"A Virtuous Circle": How Singing Supports Both Child and Parental Wellbeing

Inspiring Voices

Join us for a revealing conversation with B'Opera founder Zoe Challenor and Professor Rosie Perkins from the Royal College of Music as they explore the powerful dual impact of singing on child development and parental wellbeing.

Recorded during Maternal Mental Health Week, this episode combines accessible science with practical applications that singing leaders, educators, and healthcare professionals can implement in their work. Discover the research behind why babies listen longer to singing than speaking, how singing measurably reduces stress hormones, and the ways musical experiences create what our experts call a "virtuous circle" of wellbeing between parent and child.

Learn about Professor Perkins' research showing how group singing accelerates recovery from postnatal depression, and how Zoe's work in Birmingham Children's Hospital demonstrates improved physiological responses in babies during singing sessions. Our guests share tangible strategies for creating inclusive, responsive musical experiences that address both children's developmental needs and caregiver mental health simultaneously.

Whether you're a music professional seeking evidence-based approaches, a teacher looking for new tools, or simply interested in the science of early childhood, this episode offers valuable insights into creating sustainable, accessible singing programs across various settings—from libraries and community gardens to healthcare environments.

Tune in to enhance your professional practice and be inspired by the transformative potential of singing to nurture wellbeing across generations.