Aim

To give an overview to the context, background, research as well as content and delivery of singing as a tool for people with chronic lung conditions. Welcome to one another and the course modules. What do we bring and what we want to take away?

Outcomes

You will have a clear idea of where and when Singing for Lung Health began, its aims, objectives and outputs along with where it fits into the wider Arts in Health picture, including research and future plans.

“It is fruitless to try to change a breathing pattern until choices become available to a person in the way they stand and move” (Blackaby, P. 2018. Intelligent Yoga. Casita)

Aim

To provide an overview of somatic practice and the relationship between body and breath.

Outcomes

You will gain a greater self-awareness of your movement patterns and how they might impact on breathing patterns. You will understand importance of physical activity and expressive gesture. You will have a choice of activity to support both functional and creative movement. You will learn some creative physical warm-up’s to bring awareness to and promote better breathing.

Aim

To provide information on respiration and breathing mechanics and how these can be impacted by the pathology of a lung disease. To introduce how singing for lung health might support symptoms and management of breathlessness.

Outcomes

You will gain knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system, plus pathology and symptom picture of different chronic lung conditions.   An experiential session of Singing for Lung Health will provide and understanding of how singing can support people with different respiratory conditions.

“There is not one correct way to breathe, but there are common ways in which people restrict their breathing” (Farhi, D.1996. The Breathing Book. Holt)

Aim

To provide an overview of the inseparable relationship between body, breath, movement, voice and mind.

Outcomes

You will gain knowledge about whole body breathing, mapping and experiencing your own unique breathing pattern. You will gain knowledge and understanding of dysfunctional breathing patterns including hyperventilation and their relationship to physiology, psychology and pathology.

Aim

To provide an overview of how the voice works and optimum singing and breathing techniques to support someone with a chronic lung condition.

Outcomes

You will have a basic knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology of the vocal mechanism and a practical understanding of the most efficient breathing for singing. You will learn about some of the vocal issues affecting people with lung conditions plus a toolkit to work with ageing voices, people who have been intubated and/or struggle with dysphonia (voice hoarseness).

Aim

To workshop in small groups the delivery and content of the Singing for Lung Health programme.

Outcomes

How to work creatively and appropriately through music with physical, vocal and breathing warm-ups, sung repertoire and guided relaxation to support those with chronic lung conditions to manage breathlessness.
NB: This module will run over TWO sessions. Participants will be expected to participate practically and to co-lead sessions in break out rooms trying out different musical content.