MY OFFERINGS | FOR ORGANISATIONS
My Offerings
My work is primarily concerned with the psychology of singing for stammering, autism, chronic illness and bereavement. My portfolio covers teaching, performance, workshop facilitation, research, mentoring, consultation and writing.
I offer unique workshops, and 1:1 sessions to help support voice confidence, bereavement and/or palliative care through gentle singing, grounding and compassion-based mindfulness.
Previous and current collaborations include the Association of Teachers of Singing, International Centre for Community Music, Singing for Health Network, Royal College of Music, Institute for Vocal Advancement, Sing Up Foundation, Young Lives Vs Cancer, The Association of Palliative Care Social Workers, and MD Brunch.
Inclusive singing practices
I have researched the elements of voice pedagogy and ethical practice that I consider to be paramount when working with the voice. My experience of evidence-based research, practical experience and specialist training has led to invitations to research, guide and mentor professional organisations, and music educators. A full list of international workshops that I have delivered is available. Here are a few recent topics I have covered.
Sensitive voice pedagogy for autism.
Sensitive voice pedagogy for stammering.
Adolescent mental health and voice work.
Ethical and professional boundaries for the singing teacher.
Inclusive and intentional practice.
To discuss your needs organisation’s needs, please get in touch.
Research Work
Research
I am an emerging researcher, with a BSc in Psychology and an MA in Voice Pedagogy (Singing for Health). My primary research areas are singing for stammering, autism, and child & adolescent mental health. I adopt a phenomenological research philosophy, with a special focus on exploring the psychology of singing through creative methods.
I have also conducted desktop research into additional areas that I have professional experience within; singing and bereavement and singing for palliative care.I am always open to new collaborations and connections with Arts in Health researchers.
Current Work
I am currently employed by the International Centre for Community Music (ICCM) at York St John University as the Project Coordinator for the AHRC-funded Singing for Health Research project. A collaborative enterprise between the ICCM, Singing for Health Network, and Royal College of Music, the project aims to collaborate and investigate with musicians, researchers, and health professionals on the impact of singing for health groups in communities, health, and social care. Please feel free to contact me at a.daraz@yorksj.ac.uk for further information.
I am extremely proud to be an ambassador and team member of the Singing for Health Network, a membership of health professionals, musicians and researchers. We aim to bridge research and practice across the sector of singing for health.
I am experienced in qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and I am currently assisting with the analysis for a project looking at singing for Long COVID.
Connect with me on ResearchGate.
My research to date has included:
Singing for Stammering and Voice Confidence
Singing for Autism
The Role of Breath Pedagogy in Singing
Singing and Dementia
The Pillars of Voice Confidence
Ethics and Professional Boundaries for the Singing for Health Practitioner
Singing and Adolescent Anxiety
Background Music and Task Performance – looking at the Mozart Effect
Writing Services
I write about topics that I believe to be crucial in music education and voice psychology today. I am available for writing articles, course content, lectures and talks on the subject of singing for health, music education, the role of the singing teacher, and voice pedagogy. Examples include:
Sensitive Voice Pedagogy for Stammering, Autism, Mental Health, Dementia | Facilitating Voice Confidence | The Voice and Self | Professional Boundaries in Singing for Health | Hidden Inclusivity | Well-being Considerations for Adolescent Music Students | Intentional Practice.
I am currently writing for several projects and organisations. Some of my recent publications are listed below. Please get in touch to discuss your needs or requests.
Performance
Performance
I hold a diploma in professional performance and have performed at a wide variety of venues over the past 25 years, including theatres, cathedrals, wedding ceremonies, functions and fundraisers. I sing a variety of genres and specialise in Jazz and Blues.
I also regularly sing for the dementia community.
