Why We Sing

Overview

"Hollander brings us memories, life's events, political dedication and the deep desire to communicate, as well as giving us the history, the physiology and the social value of singing." - Peggy Seeger "This stirring celebration of song hits all the right notes." - Publisher's Weekly From lullabies to songs for the dying, Why We Sing is a fascinating exploration of singing in all its varied forms, from the personal perspective of Julia Hollander, song therapist, teacher and performer. Hollander explores singing's importance to our wellbeing, charting its extraordinary influence on all aspects of our spiritual, emotional, and physical lives. Why do parents feel compelled to sing to their newborns, and how does it help their development? What is it about song that brings communities together in harmony but also in protest? How come an activity that helps to embed languages and math formulas can also be used to rehabilitate Long Covid sufferers? And what magic is at work when people who have lost the power to speak are still able to sing?

Reviews

"A must-read for anyone moved by the power of song" - Lesley Garrett, CBE

Author Biography

Julia Hollander is a singing therapist, teacher and performer. At the age of 25, she was the first female opera director at the English National Opera, and she has staged operas all over the world. Julia is the author of Chicken Coops for the Soul and When the Bough Breaks. She has written for the Guardian and Telegraph newspapers and for magazines including Opera Now, The Spectator and Red.