Singing and Postnatal Mental Health
Tuesday 30th January 2024, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (London Time)
This session will focus on how singing and songwriting can support postnatal mental health. We will cover four main areas:
- Why postnatal mental health is a public health priority in the UK, and what it feels like to experience illnesses such as postnatal depression
- Why music, and specifically singing, is increasingly used to support wellbeing and why it might be particularly relevant in the postnatal period
- Drawing on studies led by the Royal College of Music, London, we will consider cutting-edge evidence for how group singing can speed up recovery from postnatal depression and how online songwriting can reduce postnatal loneliness
- Finally, participants will be invited to consider how the findings could support their own practice. Ideas will be shared about how the presented research has sparked new singing initiatives around the world, and attention will be given to the challenges as well as the possibilities of such work. Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to share their responses and ask questions
The session aims to raise awareness of the potential for singing to support new parents, drawing on robust research evidence with both parents and singing leaders.
Professor Rosie Perkins
Rosie Perkins is Professor of Music, Health and Social Science at the Royal College of Music, London. Rosie is based in the RCM’s Centre for Performance Science, where her research investigates two broad areas: how music and the arts support societal wellbeing and how to enhance artists’ wellbeing and career development.
Sorry, this is an archived short course...
We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.
Monday 3rd August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Tuesday 4th August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Wednesday 5th August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Thursday 6th August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Friday 7th August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
(London Time)
Level Two Certificate in Accents and Phonetics with Louisa Morgan
Louisa Morgan
Build on your foundational knowledge of accents and phonetics in this week‑long lunchtime course designed specifically for voice teachers. Whether you have completed our Level 1 Certificate or already possess a basic working knowledge of phonetics and accent work, this Level 2 course will help you deepen your skills, sharpen your analytical ear, and expand your practical toolkit for teaching.
Monday 3rd August 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Meisner in Music: Merging Beautiful Singing with Emotional Acting
Jillian Paige
In our workshop with the Voice Study Centre, participants will learn the foundational tool of the Meisner Technique, 'repetition', and gain insight into additional aspects of the technique that are particularly useful for singers such as emotional preparation and 'the physical impediment'.
Thursday 6th August 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Sex Hormones and Voice: From Puberty to Gender-Affirming Therapy
Dr Silvia Ciancia
How do sex hormones define the human voice? Join Dr Silvia Cianca as she offers a comprehensive exploration of the vocal apparatus as a hormone-sensitive organ, analysing the physiological changes occurring at puberty as well as the changes induced by gender-affirming hormones initiated during adolescence. This session is specifically about the fascinating research on the influence of sex hormones on the voice, and the physical outcomes of gender-affirming care delivered to adolescents; it does not focus on vocal training itself.