Why do we sing?
From the moment we enter the world, our first cry is indeed our first song. As human beings, we use our voices to express our feelings, needs, joys, and sorrows. Singing is an innate way of communicating. However, the benefits of singing go far beyond that. Learning to manage our breath and use it wisely has manifold health benefits, and as we sing, our bodies release dopamine and endorphins. How amazing is that? That is why I passionately believe that we can and should all sing!
My own journey began as an opera singer, and alongside a highly successful professional career, I have delighted in sharing my knowledge and passion for singing with others for over 40 years.
I have been, and remain, fascinated and excited about the positive health benefits of singing. Working with people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, I am passionate about helping everyone to explore, share, and celebrate their own authentic and unique voice.
A skilled and experienced facilitator, teacher, choral conductor, and coach, I have devised and led projects for the Royal Opera House, Welsh National Opera, the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, and the Singapore Government. I have built a national and international reputation across the UK, the UAE, Singapore and Hong Kong, working both as a teacher and as a teacher of teachers.
In 2013, I co-founded the groundbreaking and unique charity, Forget-me-not Chorus, for those living with and alongside dementia. More recently, I co-developed Wellness with Welsh National Opera, an innovative programme that became Wales’s first nationwide arts and health social prescribing programme that supports people living with energy-limiting conditions, including Long Covid, persistent pain and cancer. In all settings, I use breathing and singing techniques to help improve wellbeing.
Awards
-
ITV’s Inspirational Woman of the Year
-
The Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation Wales Care Award for promoting The Arts in Social Care
-
Welsh Music Guild Pendine Arts & Community Trust Award for Music
-
Associate of The Royal Academy of Music
-
MBE in the 2024 King’s New Year’s Honours List for ‘services to people with dementia and their families’
The breathing work has become a real staple for me over the past few years. The humming, gentle singing and shushing exercises in particular have helped my breathing. Thank you, thank you for everything.