Coming soon…
We are planning our next online conversation for May, focused on supporting people living with dementia to join or continue to take part in singing groups (rather than for dementia-specific singing groups).
Previous events
Song Leaders: Looking After Your Vocal Health
Tuesday 17th February, 6-7pm
If you’d like to access the recording of the session, please register using the form at the end of the page and we’ll send you the link.
Experts from the Scotland Sings network met for an online conversation exploring how to look after your vocal health as a song leader. Hear from professional leaders with lived experience in vocal rehabilitation and vocal health best practice, Rachel Hynes, Laura McFall and speech and language therapist Carolyn Allen, chaired by song leader Penny Stone.
What to expect
- Gain an understanding of the biological voice system and how it works
- Challenges that are likely to effect professional voice users
- Tips & practical guidance to best look after your voice
About our speakers
Rachel Hynes combines her opera performance background with therapeutic music practice, specialising in singing, breathing and movement to support people with conditions such as lung disease (COPD, asthma), dementia, Parkinson’s, mental health needs and Long Covid through leadership of both community and clinical singing groups.
Laura McFall is a choral leader and music educator, currently directing the RSNO Chorus Academy Dundee. She combines performance experience with Kodály‑trained teaching, working across community, youth, and professional singing projects, teaching at the Royal Conservatoire and Jodanhill School with a focus on inclusive, accessible choral singing. Laura brings expertise in vocal rehabilitation.
Carolyn Allen is a speech and language therapist with over 25 years professional experience. She specialises in adult voice problems and adult stammering. Carolyn has worked with singers and actors and can help with any voice difficulty, eg. nodules, papillomas, muscle tension dysphonia, muscle tension dysphagia, spasmodic dysphonia, Reinke’s Oedema, vocal cord palsy and globus. Carolyn published a book in 2022 called Navigating Voice Disorders: Around the Larynx in 50 Tips, and works with the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine, Help Musicians UK and West End Voice.
The event was chaired by Penny Stone, who is a member of the Scotland Sings steering group.