Symposium on ‘Singing, Health & Wellbeing’ at City of Derry International Choral Festival

City of Derry International Choral Festival will host a Symposium on ‘Singing, Health & Wellbeing’ with industry experts on 24 October 2018 at Ulster University Magee.

Speakers will include Sophie Lee, a PhD student in the research team of Dr Hilary Moss, Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at University of Limerick.

https://derrychoirfest.com/2018-festival/

Additional Information

Research regarding the potential health benefits of singing is well developed, with a large body of work to support singing as a health and wellbeing intervention. Studies investigating the benefits of singing include evidence of the positive impact of singing on dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary and respiratory disease and cancer. Singing is also indicated as a protective factor for cognitive decline. A review of literature on singing and respiratory health reported trends of positive physical and/or quality of life outcomes after a series of singing lessons. Significant positive benefits are also associated with singing lullabies to pre-natal and newly born babies, particularly parent-infant bonding and post-natal depression. Larger and longer-term trials are recommended by most studies. A growing interest in the impact of singing on health and wellbeing has seen a dramatic increase in the number of choirs in recent years, in particular the growth of choirs for people with dementia and workplace choirs.

Researchers at the University of Limerick are developing an expert centre on singing and health research. This builds on existing work at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance which houses experts in community music, Irish traditional singing, singing and social integration, ritual chant and music therapy. The new research, led by Dr Hilary Moss, focuses on the health and well-being benefits associated with choir singing, with special emphasis on singing for people living with chronic health conditions.

For further information, contact Hilary Moss: hilary.moss@ul.ie