Getting Started with Chorilo: Your Path to Success

Starting with Chorilo: Easier Than You Think

You've decided to digitize your choir management? Congratulations! With Chorilo, you've made the right choice. But how do you best get started? Which steps are important? And how quickly can you begin?

In this guide, we'll show you step by step how to optimally set up Chorilo and what makes the platform special. Whether you're tech-savvy or not - with our instructions, success is guaranteed.

Why Chorilo is Different: The Smart Division

Before we dive into the details, it's important to understand what makes Chorilo so special: The intelligent separation between management and usage.

The Web Platform: Your Management Center

As a choir director or administrator, you use the web platform at www.chorilo.com. Here you have full control:

• Member Management: Add singers, manage roles and voice parts
• Sheet Music Management: Upload PDFs, organize your library
• Event Planning: Create rehearsals and concerts with just a few clicks
• Communication: Send messages and create polls
• Overview: Keep track of all activities in the dashboard

The web platform is specifically optimized for administrative tasks. It offers large screens, clear tables, and all the tools you need for professional choir organization.

The Mobile Apps: For Your Choir Members

Your singers, on the other hand, use the mobile apps for iOS and Android. These are deliberately kept simple and focused on the needs of choir members:

• Read Sheet Music: All sheet music always with you, even offline
• Annotations: Personal markings and notes directly in the PDFs
• View Events: Overview of all rehearsals and concerts
• RSVP: Confirm attendance with one click
• Read Messages: Always stay informed
• Push Notifications: Never miss important information

This division has a crucial advantage: Everyone uses the optimal tool for their tasks. You as a choir director have full control on the big screen, while your singers use a lean, intuitive app that focuses on the essentials.

Step 1: Registration and First Login (2 Minutes)

Getting started is incredibly simple. Visit www.chorilo.com and click on "Register". The form is clear and quick to fill out:

Your Personal Information:

• First and last name
• Email address
• Password (at least 8 characters) and confirmation

Your Ensemble Information:

• Name of your choir or ensemble
• Address (street, postal code, city)
• Country (select from dropdown)

Finally, accept the terms and privacy policy - done! After registration, you can immediately log in with your newly created credentials and start right away. You'll also receive a welcome email with important information. No credit card required - you automatically start with a 60-day free trial period.

Step 2: Customize Ensemble Settings (5 Minutes)

Good news: Your first ensemble has already been created automatically! During registration, Chorilo created a complete ensemble from your information - including default voice parts.

After your first login, you'll land in the dashboard. Click on your ensemble to review and adjust the settings if needed:

What's Already There?

• Name and Address: Your information from registration
• Default Voice Parts: Soprano 1/2, Alto 1/2, Tenor 1/2, Bass 1/2 are already set up
• Your Admin Role: You're automatically the ensemble administrator
• 60-Day Trial: Already activated and running

Optional Customizations

You can now optionally add:

• Upload Logo: For better recognition
• Expand Description: A few sentences about your choir
• Adjust Voice Parts: If you need different voice sections
• Choose Color: A signature color for your ensemble

Tip: You can make these adjustments later. Jump straight to Step 3 if you want to get started quickly!

Step 3: Invite Your First Members (15 Minutes)

Now comes the most important step: Getting your choir members into the system. Chorilo offers you two convenient ways:

Option 1: The Invitation Link (Recommended)

Go to your ensemble and click on "Invitation Link". You'll receive a special link that you can share via email, WhatsApp, or at your next rehearsal. Your members register themselves and are automatically assigned to your ensemble.

The advantage: Everyone enters their own data, you have no effort with data maintenance. Additionally, your singers can immediately choose their preferred email address and password.

Option 2: Direct Addition

Alternatively, you can also invite members directly via their email address. Click on "Add Member", enter the email address, and select the voice part. The member automatically receives an invitation email with their access credentials.

Our tip: Start with 3-5 engaged members who are tech-savvy. They can give you feedback and act as multipliers before you invite everyone.

Step 4: Build Your Sheet Music Library (15 Minutes)

Now it gets musical! Go to the "Sheet Music" section and click on "Upload Sheet Music". The upload form is clearly structured:

Required Fields for Each Piece:

• Select Ensemble: Choose your ensemble from the dropdown
• Title: The name of the piece
• PDF File: Drag & drop the file or select it (max. 50MB)

Optional Information for Better Organization:

• Composer: Who wrote it?
• Arranger: If applicable
• Lyricist: For songs with lyrics
• Description: Additional information about the piece
• Tags: Keywords for organization (e.g., "Christmas", "Concert 2025")
• Video URL: Link to YouTube or Vimeo
• Audio Files: MP3 audio samples for your singers

The audio files are particularly valuable: Your singers can listen to and practice the melody at home. This significantly accelerates the learning process!

Tip: Start with the pieces for your next concert or the next 3-4 rehearsals. Fill in only the required fields first - you can add metadata later.

Step 5: Create Your First Event (5 Minutes)

Your members are there, the sheet music is uploaded - now you need an event! Go to the "Calendar" section and click on "Create Event":

Required Fields for the Event:

• Ensemble: Select your ensemble
• Title: e.g., "Weekly Rehearsal" or "City Church Concert"
• Type: Rehearsal, Concert, or Event
• Start Time: Date and time of the beginning
• End Time: Automatically set to start time + 2 hours

Optional Information:

• Location: Where does the event take place?
• Description: Important notes, what to bring, etc.

