In a powerful call to action, Grammy Award-winning musician Jacob Collier has highlighted the importance of communal singing in combating social isolation among teenagers. Speaking with the BBC, Collier emphasised that singing can transcend the digital barriers that often separate young people today. His remarks come ahead of the launch of BBC Get Singing, a major new initiative designed to encourage collective singing among teenagers across the UK.
The Decline of Group Singing in Schools
Recent research reveals a concerning trend: as children transition into their teenage years, opportunities for group singing diminish significantly. A survey by Teacher Tapp, which gathered responses from around 10,000 educators in England, found that one in three state secondary schools lacks a choir. Alarmingly, over half of the surveyed teachers (57%) indicated that their students rarely, if ever, engage in singing during assemblies.
This decline in communal musical activities is troubling, considering the myriad benefits associated with singing together. Collier, who credits his own success to early encouragement in music education, stated, “I wouldn’t be the person I am today without singing.” This sentiment underscores the critical need for initiatives like BBC Get Singing, which aims to reinvigorate singing in schools.
BBC Get Singing: A Major Music Education Initiative
BBC Get Singing represents the broadcaster’s most ambitious music education programme in a decade. The initiative seeks to engage thousands of 11- to 14-year-olds in singing through accessible resources on BBC Bitesize. Participants can find arrangements of songs along with instructional videos that guide both teachers and students through the learning process, including tips on vocal warm-ups.
The programme debuted with two musical arrangements: “Live More & Love More” by Cat Burns and “Piping Down the Valleys Wild” by Bob Chilcott. Notably, more songs, including Jacob Collier’s own “Something Heavy,” are set to be released later this year, expanding the repertoire for young singers.
Embracing the Mental Health Benefits of Singing
Collier serves as the ambassador for BBC Get Singing, a role he describes as a “total no-brainer.” He expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “Those of us who had the experience as children of singing in choirs never forget the feeling, because you’re part of something much bigger than yourself.” His words resonate deeply, especially in an era marked by increasing isolation.
Bekki Kosher, head of music at Parrs Wood High School in Manchester, corroborates the mental health benefits of singing. “It just gives them that lift,” she noted about her students, even as she acknowledged the challenge of encouraging them to see music as more than just a digital experience.
Students have already begun to experience the positive impact of collective singing. Fourteen-year-old Alesha remarked, “It’s how I express myself. Whenever I’m sad, angry, happy, I play music all the time and sing.” This highlights the profound role that music plays in emotional expression and community building.
Expanding Opportunities for Young Voices
Over the next three years, BBC Get Singing plans to broaden its reach with interactive workshops and performances aimed at young people. The initiative also intends to provide training for teachers and vocal leaders to enhance their ability to foster a love for singing among students. Furthermore, a research project is in the pipeline to investigate the benefits of collective singing on youth, further solidifying the initiative’s commitment to understanding and promoting the value of music education.
Why it Matters
The importance of initiatives like BBC Get Singing cannot be overstated. As teenagers grapple with feelings of isolation and disconnection, communal singing offers a powerful antidote. It not only nurtures individual confidence but also fosters a sense of belonging and community. In a world increasingly driven by digital interactions, programmes that encourage young people to gather, share, and create music collectively are vital for their emotional and social development. By investing in music education, we open doors to a more connected, confident, and expressive generation.
