Welcome to The Musical Self

Hi; I’m Abi. Welcome to my little space on the internet; The Musical Self. Thank you for visiting.

A couple of years ago I reached a milestone of 20 years since completion of my first music training. Reflecting on my professional practice and how it has evolved over the past two decades, I felt a need to honour the voices that I have had the pleasure to work with. Like many musicians, I have a portfolio that includes teaching, performance, research, mentoring and writing. Throughout all of these areas, I have been driven by one purpose; to facilitate the relationship individuals have with their voice and musical self. 

I specialise in therapeutic educational practice, with a strong philosophy that everyone has a right to sing, enjoy and have access to music in their lives. I work with marginalised groups and warmly welcome connections with people who have additional needs, or chronic health conditions, as well as organisations or practitioners who wish to enhance their work with these populations. I design and deliver long and short-term programmes of sensitive singing facilitation for bereavement, dementia and palliative care, working at an intersection of psychology, music education, voice pedagogy and singing for health.

There is an awareness that I am privileged. Having a background in psychology, I have had the unique opportunity to spend time researching and developing the craft of holistic, bespoke 1:1 singing lessons, working with self-referred students of all ages and genders. When we are working with someone’s voice or musical journey, we are working with their sense of Self. Across all areas of my work, it is evident that singing can open a window for self-expression, self-awareness and identity. This is particularly significant if speech is difficult to access, traditional means of communication are a challenge, or when emotions are too complex and painful to visit.   

The Musical Self is concerned with the psychology of singing; holistic and sensitive singing facilitation for neurodiversity, illness and bereavement. I hope this new venture, encompassing all areas of my portfolio work, gives space for individuals to explore their sense of identity and musical journey with renewed intention and structure. I hope to also provide an opportunity for like-minded musicians, singers and educators to seek out support and encouragement in finding their strengths, intentions and identity within their fields and specialisms.

Do you love listening to music? Do you sing at all for yourself? Are you working in the sector? I’d love to hear from you. If you would like to continue the conversation, please drop a line below or contact me here.