Community Choirs & Music Groups in New Jersey

New Jersey has a rich tradition of community choirs, amateur orchestras, songwriter circles, and artist unions. If you've been searching for a community choir near me or a place to sing, play, and create with other musicians in NJ, this guide is a starting point — and an invitation to join GreenNarae, a NY/NJ artist union based in Palisades Park.

Types of music groups in NJ

• Community choirs — open-membership vocal ensembles, often non-audition.
• Church & faith choirs — many congregations welcome non-members.
• Korean and bilingual music groups — Bergen and Hudson counties host an active Korean-American music scene.
• Songwriter circles & open mics — Hoboken, Jersey City, and Montclair host weekly nights.
• Artist unions & collectives — multidisciplinary groups blending music, visual art, and performance.

How to choose the right group

• Decide between audition and no-audition groups — most community choirs are open to everyone.
• Check rehearsal frequency: weekly is typical for community choirs; bi-weekly works for working musicians.
• Match the repertoire — classical, gospel, pop, K-pop, jazz, original music.
• Ask about performance opportunities, dues, and travel expectations.

GreenNarae — Palisades Park, NJ

GreenNarae (그린나래) is a bilingual NY/NJ artist union for singers, instrumentalists, songwriters, and visual artists. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month (8:30–11:30 PM) at 255 Broad Ave, 2F, Palisades Park, NJ, with supplemental Thursday sessions for working on parts. There is no audition and membership is free.

Our mission is Discover · Bridge · Harmony — finding hidden artists, bridging genres and generations, and building a sustainable music ecosystem across the NY/NJ metro.

Frequently asked questions