top of page
Search

Singing for Wellbeing: Baz Chapman on BBC Woman's Hour

Our Joint Head Baz Chapman joined BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour this week to discuss why singing matters for young people's mental health and wellbeing and why so many lose access to it just when they need it most.


Speaking alongside Julia Fraser, Head of Luton Music Service, Baz explored the science behind singing's benefits, the barriers facing 11-14 year olds, and practical approaches to keeping young people singing through adolescence.


The Science and the Connection

When asked how singing affects wellbeing, Baz explained the physiological benefits: "People have been brain scanned while singing and parts of the brain light up in a way that no other activity does. There's an increase in oxytocin, endorphins, dopamine, serotonin (all positive hormones) but also a reduction in cortisol, the stress hormone."


But the real power, he emphasised, is social: "That moment when you're singing with other people and you're attuned to what they're doing and you're making music together is incredibly empowering. For young people going through change, looking at their own identity, wondering how to connect with each other, something that brings them together to make music is incredibly powerful."


Explore the evidence: Singing & Health - the evidence


Where the Music Stops

Julia Fraser described the stark reality: "We've nailed singing in primary schools. We take 1,000 children to Young Voices, we have 29 school choirs. But then they get to high school and lunchtimes have been squashed, lunchtime clubs have disseminated, the arts are being squeezed and sometimes they don't even have a choir. The music stops."


In Luton, they've tackled this head-on. Last year, every Year 6 child learnt Miles Smith's "Stargazing", then sang it together on their first day of secondary school. "It absolutely blew the roof off the schools," Julia said.


Meeting Young People Where They Are

How do you engage self-conscious teenagers? Baz's advice: "Connection is so important: meeting young people where they are, finding out what they're interested in. That doesn't necessarily mean you've always got to do the songs they're listening to, but it's what works for them and how can they be involved in the process."


Julia confirmed that choosing the right material matters: "At the moment they absolutely love musical theatre. The whole Wicked sensation. As long as you get the right hook and include them in the music-making, you can get those children singing."


Singing for Everyone

Baz also spoke about singing with displaced young people: "Sing Up Foundation is really interested in what can help them integrate into a new area, doing something that takes them away from the horrible experiences they've been through. The safety of the space of singing is a really powerful thing."


Julia described four-year-olds arriving in Luton who had never sung: "We aim to normalise singing by the time they get to Year 6 so that it's a normal part of the curriculum, a normal part of school life. And they absolutely love it."



Listen to the Full Interview


The conversation also touched on singing at home, the popularity of musical theatre with young people, and how the arts can combat toxic masculinity—all reinforcing why maintaining singing opportunities through adolescence matters.


The interview coincided with the launch of BBC Get Singing, a nationwide initiative providing resources for 11-14 year olds.






Explore our resources:

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page