remember that consistency is key - frequent shorter rehearsals (even 30 minutes daily) will yield better results than occasional marathon sessions. And don't neglect having fun - tension can negatively impact your sound, while enjoying the process often leads to better performances.

Rob Does