Can Singing Break Through Teenage Isolation? Insights from a Grammy Winner

Grammy Award-winning artist Jacob Collier emphasises the importance of communal singing in combating social isolation among young people, particularly as he advocates for the BBC's new initiative, BBC Get Singing. This programme aims to encourage teenagers across the UK to engage in group singing, thereby fostering connection and confidence during a crucial developmental stage.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Jacob Collier's remarks come ahead of the launch of BBC Get Singing, a significant music education initiative aimed at revitalising group singing among teenagers in the UK. The programme seeks to provide accessible resources and opportunities for young people, particularly those aged 11-14, to sing together and experience the mental and social benefits that arise from collective musical activities. Addressing the decline in group singing as students transition into secondary education, this initiative aims to counteract the isolation often felt by adolescents today.

Key takeaways

• BBC Get Singing is a new initiative focused on encouraging group singing among teenagers in the UK.
• Research indicates that singing together decreases as children reach their teenage years.
• Jacob Collier serves as the ambassador for the programme, promoting its mental health benefits.
• The initiative provides free resources via BBC Bitesize, including song arrangements and instructional videos.
• Upcoming features include interactive workshops and a research project on the benefits of collective singing.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the launch of BBC Get Singing, which is set to run for three years, several key milestones have emerged:

• 15 October 2023: Official launch of BBC Get Singing, aimed at 11-14 year olds.
• October 2023: Initial song arrangements made available on BBC Bitesize.
• End of 2023: Introduction of interactive singing workshops and additional song arrangements, including Jacob Collier's 'Something Heavy'.
• 2024: Plans for research into the benefits of collective singing on youth mental health.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The BBC's Get Singing initiative is being launched with the goal of making group singing accessible to more teenagers. This is particularly relevant in light of recent research indicating a decrease in singing activities among young people. The programme promises interactive workshops, song arrangements, and the involvement of prominent artists like Jacob Collier.

What was already established

Prior studies have shown the mental health benefits of group singing and music education. However, many state secondary schools lack choirs or opportunities for collective singing, with a significant percentage of teachers reporting that their students rarely sing together. Collier's advocacy highlights a growing recognition of the need to address this gap.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on families by providing teenagers with a creative outlet that fosters mental well-being and social interaction. As students engage in singing together, they may experience reduced feelings of isolation, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life.

Businesses and jobs

In the creative sector, this initiative may inspire new opportunities for educators, vocal leaders, and musicians. By providing training and resources for teachers, BBC Get Singing could stimulate job growth in music education and related fields, encouraging a new generation of music professionals.

Policy and regulation

The initiative aligns with broader educational policies aiming to enhance arts education in schools. With the BBC's involvement, there could be increased advocacy for arts funding and support for programmes that facilitate collective musical experiences in educational settings.

Numbers that matter

• Approximately one-third of state secondary schools in the UK reportedly do not have a choir.
• 57% of secondary school teachers indicated that their students never sing together in assembly.
• BBC Get Singing aims to reach thousands of 11-14 year olds across the UK over three years.
• Over 10,000 teachers participated in the Teacher Tapp survey, highlighting the current state of music education.
• Jacob Collier is a seven-time Grammy Award winner, underscoring the initiative's high-profile support.

Definitions and jargon buster

• BBC Get Singing: A new music education initiative by the BBC aimed at encouraging group singing among teenagers.
• Teacher Tapp: A survey tool that collects insights from teachers across England regarding various aspects of education.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Schools can begin utilising the resources available through BBC Bitesize to integrate singing activities into their curriculum. Teachers are encouraged to explore the song arrangements and instructional videos to enhance student engagement.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As more song arrangements become available, schools should consider implementing regular singing sessions and participating in the interactive workshops planned for next year. These efforts can help reinforce the importance of collective singing in promoting mental health and community spirit.

Signals to watch

• Monitor participation rates in BBC Get Singing activities across schools in the UK.
• Watch for the results of the research project on the benefits of collective singing, anticipated to provide valuable insights.
• Keep an eye on feedback from students and teachers regarding the impact of the initiative on mental well-being.

Practical guidance

Do

• Encourage students to join or form choirs to foster a sense of community.
• Utilise resources from BBC Get Singing to introduce new songs and singing techniques.
• Promote the mental health benefits of singing and music participation among students.

Don’t

• Do not underestimate the power of collective music-making in combating social isolation.
• Avoid letting technology replace face-to-face interactions in music education.
• Don’t ignore the importance of providing a supportive environment for students to express themselves musically.

Checklist

• Assess whether your school has a music programme in place that includes singing.
• Explore BBC Bitesize for accessible song arrangements and teaching resources.
• Plan regular singing sessions or choir practices to encourage participation.
• Evaluate student engagement and feedback on singing initiatives.
• Consider professional development opportunities for teachers regarding music education.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the aims of BBC Get Singing are commendable, there are uncertainties surrounding long-term participation and the ability of schools to fully implement the programme. Some schools may face budget constraints or lack the necessary resources to foster a robust music education environment. Additionally, the effectiveness of the initiative in significantly reducing social isolation among teenagers will require ongoing evaluation and research.

Bottom line

BBC Get Singing represents an important step towards revitalising group singing among teenagers in the UK, promoting not only musical engagement but also mental well-being. As schools begin to implement the programme, it will be crucial to monitor its impact and ensure that young people have the opportunity to connect through music, which is more vital than ever in today's digital landscape.

FAQs

What is BBC Get Singing?

BBC Get Singing is a music education initiative launched by the BBC to encourage group singing among teenagers throughout the UK, providing resources and support for schools.

How can schools participate in BBC Get Singing?

Schools can access free resources, including song arrangements and instructional videos, through BBC Bitesize to engage students in collective singing activities.

What are the benefits of singing together for young people?

Group singing has been shown to promote mental well-being, build confidence, and foster social connections, helping combat feelings of isolation among teenagers.