Sing for Happiness
Can singing change your mood?
The singing will continue!
Our ‘mini’, festive version of Sing for Happiness, returns for 2025 – soon to be announced! Keep an eye on this page for more info.
We look forward to singing with you soon!
We launched this groundbreaking project in spring 2024, working with a team of UWE researchers to see whether singing really can improve your mental wellbeing and mood.
Working with local Bristol choir leaders, we’ve run three series of singing sessions followed by final performances at St George’s and Bristol Beacon, where participants learn to sing popular songs and take part in the research.
Hundreds of you have taken part, including many who’ve never sung before, or haven’t sung since childhood – we’re blown away by participants’ passion for getting involved with both the music and the cutting-edge research. We’ve also partnered with several local charities to widen access to the project. Sing for Happiness has made national news several times and gone viral on social media! Most recently, the project featured in Bristol’s Make Music Day in June 2025.
The research analysis is in progress – and we’re excited to say that Sing for Happiness will return in autumn 2025 for its next phase…
FAQs
These will be updated to reflect the 2025 project once it is announced.
Which Songs will I sing?
A mixture of Classic festive favourites and new.
I'd love to take part, but I think I'm a terrible singer. Does this matter?
No, not at all! The project is open to people of all singing abilities, including total beginners. You just have to be keen to take part!
Please note, the project is open only to people aged 18+.
We cannot accommodate people below the age of 18 in our sessions or as part of the choir. This is due to licensing, recording, and consent required for the research project.
I haven't sung anything since school. Will I be out of my depth?
No – our friendly session leaders are experienced at teaching and coaching singers of all levels. They’ll make sure you get the most out of the sessions, and will take into account the singing abilities of the participants. There will also be online resources available for anyone who wants to catch up on a rehearsal, or do some more singing at home.
Do I need to know how to read music?
No – there’s no prior experience needed and you won’t have to learn to read music either.
What will I need to bring?
Yourself! You may also want to bring a bottle of water, clothes you’re comfortable moving around in, a pencil (in case you want to make any notes on lyrics sheets), and a smartphone if you’re taking part in the project research (there’s an option to complete the research surveys online via a QR code).
What if I can't make one of the sessions?
Don’t worry! All songs covered in the sessions will also be included in the free online rescources if you want to catch up on what you missed. The final in-person session, on Saturday 7 December, will also contain a recap of all the songs you’ve learned across the whole project.
Where is it all happening?
The in-person sessions will take place at St George’s Bristol, as well as the final performance on December 7.
There will also be online sessions too, for those who want to join remotely instead.
My question isn't answered here, help!
Please feel free to ask and we’ll be happy to help.
