Singing for health videos (recorded during the global Covid pandemic, 2020-22)
Other ‘join in’ singing for health resources
Special songs: Seaside Song ; Side by Side
Workshops
As well as my ongoing work with people living with dementia and Parkinson’s (see below) over the years I have run stand alone workshops and regular groups for people living with a variety of health conditions, including people experiencing acute mental health crises, people living with eating disorders, people in recovery from drug and alcohol addictions and people living with chronic lung conditions, as well as running a staff choir at a psychiatric hospital. I am available for one off workshops, pop up choirs and series of singing sessions in a variety of settings. I teach by ear and there is no need for any previous experience of singing – I believe that everyone can sing and am very ready to show you that this is the case. Workshops can include singing and/or facilitated songwriting. I am passionate about the potential for music to be part of the personal and social support we all need to navigate difficult times in our lives. Do get in touch if you’d like to discuss the possibilities. singlouderthanguns@gmail.com
Regular Groups
Let’s Sing
Let’s Sing is a dementia focused community singing group meeting at the Fisherrow Centre in Musselburgh on Tuesdays from 11am-12.30 every week during term time. We learn new songs together and are primarily focused on supporting people in the early-mid stages who are still living in the community. Friends and supporters are very welcome, and we believe that everyone can sing. Please do get in touch before you come along, as we’re quite full just now and like to speak with people before they come along so that you know what to expect and we can be ready to welcome you. Our songleader Penny can be emailed on lets.sing.brunton@gmail.com, or our chairperson Jan can be phoned on 0131 660 2888.
During the pandemic, when the group couldn’t meet in person, I recorded weekly singalong videos that can still be watched here.
Singing4Fun with Parkinson’s
I run a Singing4Fun with Parkinson’s group that meets at Marchmont St. Giles in Edinburgh on Tuesday afternoons from 2-4pm during term time. The sessions are great fun, and all are welcome, whether you are living with Parkinson’s or not. We often learn songs in three part harmony, and there is plenty of laughter as well. We do some focused breathing and relaxation as well as tongue twisters and there are often songs with movement in them. everyone is invited to participate in the way they are able to on any given day. There are always seated and standing options and adaptive movements and sound possibilities. Everyone is welcome, whether or not you think you can sing.
The Edinburgh Parkinson’s branch is really active, and you can find out about different activities we have happening here.
During the pandemic, when the group couldn’t meet in person, I recorded weekly singalong videos that can still be watched here.
Other groups
You don’t have to come to a health-specific singing group to experience the benefits of singing for health (and joy!). You can find info about other groups I regularly work with here.
Special Songs
Side by Side
This song was written together by members of the Edinburgh Parkinson’s branch in 2018 for the World Parkinson’s Congress songwriting competition (Japan, 2019). It shares diverse experiences of people living with Parkinson’s alongside the shared experience of support through connecting with others through singing and other recreational groups.
We are making a video to illustrate the song, and anyone is welcome to add their voice or send pictures that represent their Parkinson’s story. You are welcome to submit any photograph or short piece of film that for you illustrates something of the song and/or your experience of Parkinson’s. You are also welcome to submit a video of yourself singing or playing along with the song. You will find below all the resources you need to do this, as well as a short piece of writing describing the writing of the song.
Lyrics; Melody; Full Score; A short essay about the writing of the song
Here is a ‘learn and sing along’ video where you can learn both parts of the song. If you would like to film yourself singing along with the song, that would be great. You can do this with a smartphone, tablet or computer, you just need to make sure you listen to the guide track with headphones in so that we only hear your voice on the recording. If you need any help with how to record yourself, just drop me an email at singlouderthanguns@gmail.com and I’ll see what I can do to help.
Learn and singalong video:
Singalong videos for recording yourself singing along with:
Photos and videos can be sent to Penny at singlouderthanguns@gmail.com.
Seaside Song
This song was knitted together from seaside memories shared by people living in care homes during the pandemic, most of whom are living with dementia.
Singing for Health Video sessions
During much of 2020-2021 singing groups in the UK were unable to meet in person. During this time I recorded short singing sessions with learn and sing along songs and voice exercises for my health-focused groups. Whilst they were aimed at my groups specifically, these videos remain freely available for anyone to watch, so if you know someone who might benefit from watching them and joining in, please do share. There are nearly 200 videos all in all, lasting between 30-50 mins.
You can find the whole Let’s Sing (dementia focused) playlist on youtube here.
You can find the whole ‘Singing4Fun (Parkinsons focused) playlist on youtube here.
You can find lyric sheets for some of the longer songs here.
Here are a few sample videos from the last year and a half (all 193 videos are available to watch via the links above):
Lyric Sheets
COPYRIGHT NOTE: I have put up lyric sheets to various songs here to make it easier for any singers living with chronic health conditions to participate in these virtual singing sessions. If you hold copyright to any of these lyrics and would like me to remove them for any reason, please let me know. I am making them available in good faith and sincerely hope no-one will object to their use to keep people musically connected during this time.
Lyric Sheets for longer songs in the earlier videos below(later videos have lyrics posted on the screen):
Other Singing and Breathing resources (join in!)
A vibrant new resource of songs to sing at home for people living with dementia, curated by Luminate Scotland, is available here.
There is a set of Singing for Breathing exercises and songs that has been made available by the Sydney DeHaan Research Centre here.
The World Parkinson’s Coalition global singalong happens on zoom once a month led by Judi Spencer and a guest leader from around the world.
You can find various short vocal exercise videos here.
Research
There is a growing body of research supporting what community musicians have long known – that community music making, and particularly singing, supports health and wellbeing. Singing is good for all of us, and can be particularly beneficial in supporting people living with long term mental and physical health needs to live as well as possible. I currently work regularly with groups of people living with dementia and Parkinson’s, and have worked with participative singing in a psychiatric hospital for many years. Here are a few useful links for anyone wanting to learn more about music and health. Though of course the best way to learn about music and health is to go make some music with people and see how you feel!
Sing Yourself Better – the health benefits of singing in a choir.
The Sydney DeHaan Research Centre at Canterbury University have produced some helpful guides to support people setting up health related singing groups.
Information about the Singing for Lung Health network can be found here.
The British Voice Association has a series of leaflets about general voice care and a variety of voice health issues here with more in depth voice care articles here.
Extensive resources on arts and health can be found at the Repository for Arts and Health Research.
Penny Stone 