Welcome to the Singing For Our Minds brand new podcast series where we feature discussions and interviews with some of the leading experts in the UK on choral singing, mental health, conducting and wellbeing.
Our three amazing music leader hosts Jeremy Haneman, Nicola Wydenbach and Aga Serugo-Lugo interview guests and discuss a wide range of topics that will deepen your understanding of mental health and how you can embed it into your rehearsals. The podcasts will further enable you to become a better leader and help you take more care around your own wellbeing. Guests include top choir leaders Dr Amy Bebbington, Naveen Arles and Tom Herring, as well as singing and trauma experts Darren Abrahams and Nadine Benjamin MBE, long time BBC Singers member Edward Price, and music and mental health researcher Dr Yoon Irons and consultant nurse in mental health Ian Noonan, as well as performance poet Zena Edwards.
Mastering Group Dynamics in Choirs
Hosts Aga Serugo-Lugo, Jeremy Haneman, and Nicola Wydenbach discuss mastering group dynamics in choir settings. They explore topics such as how to support singers to sing in tune, maintaining group happiness, and mental health awareness. Jeremy and Nicola share insights from their extensive backgrounds in choir leadership, emphasising the importance of empathy, mutual respect, and the delicate balance between musical discipline and emotional support. They also provide practical tips for choir leaders to enhance group cohesion and performance.
Mindfulness in Music Groups
In this episode, host Jeremy Haneman, alongside co-hosts Aga Serugo-Lugo and Nicola Wydenbach, dive into the concept of integrating mindfulness into music group practices. Aga, a versatile musician and composer, and Nicola, a dedicated music director and vocal coach, share their methods and techniques for fostering mindfulness during rehearsals and performances. The discussion covers definitions of mindfulness, practical breathing exercises, handling performance anxiety, and managing post-performance reflections. The episode culminates in a conversation about maintaining positivity and coping with imposter syndrome as choir leaders.
Embedding the 5 Ways to Wellbeing in Choirs
A Discussion with Nicola Wydenbach, Aga Serugo-Lugo, and Jeremy Haneman
In this episode, host Nicola Wydenbach, along with co-hosts Aga Serugo-Lugo and Jeremy Haneman, discuss the integration of the five ways to wellbeing into choir and music group practices. They share their extensive backgrounds in community music-making and provide clear examples of how choir activities can enhance mental and physical health. The episode explores practical exercises for choir leaders, the importance of understanding song lyrics, and ways to balance musical excellence with participant wellbeing.
Creating Harmony: The Role of Communication in Choir Leadership
Hosts Aga Serugo-Lugo and Jeremy Haneman discuss the impact of effective communication on choir performance and environment with guests Tom Herring, co-founder and artistic director of Sansara, and Edward Price, a renowned vocalist and longest serving member of the BBC Singers. They delve into mental health challenges in professional singing, the importance of holistic excellence, and the need for open, two-way communication between conductors and singers.
Guests
Tom Herring
Co-founder and Artistic Director of Sansara
Ed Price
Longest serving member of the BBC Singers
Supporting Vocal Recovery: Understanding Trauma's Impact on the Voice
In this episode, hosted by Nicola Wydenbach, guests Darren Abrahams and Nadine Benjamin discuss the complex ways trauma can affect the voice and how singing leaders can support vocal recovery and resilience. Abrahams, a trauma therapist and coach, emphasises the importance of a regulated nervous system in leading groups, while Benjamin, an acclaimed soprano, shares her personal journey from trauma to healing. They offer insights and strategies for recognising and addressing trauma-related behaviours in singers, highlighting the crucial role of community and self-care for leaders in creating a safe and therapeutic musical environment.
Guests
Darren Abrahams
Trauma Therapist and Coach
Nadine Benjamin
Acclaimed Soprano
Darren Abrahams Headshot: © Glyndebourne Productions Ltd. Photo Sarah Hickson.
Nadine Benjamin Headshot: Devon Cass
Balancing Artistic Integrity and Self-Care as a Singing Leader
In this episode, hosted by Jeremy Haneman, the focus is on self-care and artistic integrity for leadership, particularly for those managing community choirs. Special guest Zena Edwards, a poet, vocalist, and cultural activist, shares her journey and insights on balancing personal well-being with creative responsibilities. Zena discusses the importance of reflection, maintaining dignity, and using one’s craft for self-care. The conversation also emphasises having personal mission statements and setting achievable goals for self-empowerment. Zena highlights the necessity for leaders to openly communicate their needs and the value of creating a supportive community atmosphere.
Guests
Zena Edwards
Poet, Vocalist, and Cultural Activist
Choir Leadership: Balancing Inclusivity and Artistic Vision
In this episode, hosts Aga Serugo-Lugo and Nicola Wydenbach discuss how choir leaders can balance inclusivity and their artistic vision. Special guests Dr Amy Bebbington, a choral conductor and educator, and Naveen Arles, a vocal leader, share their journeys and experiences. They delve into strategies for navigating choir dynamics, the importance of collaboration, and the role of communication and flexibility in fostering a supportive environment.
Guests
Dr Amy Bebbington
Choral Conductor and Educator
Naveen Arles
Vocal Leader
Mental Health Essentials for Singing Leaders
In this episode, hosted by Nicola Wydenbach, we delve into the intersection of mental health and music, specifically for singing leaders. Joined by Dr. Yoon Irons from the University of Derby and Ian Noonan, a consultant nurse and senior lecturer, the discussion covers mental health awareness, effective resource signposting, and fostering supportive rehearsal environments. Insights from music therapy and practical tips for choir leaders emphasise hydration, supervision, proactive mental health strategies, and self-care. The episode also touches upon the balance between artistic integrity and mental wellbeing, especially in performance settings.
Guests
Ian Noonan
Consultant Nurse and Senior Lecturer
Dr Yoon Irons
University of Derby
Presenters
Jeremy Haneman
Aga Serugo-Lugo
Nicola Wydenbach
Producer Julia Valentini
Editor Nouria Bah
Music Will Gardner