Episode Details

Joining Alexa this week is Sarah Summers, who is a musical director, choir leader and vocal health first aider based in Swindon, UK. Sarah runs four choirs, including one for unpaid carers and another for staff and retired employees of the Great Western Hospitals Trust. She is currently studying on the MA Vocal Health pathway with the Voice Study Centre and has published some of her work with the Singing for Health Network. Sarah's research focus lies on the emotional well-being benefits and ethics of running a community choir.

KEY MOMENTS

‘It’s inspirational that they care for people at home but have this unlimited care for each other as well’
‘Carers come into the choir room with all of these things on their shoulders, so I try to make things as easy for them as possible’ 
‘Some people need help themselves to feel confident singing in the choir’ 
‘We try and change things to be uplifting when it needs to be’ 
‘Learning as you go is just as important for the choir leader as it is for the choir’ 
‘They come to the choir as much for the community as for the singing’

RELEVANT LINKS & MENTIONS

• Voice Study Centre
• The Singing for Health Network Publication
• Building Community Through Song: The Therapeutic Hospice Choir
• Who Cares… For the Carers? By Mike Kelly

ABOUT THE GUEST

Sarah Summers is a choir leader and vocal health first aider based in Swindon. As a leader of community choirs, her work is largely informed by her training in vocal health. Working with a choir of unpaid carers in her locality, Sarah has recently researched this specific community to explore how she can best cater to their needs as singers. Sarah also leads a choir of staff and retired employees of The Great Western Hospitals Trust. Sarah enjoys getting to know each choir community so that she can tailor her work appropriately. She is currently studying with the Voice Study Centre, as a student on the MA Vocal Health Pathway. Her research interests include how to ensure emotional well-being in choirs. Sarah has worked as an accompanist and musical director on local amateur theatre projects as well as teaching piano to private students. As a singing teacher, she works with adults to ensure healthy singing and build confidence.

EPISODE RESOURCES
Website:
happyhealthyvocals.co.uk

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