Now in their 17th anniversary year, the choir continues to sing together, led by their joint Music Directors, Adam Przewlocki and Danielle Matthews, with their dedicated Founding Artistic Director, Jonathon Welch AM, now in the role of Patron. The Choir of Hard Knocks rehearses weekly at their home at The Dock in Docklands in the City of Melbourne. This ongoing and regular contact has a profound effect on the lives of choir members, leading many of the original 52 back to either part time or full time study or work. The choir has also given members the opportunity to find new purpose in life. Many had become socially excluded due to their socio-economic circumstances, and the choir has enabled them to acquire new skills and rebuild personal confidence and self esteem.

But we cannot keep going without your help! The Choir of Hard Knocks receive no Government funding, and runs on the generosity of people like you, and in-kind service from businesses. 

Statistics

In 2018, more than 107,000 people in Australia are homeless. More than 2.5 million live below the poverty line. Disadvantage creates inequality, deprives opportunity, exacerbates mental health and illness.

Music is a therapy that enables human connection by making people feel part of something and building relationships within a group. Our research with Queensland Health and School of Hard Knocks shows it leads to:

- increased self esteem
- increased memory and improved immune system
- improved social and cognitive function
- improved self-expression, both verbally and non-verbally

The Choir of Hard Knocks receives no Government funding and is self-funded through public performances, donations and in-kind services from generous partners and volunteers.