The Superpower of Singing
How does singing bring health benefits?
Research shows singing decreases stress hormones, reduces blood pressure, and increases love/ feel good hormones. But for so many of us, the voice is the most under utilised, under valued and under trained part of us.
Our voice – both what we say, and the energy/intention behind it, is directly related to how confident we are. This is the first step – finding our authentic voices. It can be very powerful, and very subtle at the same time. And then, after discovering the creativity and range our voice is capable of, this freedom, creativity and empowerment spills over into the rest of our life, including the workplace. It can build connections to others, to spread the joy and wellbeing.
This experience for a human being is freeing and makes us feel good. And when you feel good, you perform better at work. Imagine the power of having your whole team, switched on, fired up creatively, communicating and connected together, what this could bring to your business.
Science behind the arts
Alongside her artistic career, Elizabeth is an accredited massage therapist (Dip of Remedial Massage, FHT), and trained in various sound techniques which she has been practising for over 20 years in clinics and hospitals around the world, including Beth Israel Hospital, NYC. She is a practitioner and teacher of Antaneea Technique (South Africa), and also Facial Soundscapes (NYC, using tuning forks on acupuncture meridians).
Since 2019, Elizabeth has been engaged in co-research (with Dr Isabel Hanson) on the psychological and physiological effects and benefits of singing on individuals and workplace environments. They have presented and published their research, ”RPA Choir, Singing for Health” at the 24th Australian and New Zealand Prevocational Medical Education Forum in Canberra 2019 and the Australasian Doctors Health Conference in Perth in November 2019.
Following these conferences, several hospitals and universities implemented similar wellbeing choirs for their staff based on the pilot wellbeing choir.
In December 2022, Elizabeth’s work “The Joy Of Singing – Connecting With Colleagues During A Pandemic Through A Virtual Wellbeing Choir” will be presented at the Australasian Doctors’ Health Conference in Adelaide.
Other professional achievements
Elizabeth is a current professional member of the Bigger Better Brains community, based on work of Dr Anita Collins around music and the brain.
Elizabeth is on the committee of ANATS (Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing Ltd), and has presented for them on the vocal techniques of singing both classical and contemporary music several times. She has presented and is also a mentor for early career singing teachers. She has also been published and featured as a singing teacher in their industry magazine.
Elizabeth was recently awarded the “Principal’s Network Award” in 2022 for “her commitment and dedication to the performing arts [which] ensures that both students and adults are provided with opportunities to build their confidence, develop their skills, and share their talents. Her unwavering enthusiasm is infectious and continues to add value to our school and community”. Angela Lyris OAM.
