Corporate.
Singing and wellbeing – A corporate approach with critically acclaimed composer, tutor and actor Paul Knight
Who would have thought a few years ago that singing and making music together would have become such a phenomenon?
The small-screen appeal of the X-Factor, Rock Choir, Gareth Malone and others have opened people’s eyes to the idea of thecommunal singalong. It is estimated now that an incredible 2.8m Britons are now members of a choir.
This is good news! Singing is so beneficial for our wellbeing and health, that Oxford University has recently published some research that reveals that group singing not only helps forge social bonds, it also does so particularly quickly, acting as an excellent icebreaker. It also shows that community or corporate singing is effective for bonding large groups, making it an ideal behaviour to improve our broader social networks. This is particularly valuable in today’s often alienating world, where many of our social interactions are conducted remotely via Facebook and Twitter.
So there is an approach here that can be enormously beneficial to companies and corporations; helping to cement a sense of “team” but also one of wellbeing, which has enormous value in the workplace, especially in troubled times.
Music making exercises the brain as well as the body, but singing is particularly beneficial for improving breathing, posture and muscle tension. There’s also some evidence to suggest that music can play a role in sustaining a healthy immune system, by reducing the stress hormone cortisol.
Regular choir members report that learning new songs is cognitively stimulating and helps their memory, and it has been shown that singing can help those suffering from dementia, too. The satisfaction of performing together, even without an audience, is likely to be associated with activation of the brain’s reward system, including the dopamine pathway, which keeps people coming back for more.
Song is a powerful therapy indeed, and Paul Knight is an adept and engaging guide!!!
So what can happen at a workshop?
The answer is almost anything you want!!!
Workshops can be a full or half day, working with individuals and/or groups, culminating in a staged performance!
Paul will aim to help everyone to get the best from their voices and develop their skills whilst singing music that they love and more importantly having a lot of fun in the process!
What if I’ve never sung before?
No experience is needed or expected; many people find the workshops a great way to get into singing, even when they have been told that they can’t sing!
Paul’s experience and approach means he will also welcome experienced singers who enjoy the chance to sing with no pressures or responsibilities.
Do I need to read music?
Absolutely Not!
Paul uses many of approaching music, sometimes introducing music by ear - which can be very challenging for those of who are used to reading from a score!
Paul will help everyone to be confident finding their way around sheet music and to understand how to follow their line.
Who can attend a workshop?
Anyone!!!
Paul’s approach will help you develop your skills and confidence. Appropriate exercises and games are included throughout the day as part of the process. Paul will also cover elements such as posture, breathing, voice-production and range as well as more general musical and listening skills that aid ensemble or solo singing.
It’s a whole lot more than a sing-along!!!
For further information and details please get in touch!