About sing out strong

Sing out Strong is the UK's first family of wellbeing choirs and social-singing groups.


​meet our founder, EMMA 

"Hi, I’m Emma Rowland, the Founder of Sing out Strong.

I'm a professional conductor, composer and vocal coach, and I have depression and anxiety. When I was diagnosed in 2018, it was my music that kept me going and helped me refocus and move forward.

I've been conducting choirs for 18 years - it's my greatest love and passion. I've worked with children and adults of all ages, and led both community and competition choirs.
I've taught complete novices to sing and taken advanced vocalists to their greatest performance limits. I've also performed with Rod Stewart and Alfie Boe (and many more!).

I set up Sing out Strong to provide choirs, social-singing groups and popups, so that others can enhance their wellbeing through singing.  There's so much research on how singing is good for you and I know, from personal experience, how the socialising and group exercises can make you smile - even when you think you may never smile again".

Emma conducts our choirs in Hereford, Cinderford and Tewkesbury.

what is mental health and wellbeing?

Wellbeing is the general feeling of being happy, comfortable and safe, while keeping your body healthy and practicing self-care. Singing is a great way to do all this and there is so much research on how it can help you look after your body and mind.  Mental health refers to our emotional, physical and cognitive wellbeing and how well we are able to deal with daily life, with its challenges and adventures.

Here's a great example of an article all about the benefits of singing for wellbeing.

And here's a definition of mental health from the Mental Health Foundation.

what does sing out strong do?

​The ethos of our work is helping people improve their mental health and wellbeing through singing.  We do this in three ways: 

❶ WELLBEING CHOIRS

Our SING OUT STRONG: CHOIRS bring together people who enjoy singing, as a release from stress and mental pressure.  There's no audition necessary and no experience needed - you don't even have to read music!  We take men and women of all ages (adults) and have a great time making a joyful noise together!
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Read more about how to join our choirs here!

❷ QUICK SINGs

We run regular social-singing groups around Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, that you can just come along to for a good old sing. We call them our QUICK SING SESSIONS. These groups are NOT a choir. There is no ongoing commitment, you pay as you go, and you never need to perform in public. Rather, they are wellbeing groups, that give you a break from everyday life. We combine useful breathing exercises with socialisation and popular, upbeat songs.
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​Read more about our Quick Sings here!

❸ POPUP CHOIRS

In 2020, we will be bringing POPUP singing sessions to many big, local events, where passers by can just hop into our choir for a powerful "wellbeing boost".
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Read more here about what they are and where you can find them!

What makes Sing out Strong different?

"Unlike other singing groups, Sing out Strong is devised specifically to improve mental health and wellbeing, and I've used everything I've learned from my experience as a choral conductor for 18 years, and everything that having depression and anxiety has taught me, to tailor the Sing out Strong programme to provide that much-needed "wellbeing boost".

​That means I understand that just because sometimes you're sitting listening and not singing, it doesn't mean you're not benefitting from the session. I understand that some weeks, for everyone, are easier than others. And I understand that sometimes just being in the exciting atmosphere of a choir is exactly what's needed.

That said, once you get in amidst all the music, you'll probably find yourself bopping along in no time.

So why not give singing a try? It helped me, and it can help you too!"

Emma Rowland, Founder

who is Sing out Strong for?

Absolutely everybody!

It's widely agreed that everyone could do with improving their mental health and wellbeing and taking time to practice self-care and mindfulness - and singing is a great way to do this.

If you're looking to join a vibrant group of like-minded people who just love to sing, then check out our regular CHOIRS. 
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If you want to put some music into your stressful day, then please drop in on a QUICK SING.