Meeting in music: The role of singing to harmonise carer and cared for

Abstract

This paper reports on practitioner research being undertaken at the University of Western Australia in which singing is being used for its health and well-being potential with a range of community groups. The specific case reported here is a choir established for a not-for-profit organization, The People Who Care, who offer support for frail, aged people and those with disabilities. The organization approached the university to develop a choir suitable for paid employees, volunteers and clients. This emphasis on the carer and cared for is explored in this paper, along with a brief discussion of how in the case of this type of work it is both fitting and appropriate for groups to be run by community musicians and not specialist music therapists, although there is a need for core musical, social and facilitation skills. The paper discusses how, after one year, The People Who Care Choir has plans for sustainable development, alongside evidence of a great and growing harmony between its members.

Keywords:

• singing for health
• carer
• community musician