Why We Sing A Celebration of Song

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.

As a singing therapist, teacher and performer, Julia Hollander is in a unique position to consider 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?

By delving into her own life experiences, and calling on those of her fellow singers, the author seeks to answer these questions, underpinning her findings with the latest scientific research.

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.