Training

Sing to Beat Parkinson’s were delighted to host their 6th residential training course for the first time at The Grand in Folkestone on Saturday February 3rd and Sunday February 4th 2024.

The course offered an opportunity for singing and health group leaders to engage in open space and reflection, to share best practice, and to gain the additional specialist skills and experience required to run singing groups for people living with Parkinson’s.

The course was led by our training team comprising:

Nicola Wydenbach
(Director of Training at Sing to Beat Parkinson’s)
Trish Vella-Burrows
(Director of Music4Wellbeing, Sing to Beat Parkinson’s researcher and leading practitioner)
Dr Yoon Irons
(Associate Professor of Arts for Health and Wellbeing)
Matt Shipton (Programme Director of Sing to Beat)

with additional guest practitioners, Emily Renshaw-Kidd (Artistic Director) and Prof Grenville Hancox (Hon. President and founder).

"Completing the Sing to Beat Parkinson’s training sessions has really helped me to understand how singing and musical activities can help people living with the condition and also how the practice is closely aligned to medical research. I take so much of what I have learned into my groups in the community and have gained in confidence with the support of the network. Attending the course each year is such a valuable experience where I not only learn so much useful information but connect with other, supportive leaders and it is a really great community to be part of. "

"The Sing to Beat Parkinson's training is second to none and imperative for anyone wanting to use singing to help those with PD improve so many aspects of their physical and mental wellbeing. In addition to the information learned from the founding Practitioners and research Directors, the support and ideas from fellow alumni both on the course and via members groups is invaluable. I can't wait for the next one!"

"Attending the Sing to Beat course was totally life changing for me. I was so inspired that I gave up a 17 year career in the Probation Service to become a full time singing for Health Practitioner. It is impossible to put into words how grateful I am to Nicola, Grenville, Trish and everyone else involved for spreading the word and teaching us all how to help those living with Parkinson's through the power of singing. It's absolutely amazing"

Sing to Beat's next introductory online training course is scheduled over two weekends in November (9/10 and 16/17) later in 2024.

Our next residential course will take place in Folkestone on 7/8/9 February 2025.

We are hoping to schedule a one-day course in the Midlands later in 2024. Watch this space for more information. Full details will be announced nearer the time, but if you are interested in taking part, please save the date (s) and/or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.