Growing Confident Girls in 2025

In today’s fast-paced world, the development of soft skills like collaboration, creativity and confidence is increasingly seen as a competitive advantage. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong recently emphasised the importance of these human strengths in building relationships, brainstorming solutions, and fostering continuous learning. He stressed that while these skills may seem natural, they need to be actively cultivated.

 “So the way forward for us is to continue to emphasise our competitive advantage and our human strengths: our ability to build relationships with one another, to collaborate and work in teams, to be able to think creatively, to keep on learning spontaneously, serendipitously, to brainstorm and challenge one another and then develop better solutions together. These soft skills may sound like the most natural things in the world and everyone can do that, but in fact, they ought to be practised continuously.” – Prime Minister Lawrence Wong

One of the best ways to do this is through choir – an environment where young girls can develop confidence, build a sense of community, and find a positive, creative outlet that helps them grow into well-rounded individuals.

Want to see how the International Girls Choir can help grow your daughter into a confident young woman? Join us for a complimentary class at our February Open House.

Building confidence through choir

Confidence is not something that comes naturally to all young girls, but it can be nurtured in a supportive environment like a choir. At the International Girls Choir (IGC), girls are given the opportunity to grow into confident young leaders by practising public speaking, developing presentation skills, and learning how to perform in front of an audience. It’s not expected that every chorister will start with the confidence to perform – IGC understands that this journey takes time and practise.

Through performance opportunities such as mid-year and end-of-year concerts, choristers refine their skills and gradually build the confidence to showcase their talents. These concerts provide a milestone for choristers to work towards, offering them both a sense of purpose and a chance to shine. Parents often share how they’ve seen their daughters transform, breaking out of their shells and developing into self-assured performers.

For choristers that are eager to build even more confidence in their abilities, we’re thrilled to launch extension classes in Singapore this year. These classes offer exciting opportunities to perform at high-profile events, including prestigious venues like Esplanade – Theatres by the Bay and Gardens by the Bay. In addition, girls will have the chance to audition to travel to Sydney and perform with the Australian Girls Choir at the iconic Sydney Opera House. These experiences will not only sharpen their performance skills but also boost their confidence in a variety of dynamic settings.

“My daughter has a love of singing. We are delighted that she can develop her skills, gain confidence and have performance opportunities in a positive and professional environment.” – parent of chorister

Discovering a community of like-minded girls

One of the most beautiful aspects of being in a choir is the community that forms. In the schoolyard, friendships are often made based on proximity, but in a choir, friendships grow from shared interests and a common passion for singing. At the IGC, girls bond with like-minded peers who share their love for music, creating a strong sense of community and belonging.

While social media offers a way for young people to stay connected, nothing compares to the in-person connections fostered in a choir. Choristers work together to learn new music and choreography, strengthening their teamwork skills along the way. This collaborative spirit encourages the girls to uplift one another and to help bring out the best in each other, fostering a nurturing environment where everyone can grow and thrive.

“The IGC is a welcoming, inclusive community that is so much more than singing lessons. It’s also about nurturing  confidence and creativity. My daughter loves attending her classes each week.” – parent of chorister

A positive creative outlet

In addition to the social and confidence-building benefits, being part of a choir provides an invaluable creative outlet. Singing has long been recognised for its positive effects on mental health, as it releases feel-good neurochemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. These chemicals promote a sense of well-being and help alleviate stress – an especially important benefit for young people who are juggling schoolwork and extracurricular activities.

For IGC choristers, choir offers a welcome break from the pressures of academic life. The act of singing, combined with movement and dance, is not only enjoyable but also a great form of exercise. It engages the respiratory system, strengthens the voice, and keeps the body active without requiring involvement in traditional sports. With screen time on the rise for many children in Singapore, choir provides an excellent alternative that keeps both the mind and body engaged.

“We enrolled our daughter because she loves singing but have stayed for the leadership and performance opportunities, public speaking skills and friendships she has made.” – parent of chorister

Join us at February Open House

In a world that increasingly values emotional intelligence, teamwork, and creativity, singing in a choir offers girls a unique opportunity to develop these crucial soft skills. As they grow, they take with them not just the skills to perform on stage but the tools to lead, collaborate, and thrive in the wider world. At the heart of it all, the IGC is more than just a choir – it’s a space where girls are given the encouragement and guidance they need to build their confidence and grow into strong, capable leaders. Through the act of singing together, they’re learning to uplift each other and, in turn, themselves.

Discover a space where girls thrive and express themselves through music and movement by joining us for a complimentary class at our February Open House!

Please visit our Open House page for further details including venue locations and class timetables. Come and see how we can help your daughter shine both on and off the stage!