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Understanding Singing for Mental Health
We explore the connection between singing and vocal work and children and young people's mental health and wellbeing, including scientific evidence and research, and the valuable link between Music Therapy and general music participation.
He actually cried at the end. And it was just so emotional. The teacher and the TA looked at me and were like “what has just happened here?”, and it was incredible.
Sophie Garner
Guides
Sarah and Vicky share their insights and experience delivering music therapy.
Singing & Health - the evidence
There's a wealth of research that proves the benefits of singing on health and wellbeing across the lifespan. Find out about the benefits of singing in relation to overall health and wellbeing and what the research shows.
Sing Up Foundation
Author:
Types of Singing Activity for Mental Health
There are many ways that singing and voicing can be encouraged and supported with children and young people. Here are just a few ideas to think creatively about singing environments and contexts.
Emily Foulkes
Author:
Music Therapy & Music Participation
What is Music Therapy, and what is its relationship with wider music participation? In this guide and accompanying film, we explore these vitally important aspects of singing for children & young people's mental health & wellbeing, how they differ and how they can complement each other, as well as how to find out more.
Sarah McColl Wiltshire
Author:
Creative vocals and 'agency' in singing - a rapid research review
Why is a creative approach to singing and other vocal work particularly valuable in the context of children & young people's mental health & wellbeing? Douglas Lonie of tialt shares some of the key evidence.
Douglas Lonie
Author:
Policy Research Overview - Children & Young People's Mental Health & Wellbeing
A summary of the latest from a growing body of literature demonstrating the benefits of singing.
Emily Foulkes
Author:
Further information
Creatively Minded and Young
by The Baring Foundation
A selection of arts and mental health projects with, by and for children & young people.
Creative Health: The Arts for Health and Wellbeing
by All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing
Enquiry report 2017.
Researching the impact of the National Singing Programme 'Sing Up' in England
by Institute of Education
Main findings from the first 3 years (2007-10): children's singing development, self-concept and sense of social inclusion
6 Benefits of Music for your Mental Health
by CAMHS Professionals
Poster summarising the main benefits of music for mental health
Singing, wellbeing and health: context, evidence and practice
by Ian Morrison and Stephen Clift
Publication by Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health.
If they're singing their own words, or even if they're part of the full process that made those words, it becomes so much more meaningful.
Aga Serugo-Lugo
From Inspiring Voices podcast, Season 1