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Neurological Choirs

We all feel so fortunate to be able to sing together again after the COVID-19 lockdowns, while so many people around the world are still unable to gather in person. New Zealand’s “neurological” (or “neuro”) choirs support participants living with a range of neurological conditions, focusing particularly on communication and quality of life.

Cantabrainers Choir (Christchurch), led by Kim Wade RMTh and Angela Reimer SLT, welcomes members in the Canterbury region every Wednesday morning during term time. 

Website: https://www.cantabrainerschoir.nz
facebook.com/cantabrainerschoir

CeleBRation Choir (University of Auckland), led by Alison Talmage RMTh, recently recorded an album track, “Celebration” with Auckland jazz pianist and composer, Ben Fernandez. Some of the choir participated in a concert celebrating the release of Ben’s album, “The Music Never Stopped”.

Website: www.cbr.auckland.ac.nz/choir
facebook.com/CeleBRationChoirNZ
E: cbrchoir@auckland.ac.nz

SoundsWell Singers, led by Megan Glass RMTh and Penny Warren RMTh, welcome members from the greater Wellington region every Friday morning for great music and great company.

facebook.com/SoundsWell-Singers-705452049615491

Sing Up Rodney  rounded off a challenging year with a celebratory morning tea. After a break during lockdown, a small group has resumed on Thursdays in Ōrewa and Warkworth, administered by the Kahikatea Music Therapy & Community Arts Trust and led by Alison Talmage RMTh.

Website: https://kahikateamusictherapyandcommunityartstrust.wordpress.com

facebook.com/SingUpRodneyNZ
E: SingUpRodney@gmail.com

NeLSONG  (launched in Music Therapy Week 2020) is facilitated by Colette Jansen RMTh, Luke Gajdus RMTh and Emma Matthews RMTh.

NelSONG neurological choir is now being held at Nelson Centre of Musical Arts (NCMA) Nile Street Nelson – Recital room – 10 – 11am.  Please sign in using your tracer app or contact details, and your vaccination pass. 

This is a fun group who enjoy musicking together.

The choir is facilitated by Colette Jansen on behalf of the Nelson Tasman Music Therapy Collective (NTMTC). 

Contact: email: ntmtcollective@gmail.com for more details.

facebook.com/NelsonTasmanMusicTherapyCollective
E: NTMTCollective@gmail.com

Brainwave Singers (Tauranga) are led by Dr Robin Matthews SLT.

facebook.com/groups/1123145097697724

Connecting Communities: MThNZ Neuro Choirs Promotional Video
(launched in Music Therapy Week 2019)
features the Cantabrainers Choir and SoundsWell Singers.
(Note, content warning: depression/suicidal, at the start)
https://www.facebook.com/1025218250854404/videos/241236146763621

Sing, They All Said, Just Sing
Short documentary film (Director: Sakshi Chadha) telling the stories about three members of the CeleBRation Choir, selected for the 2020 Doc Edge Film Festival.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqn9yup4A_g&t=4s

CBR Neurological Singing, Choir & Voice Network
Private interprofessional Facebook group for neuro choir leaders – new members welcome
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2000049436906577

Research & Publications
For neuro choir articles in the NZJMT, see the NZJMT Index on the journal webpage
or email the NZJMT editor: editormthnz@gmail.com

Music Therapy has not only brought our daughter great improvements in motor planning, finger strength, communication and attention span, it has brought her great joy as well. There is no place she would rather be than in a room making music.
John and Emma - Hamilton, NZ
John and Emma - Hamilton, NZ
“Yesterday was one of the most rewarding when we had a visit from a Music Therapist. What a great experience. To see a whole group of residents joining in by either singing, requesting, conversing, or ‘playing’ an instrument was a very emotional experience. The communication between residents was great and it was obvious how well they responded…it was brilliant.”
Family Member - Hamilton, NZ
Family Member - Hamilton, NZ
“We feel privileged to be part of these groups and to witness the transformation that these sessions bring about…extremely moving and powerful…Music Therapy is priceless”.
Staff Member
Staff Member
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Support Person
"My family have been thrilled with Liz’s Music Therapy and her regular reporting. Mum has dementia however I have noticed improvements in her cognitive functioning since she started her sessions with Liz. I know Mum enjoys her music sessions. I have no hesitation in recommending Liz – she has been a huge support in the care of my mother."
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“Pip has vast knowledge on how to engage and get results from children in her Music Therapy sessions. Her lessons are motivating and targeted for each individual child. Pip finds the just-right blend between the much needed structure that anchors and regulates our students, while always leaving room for improvisation, exploration, and musical adventures co-created with the students. Her communication with the family and team that supports the child is second to none, taking an interest in using strategies that work within the school/home setting as well as sharing strategies that go well in each session”
Justine SENCO Newtown School

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