The top open choir groups to join in Toronto know you might not be ready for center stage, but you do owe the world your golden voice. You were made to create harmonies that can melt the heart, so maybe it's time to join a choir and find your inner songbird. Don't worry - you don't have to don robes, learn hymns, or belong to a congregation to sing choral-style in the city - though if that's what you're looking for never fear, Toronto has many choirs to choose from. We're a little partial to pop songs, bar meets, and flash mobs, ourselves.

To take singing in the shower to the next level, check out Toronto's top 5 choirs to join.

Choir! Choir! Choir!
Toronto's new favourite past time: all you need to do is show up, pay a small fee, and sing, no past experience required. Choir! covers music that spans different decades and genres (Leonard Cohen, Daft Punk, Tegan and Sara) and have performed in all types of venues around Toronto. There is no formal intake process, if you are interested just join one of their scheduled meetings and sing along.

They meet on Tuesday nights at No One Writes to the Colonel (College and Bathurst) and Wednesday nights at the Monarch Tavern (College and Grace). Read our profile here, then contact them through their website and check out their diverse songbook. Show up before 7:30 to make sure you get a spot close to the stage.

Newchoir
If you want something a bit more rock and roll check out Newchoir. Music director Scott Pietrangelo describes it as a "true community choir" where all are welcome. Their past performances include live performances with rock bands and even flashmobs. This is power rock's choral equivalent. They rehearse weekly on Monday evenings (7:30-9:30) at St. Simon the Apostle Church on Bloor Street East. Make sure you sign up here, before showing up.

Forte - The Toronto Men's Chorus
Performing songs ranging from pop to Broadway musicals, listening to this all men's choir is certain to put a smile on your face. While all men are welcome, many members are part of Toronto's diverse gay community. They do have a formal intake process, however, they emphasize that it is not intended to intimidate people from joining. Regular rehearsals take place at St. Andrew's United Church in Toronto. Take a look at their intake information here and to learn more, and be sure to check out their beautiful harmonies on the music samples page.

Common Thread Community Chorus
This choir has a mission: to make the world a better place, all while making beautiful music, of course. Their goal is to help community organizations raise funds and raise awareness. Folksy and friendly, you can join this choir without auditioning. It is easy as one, two three to get involved. Just fill in their membership form and they will get in touch about the next steps. Their meeting place is at Cecil Street Community Centre close to College and Spadina. Rehearsals usually start in September after Labour Day. For more information take a look at their website.

Univox
Young, fresh and fun. Univox is a meeting place for young adults (from late teens through their thirties) for the love singing. If you are simply a choir enthusiast or if you are a seasoned choir participant, Univox welcomes you. The choir meets on Tuesdays from 5:45 to 8pm at Dovercourt Baptist Church, with shows and membership information listed on their website. See them perform Arcade Fire's "Wake Up" below.

BONUS

Check out our profile on Toronto's 130+ member LGBT community choir Singing Out, whom we interviewed earlier this summer.

Writing by Naomi Grosman. Photo of Choir! Choir! Choir! by Chandler Levack