Introduction
There has been much written generally about the physiological and psychological benefits of singing especially in a group or choir. For example, it is recognised that singing in choirs can specifically improve mood and levels of stress. It is also recognised that adults with more complex mental health issues can gain important health and social benefits from singing in a group. A study of Irish choirs found that all participants benefited from increased social connection, better emotional and mental health, transcendence from every-day worries and stresses, cognitive stimulation, improved respiratory health and, in some people, reduction of physical pain
There is also well documented evidence that humming, vocalizing or singing activates the parasympathetic nervous system and has a calming effect. (Music and the Vagus Nerve: How Music Affects the Nervous System and Mental Health (musichealth.ai))
What to expect in a Soundwell singing group
Design of group
This group is designed to be a hybrid between community choir and therapy group using singing. Music therapists ask people what they want to gain from being in the group – and this can be quite personal. These goals are often linked to needs such as wanting to feel more part of a community, lifting mood, finding or re-finding a voice, building confidence in a group, relaxation. Often this is in the context of experiencing challenging life events and/or struggles with mood.
“It’s good knowing that we are all aiming for helping us to sing as a community. It raises my mood, which contributes to my wellbeing. The therapists are very good and friendly; they make you feel included. It gives me motivation for the rest of my day.’’
Format
Singing sessions begin with a brief check in to see how people are arriving and what they want from the session today. We then run a body/breath/vocal warm-up. The aims of this are to relax and prepare the body for singing so that the singing voice can be expressed more freely. Simple warm-up songs come next, and they are often sung in a round and become familiar. The focus here is on the enjoyment and pleasure of singing together without having to concentrate on learning something complicated and new each week. We then sing one or two songs together and end with some brief reflection on how we are feeling afterwards and any take-aways for the day or week ahead.
‘’I feel the singing therapy session gives me a sense of relief by letting go of all my negative energy at the same time, learning different songs, harmonies, and melodies makes it all fun. I feel much better after a session, more inspired, happier, and it’s an outlet for me; self-care. Thank you.’’
Songs
Emotions and music can influence one another and songs are chosen by group members together, or sometimes by the music therapists based on conversations that have happened in the group. They might be selected and used intentionally to lift the mood, to reflect a theme or an important part of someone’s life, or to capture something of a specific era. Music Therapists often find or arrange 2 or sometimes 3 part harmonies for these songs so that group members can choose their part. We might discuss the lyrics and song’s meanings in the group and their impact on how we think about things, life and the world!
‘’Soundwell is somewhere to learn and work together as a team on songs. It’s a nice change for someone who is used to being alone and tends towards being silent. It supports my goals of learning to speak in public spaces’’
Size of the group
The group is kept to a maximum of 12 people on the list so that we can retain the intimacy needed to choose and discuss songs together, and so that the music therapists can offer suitable support. Peer support in the group is also powerful and assisted by the therapists.
‘’Thank you for giving me a lift in my week and a boost to my confidence.’’
Access into Soundwell Singing Groups
You might have read about the Soundwell Singing Group online, or on a flier, or your worker or social prescriber might have told you about it. The next step could be to have a conversation with the Local Service Coordinator, Kim, or Chloe to find out more. You would send or ask a worker to send a referral form and safety info form. This information is needed for the music therapists to support you fully in your group.
Support when leaving the group
You can stay in the Soundwell Singing Group for as long as you like. If you decide to leave the group, perhaps because you have got what you needed from it and it’s time to move on, you can be supported with signposting to other relevant community choirs/activities that would continue to promote your recovery and wellbeing.