Singing for Good Health: Pain Management 2021

Who was this group aimed at?

This singing group was aimed at people living with a chronic pain condition such as fibromyalgia, arthritis and severe historical injury. You did not need any musical ability to join the group and all levels of experience are very welcome.

What happened in a typical singing for pain management session?

Led by trained Singing for Good Health practitioner Natasha Lohan, this group was designed to help people with chronic pain conditions to manage their pain whilst taking part in a free fun, social activity in a friendly environment. A typical session began with a vocal and gentle physical warm up before learning and singing some well-known songs.

The sessions took place online via Zoom and ran for 16 sessions.

Natasha Lohan

Natasha Lohan is a singer (holding a Masters in Performance from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance) who has 30 years of performing experience with music ensembles, dance and theatre companies in her native Ireland and the UK. Natasha’s interest in how voicework contributes to wellbeing has developed over 15 years of leading groups and individuals of all ages and abilities to realise their true singing self. Natasha has been the lead music animateur on Trinity Laban’s programme of older people’s arts activities and has specialised in working with dancers and musicians to find their vocal identities. Her approach is unique in incorporating her dance, theatre and vocal skills to lead fun and exploratory workshops in which participants are guided in releasing the daily tensions of life and exploring their vocal self. Grounded in a meditative practice, the participant learns to achieve a deeper breathing technique that calms the central nervous system, a skill that can be accessed beyond the sessions. Fun is central to her group work approach; Natasha aims to create a safe and creative space, a place to find the forgotten parts of one’s self.