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Have you felt lonely, isolated or in need of a boost? Then you’ll benefit from some of our 10 reasons to join a choir this year! From social connections, to boosted mental health and a sense of achievement, the Starling Voices can offer what you need!
Read MoreThe past year has been tough. We've faced months of lockdowns, threats of illness and losses of all kinds. After so much time separated from other people, it feels a little strange to step back into the world of relationships. But for many of us, we are ready to seek out what we've been missing. The answer could lie in singing…
Read MoreOn May 17th 2021, choirs in England were allowed to resume indoor rehearsals. By May 18th 2021, the government had changed their mind, with little clarification about why. Millions of choir members are now waiting in limbo to see if they can get back to singing together in person. The implications of this decision run deep. So, where do we go from here?
Read MoreWhy should choir leaders treat wellbeing and mental health as central elements to their group singing work? We reflect on over ten years of group singing and the lessons we've learnt from our members on how to approach members' wellbeing and mental health safely and effectively.
In over ten years of community singing with Starling Arts, we have witnessed the tremendous impact of singing on individuals and groups, and it has become increasingly important to us that wellbeing and mental health become integral and important considerations to all aspects of our work.
Many individual singers testify that singing has had a beneficial impact on their mental health and wellbeing, so it could be assumed that the benefits come as a natural by-product of the work of choirs. However, from our experience wellbeing and mental health need to be carefully considered and built into the structures and practices of a singing group in order to achieve safe, long-lasting, and powerful effects. Read our post for ideas and suggestions to boost your choir’s wellbeing.
Read MoreStarling Arts are really excited to be launching a new singing group for residents of the London Borough of Barnet who suffer with lung conditions (such as asthma, COPD and long-covid) and associated breathing challenges. Absolutely no singing experience is needed and sessions will be interactive, fun and accessible. Check out this blog post to find out more!
Read MoreSinging in a group is awesome. The feeling of belting out a harmony with a load of other singers, particularly when they are your fellow choir or cast members and have become your friends, is something that is very hard to beat, or indeed replicate.
So what do we do when we can’t get together to sing as usual?
Here are a few ideas I use to make sure that I top up my feel good vibes when my usual singing activities aren’t on the cards.
Read MoreThis International Stress Awareness Week we’ve been reflecting on this year’s theme of ‘Resilience; the power to succeed.’
Resilience might not be the first word you associate with choirs, but our experience of singing with groups for ten years has taught us that singing has a tangible impact on our resilience and our ability to bounce back stronger when challenges arise.
Read MoreStarling Arts’ co-director Emily Garsin busts some common myths about choirs.
Read MoreThis World Mental Health Day, we reflect on all of the added benefits that come with singing in a choir!
Read MoreAs 2018 rolls on, we look ahead at the exciting things in the pipeline for the coming year!
Read MoreStarling Arts connects people through singing! Find out more about our workplace singing experiences, choir community, singing workshops and annual Summer School.