Save the event. Your members will see it immediately in the calendar and in the app.

Assign Sheet Music Afterwards

After creating the event, open it again. Here you'll find the "Sheet Music" tab. Click on "Add Sheet Music" and select the relevant pieces from your library. Your members will then see directly in the event which pieces will be rehearsed and can open them with one click.

Tip: You can add or change sheet music later. The connection is flexible and adjustable at any time.

Step 6: Send Your First Message (5 Minutes)

Communication is everything! Send a first welcome message to your members. Go to "Messages" and click on "Create Message":

Required Fields:

• Title: A short headline (max. 100 characters)
• Message: Your text - you can mention other members with @
• Ensemble: Select your ensemble

Optional Features:

• Send Notification: Activate this checkbox so all members immediately receive an email and push notification
• Add Poll: For votes or feedback
• Attachments: Attach files like PDFs, images, or documents

Example Message:

"Dear choir members,

From now on, we're using Chorilo for our choir management! Here you'll find all sheet music, events, and important information. Download the app (iOS/Android) and log in with your credentials.

If you have any questions, I'm happy to help. I look forward to our digital collaboration!

Your choir director"

Important: Activate the checkbox "Send notification to all members" so everyone receives the message immediately!

How Fast Does All This Go?

Plan for about 45-75 minutes total for the complete setup:

• Registration: 2 minutes (ensemble is created automatically!)
• Review/customize ensemble settings: 5 minutes (optional)
• Invite first members: 15 minutes
• Upload 5-10 pieces of sheet music: 15 minutes
• Create first event and assign sheet music: 5 minutes
• Welcome message: 5 minutes
• Buffer for familiarization: 13-43 minutes

After one afternoon, you're ready to go! And the best part: You only invest this time once. After that, everything runs much faster and more efficiently than before.

What Makes Chorilo So Special?

As you set up the platform, you'll quickly notice what distinguishes Chorilo from other solutions:

1. Thoughtful User Guidance

Every function is exactly where you expect it. No nested menus, no hidden options. Everything is intuitive and self-explanatory.

2. Offline Functionality

Your members can use all sheet music even without an internet connection. The app automatically downloads the PDFs and stores them locally once they've been opened. Perfect for rehearsals in churches or halls with poor reception!

3. Intelligent Notifications

The notification system is clever: Emails are sent in bundles to avoid spam. Push notifications come immediately. And your members can decide for themselves which notifications they want to receive.

4. Privacy and Security

All data is hosted in Germany and subject to GDPR. Your sheet music library is secure, and only members of your ensemble have access to it.

5. Continuous Development

Chorilo is continuously improved. New features like AI-powered concert program creation show that we take innovation seriously. And the best part: All updates are free for you!

Common Questions When Starting

Do I have to invite all members immediately?

No! Start with a small group and expand gradually. This way you can learn at your own pace and gather feedback.

What if my members aren't tech-savvy?

The apps are deliberately kept simple. If someone can use WhatsApp, they can handle Chorilo too. And our support is available for questions.

A special feature for less tech-savvy members: Events can be accepted or declined directly via email - no login, no app required. Simply click the link in the event notification. This way you reach all members, regardless of their technical abilities.

Can I test Chorilo first?

Yes! You have 60 days to try everything at your leisure. No credit card, no obligation. Only then do you decide whether you want to subscribe.

What happens to my data after the trial period?

Your data remains! Even if you decide against a subscription, you can always return and continue where you left off.

Do I need technical knowledge?

No! If you can write emails and surf the internet, you can use Chorilo. The interface is self-explanatory, and our support team is happy to help with questions.

Your Next Steps

You now have a complete overview of how to start with Chorilo. Here's your roadmap for the first days:

Day 1: Create Foundations

• Register (ensemble is created automatically)
• Review ensemble settings and upload logo if desired
• Invite 3-5 core members
• Upload the 5 most important pieces of sheet music

Day 2-3: Gather First Experiences

• Get feedback from first users
• Create first events
• Upload more sheet music

Day 4-7: Complete Rollout

• Invite all members
• Training at next rehearsal (15 minutes is enough!)
• Use first messages and polls

After 2 Weeks: Develop Routine

• Plan regular events in advance
• Continuously expand sheet music library
• Explore advanced features like practice sessions

The Difference You'll Feel

After a few weeks with Chorilo, you'll clearly notice the difference:

• Less Administrative Work: No more Excel lists, no lost emails
• Better Communication: All information reaches all members
• Higher Attendance Rates: Through reminders and easy RSVP
• More Professional Appearance: Your members appreciate the modern organization
• More Time for Music: Less organizational effort means more time for rehearsals

Ready to Start?

The best time to start with Chorilo is now! The sooner you start, the faster you and your choir benefit from the advantages of digital choir management.

The setup is done in a few hours, and after just the first week, you'll wonder how you ever managed without Chorilo. The intelligent division between web platform for choir directors and mobile apps for members ensures that everyone has the optimal tool for their tasks.

Register for free today and experience for yourself how simple modern choir management can be. Your 60-day trial period starts automatically - no credit card, no risk, no obligation.

Welcome to Chorilo - your new way of managing choirs!