A course which combines research, theory and practice to equip Singing and Voice practitioners with knowledge and practical skills to understand how Singing can promote Mental Health and Well-being.

This course, taken as a standalone does not provide certification or a qualification but aims to give a solid understanding of trauma and mental health in order to enhance practice and skills.

It does not replace other courses such as Counselling or Psychotherapy qualifications. It may be pursued further in the form of an accredited PGCert/MA Professional Practice (Voice Pedagogy).

This is targeted at Singing and Voice practitioners as an introduction to understanding Trauma and how Mental Health can be supported through singing.

Sessions will be a combination of tutor led presentations and practical activity as well as student discussions and sharing in break out rooms.

This programme’s workshops will be interactive and involve break out rooms, so we would encourage you to attend live. These sessions will be recorded but due to the break out rooms the recordings will be edited. If you cannot attend live, you will still be able to access a recording of the workshop, but it will be a shorter recording and it may not give you the full experience of the workshop.

Session One – Exploring the Research

Wednesday 13th January 2021, 5pm-7pm (UK time)

• About Mental Health and Mental Illness – definitions and understanding (including the impact of the pandemic)
• Singing and Mental Health – research overview and case studies

Session Two – The Neuroscience of Trauma

Wednesday 20th January 2021, 5pm-7pm (UK time)

• The ACEs study and impact of Trauma on brain and body
• Understanding primal emotions and links with voice
• The Window of Tolerance and Polyvagal Theory

Session Three – Principles

Wednesday 27th January 2021, 5pm-7pm (UK time)

• Research and evidence-based principles and approaches for trauma informed Voice and Singing practice
• Practical exploration of some of these principles through practise, discussion and exploration in more detail. What do these principles look like in the studio, class or setting?

Session Four – Practicalities

Wednesday 3rd February 2021, 5pm-7pm (UK time)

• What are the key skills and attributes for practitioners?
• Developing and honing empathy skills – how to not ‘fix’ problems
• Adapting to environments (e.g., face to face, online, different settings, individual and groups)
• Practitioner well-being. How can we best protect and look after ourselves and our own mental health as practitioners? Exploration of ‘compassion fatigue’ and the impacts of burn out.

Session Five – Consolidation & Reflection

Wednesday 10th February 2021, 5pm-7pm (UK time)

• Reviewing and reflecting on the learning and steps to putting it into practice
• Reflective practice – what does it mean and how do we do it?
• Practising and sharing techniques and concepts and reflecting on our own experiences

All sessions are recorded and will be sent out to all registered participants.