Lavant Road Surgery, Chichesterpatients’ participation group

Dr. Rod PatonDr. Eileen Pankhurst

Dr. Julia PotterDr. Ruth Lowrywww.chi.ac.uk

Vox Anima Singing for Health the ‘Lifemusic’ Way

Singing in the UK (especially England) The Lifemusic Method The‘Vox Anima’ Singing for Health Project Interim outcomes and evaluations

Outline

Absence of ‘universal tongue’ (folksong) Strong media norms (e.g. ‘The Voice’ ‘X Factor’) Traditional choral societies exclusive Schools tend to narrowly define ‘singing’ Growth of community choirs Grassroots movements (NVPN, Sound Sense) Wider concept of voicework from therapeutic

practice ‘Gareth Malone’ effect Surge of interest in therapeutic value of singing

Singing in the UK

“I’ll do ‘owt but sing…” (participant before session)

“You made me sing you b*****d!” (same participant after session)

“I can’t sing – I’m tone deaf” “I wouldn’t inflict my voice on anybody.” (John

Humphries, broadcaster) Embarrassed laughter – protestations - flushing “Maybe you used to sing like an angel but now

you sing like a crow.” (music examiner to 15-year old student.)

Common Attitudes and Responses to Singing

Lifemusic challenges cultural norms

Everyone is musical

There are no wrong notes in music

Every sound has a meaning

Music making is an act of trust

Lifemusic Precepts

The myth of talent Re-defining musicality Challenging cultural

norms Musical ability defined as

sporting prowess Quality of experience

more important than value of musical object

Originality and imagination not dependent on physical or mental dexterity

Everyone is musical

Only ‘norms’ Imposition of “right” notes

political not musical Canonic values embedded in

musical style Potential for abuse ‘errors’ might be hidden

intentions (Brian Eno) Individuality and expression

limited by notion of ‘rightness’ Non-judgemental approach

necessary for creative life and for therapeutic focus

Schooling destroys creativity (Ken Robinson)

No wrong notes

The myth of the beautiful (not just in music)

Fallacious notion that there is a right way to sing

Exploring full potential of voice

Stepping outside of the familiar

Range of vocal texture linked to human potential

Different voices open up new channels - mental, emotional, physical

Every Sound has a Meaning

Liminality and improvisation (Even Ruud)

Communitas Hearing – Listening

– Sensing – Feeling Structures of trust Affect attunement

(Daniel Stern)

Trust

Participation Improvisation Communication Well-being

Lifemusic Ingredients

Direction of travel – from inner to outerConnects with the moment

Cannot be commodifiedOpens pathways of healing

Promotes synchronicity

Improvisation

The group had been performing an improvisation called “rainbows” when one of the participants actually saw one through the window.

“It’s a rainbow!

Improvisation and wellness

“Composition says ‘I’ improvisation says ‘we’ (Joachim Berendt)

Warming up - awakening Improvising - imagining Communicating - sharing Performing - witnessing

Vox Anima Method

Single GP practice – Chichester Patients’ Participation group University/community engagement Taster sessions Lottery funded Aims and expectations variable Average attendance 40-50 Total attendance since Jan 2012, 180+ Measuring well-being and health benefits Model disseminated through practice managers

Singing for Health – the model

Warm-ups…body and brain gym

Chi gong – stretching and singing

Speechsong Improvisation with holding

forms Traditional songs Rounds and canons World music – chants and joiks Spirituals Originals – specially composed

music Participants’ choices

What to sing?

3 models of evaluation

1) Psychological/Social2) Physiological3) The Lifemusic questionnaire

Measuring well-being

4 data collection points – April/July/Sep/Dec General health conditions and lifestyle Body composition Peak flow Cortisol in saliva Daily record sheets – sleep, medication,

resting pulse, waist circumference Evidence of improved sense of well-being

and “looking after oneself” Medical data inconclusive

Physiological tests

Motivation (Self regulation questionnaire) Quality of Life Social support network 2 time points of evaluation 1 month apart

Love of singing, fun and enjoyment (Intrinsic motivation)

Modest improvement in quality of life Strengthens self-identity

Psychological measurement

Makes you more cheerful Improves breathing Relaxing Increases alertness Promotes friendship Increases confidence Raises energy levels – revitalizing Reduces stress Promotes community, develops friendships Creates unique feeling of achievement/satisfaction Uplifting (spiritually) Helps people sleep more deeply Physical exercise Raises mental alertness Enhances concentration Opens up the personality Sense of elation Simple enjoyment Raises sense of perception – increases ability to notice detail Combats depression

Reported Benefits (General)

I believe that singing is the key to long life, a good figure, a stable temperament, increased intelligence, new friends, super self-confidence, heightened sexual attractiveness and a better sense of humor. A recent long-

term study conducted in Scandinavia sought to discover which activities related to a healthy and happy later life. Three stood out: camping, dancing and singing.

Brian Eno

Lifemusicwww.lifemusic.org

Putting the ‘hum’ into human