It is well-documented that singing is good for us.  We know that the physical act of singing releases endorphins and dopamine in the brain, and this has a positive effect on our mood.  The bonding experience felt by those who sing together in groups can be attributed to the release of oxytocin.  And singing is a ‘mindful’ activity, keeping us in the present.  We understand and accept the positive physical and psychological aspects of singing.

However, the singing experience can be a dichotomy.   No-one who sings professionally and teaches singing will be a stranger to some of the more complex psychological responses to singing.  Whether you are training the keen amateur soloist, or preparing a student for drama school & music college auditions, or even working with professionals – maybe you are one yourself – we cannot ignore the whole gamut of feelings and emotions that can be experienced by singers wishing to reach their full potential as a solo singer. 

Singing: A Healthy Activity and Bonding Experience - OR Detrimental To Our Mental Health?  Let’s get talking!

In the first of two sessions, Kathy Taylor-Jones explores the psychological journey of what it is to be a singer.  She will lead a discussion on the experiences of the training singer; ranging from feelings of anxiety around performing including the physical symptoms of anxiety and how this affects the voice; feelings of inadequacy, auditions nerves, feeling judged, concerns about vocal health, lack of motivation and momentum.  We will discuss these together and share ideas, hopefully discovering what in particular contributes towards these fears, and therefore steps we can hopefully take to – at the very least – lessen these anxieties, or even overcome them, in order to become more confident and emotive singing communicators.

Kathy Taylor-Jones is a singer, singing teacher/coach and mentor to many professional singers in the music theatre industry.  She has a Masters in Music Psychology from Sheffield University, and a specialism in the psychological impact of vocal trauma.  She has been researching performance anxiety for many years, and has been looking into how effective certain strategies can be, both as a singer and a teacher.

This class is OPEN FOR BOOKING NOW! (Sunday 31st May)