“A huge thank you really. I think it’s really important work that you do and you’ve helped singing and music come back into my life for which I am supremely grateful”
Ruth Routledge - about me
I am a singing for health practitioner and researcher newly relocated to West Sussex/Hampshire, UK, after living and working in London for 17 years. I am passionate about the benefits of body, breath and voice work being used to improve symptoms of ill health and disease. I have experience working with individuals and groups of all ages to support mental health and wellbeing, trauma, high blood pressure and lung health conditions such as asthma and COPD. I have also extensive experience in creating projects for inclusion and to alleviate loneliness and isolation.
My journey into singing for health
After a degree in Music and Philosophy from the University of Birmingham I went on to specialise in choral conducting in Lyon, France, as well as studying jazz and improvisation. On returning to the UK I worked in London, founding community choir organisations (Vocality Singing, Choir Community, Pram Chorus and Night Chorus) and as a choir leader, setting up and running projects in schools, voluntary organisations, hospitals, care homes, work places, the wider community and online during the Covid lockdown. I also collaborated with yoga practitioners, co-leading voice and yoga retreats in the South of France, in English and French.
Pram Chorus at The Bedford, Balham
On founding Pram Chorus choirs for parents in 2012, I experienced myself and heard from members about the mental health and wellbeing benefits of singing, which started my journey into singing for health. I became fascinated by the biological mechanisms of group singing that are supporting and improving people’s health and quality of life. I now work as a singing for health practitioner and researcher, conducting my own research as part of a Masters degree.
My particular research interests are in using group singing to reduce blood pressure and improve associated mental health issues such as anxiety. Additionally, using group singing as an inclusive activity for adults with learning disabilities and carers, as a way of addressing health inequalities relating to cardiovascular health. I am also the host and producer of the Singing for Health Network Podcast, which aims to bridge the gaps between research, practice, medical practice and participation.
When I am not reading/writing research papers or leading singing groups, you can find me on the netball or tennis court, walking on the beach, playing the piano or eating cake in a cafe.
Professional memberships: Singing for Health Network, Musicians Union, Association of British Choral Directors, Natural Voice Network.