In this episode of Coach Class I'm thrilled to be joined by James Sills, a freelance choir leader, vocal coach, and author of the inspiring book Do Sing. In his work, James advocates for the transformative power of singing, not only as a form of creative expression but as a remedy to the stresses of modern life.
His book encourages readers to overcome their inhibitions, find their voice, and experience the joy of singing—whether alone or as part of a community.
In the conversation we dive into his journey, the benefits of singing for health and wellbeing, and how you too can reawaken a love for singing.
James discusses his early musical experiences, his transition from being a classroom music teacher to a full-time vocal facilitator in 2017, and the importance of singing in fostering community, joy, and well-being.
He emphasises that group singing is more than just producing sounds; it creates a sense of belonging, connection, and mental well-being, serving as a remedy to the stresses of modern life. He speaks about his various projects, including community choirs, workplace choirs, and his online singing community, "The Sofa Singers," which he launched during the pandemic and continues to grow.
He reflects on the barriers people often face when it comes to singing, such as societal perceptions about needing a "good voice," and his efforts to make singing accessible and enjoyable for everyone. I also share my own experiences of being hesitant to sing publicly but finding joy in participating in communal singing experiences. Together, we discuss the powerful role that singing plays in breaking down the barriers between performers and audiences, fostering human connection, and improving mental health.
The conversation also touches on James' experience training as a coach with Barefoot Coaching, which has influenced his work and approach to group dynamics, leadership, and connection through singing.
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