a song can safely hold us …
WHO ARE WE?
The Singing Soulutions program was created by Kath Fathers, board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) and licensed creative arts therapist (LCAT). Kath has 20 years of experience as a music therapist and has been witness to the power of music to connect with our emotions and to hold us in safety as we engage in process. Exciting new approaches within the field of therapy (e.g. Polyvagal theory) locate trauma as being held in the body rather than in our heads. The Singing Soulutions approach of free body, free breath, free voice activates the vagus(vagal) nerve, which calms our nervous system and enhances our sense of wellbeing. Polyvagal Theory is summarized in this way: “How safe we feel is crucial to our physical and mental health and happiness”, and this theory aligns with the approach of our singing groups, where we aim to wrap a ‘feeling of safety’ in music - to develop fun daily practices and resource individuals and communities.
Singing offers us a sense of belonging within a world where many of us feel excluded.
Our Mission
To celebrate and develop singing together for our health and collective wellbeing, with a focus on inclusive and embodied music strategies to nurture healing, belonging, solace, relational and spiritual connection, and fun!
Our Values
ROBUST WELCOMING & CARE FOR ALL
FREEING THE BODY, BREATH & VOICE
pROMOTING WELLNESS THROUGH MUSIC
nURTURING INTERCONNECTED COMMUNITY
SLOWING DOWN
Not-for-profit
We are a not-for-profit organization that seeks to embrace the music that is everywhere, to support each person to locate their own music, and then use it to nurture a healthful mind, body and soul.
We recognize that music is a gift that gives the more we are able to engage with it! - and we are excited to explore all the many ways we can exercise our bodies, our breath, and our voice for our own health and within community.
MEET THE TEAM
Kath is a Welsh singer/songwriter and musician who trained and first practiced music therapy in the UK before moving to Syracuse in 2014. She is inspired by the uniqueness of each individual and passionate about the transforming power of music to offer a voice to the voiceless and a connection for those feeling isolated.
Born in Wales and therefore coming from a very small nation with a minority language, she understands both the challenges and the value of ensuring that every voice is heard, however small.
Kath is really excited to establish this singing program in Syracuse, as a gift from her home nation, which is known as ‘the land of song!’.
KATH FATHERS
SHE/ THEY
SINGING LEADERS
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CHRITIE BORLEY
SHE/HER
"The embodied, inclusive, joyful work of Singing Soulutions is bringing this heart-centricity to Syracuse and beyond!"
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KATH FATHERS
(SHE/THEY)
“Come and join us - with your laughter and your tears!”
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KARIN FRANKLIN KING
SHE/HER
"There's magic in music that connects us all, so let's make magic happen and connect with our voices!"
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ALISON MULLAN-STOUT
SHE/THEY
“If every space incorporated movement, breath, and singing, we’d all feel calmer, more connected, and more alive!”
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TIESHA MCNEAL
SHE/HER
"Singing Soulutions joyfully reconnects you with your inner child through music."
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MARY NICKSON
THEY/THEM
“This program encourages you to connect with yourself and explore your authentic expressions of self in community with one another.”
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WINTER RHODES
SHE/THEY
“Singing Soulutions offers accessibility to your inner child and a space to collaborate in joy!”
BEHIND THE SCENES CREW
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THEY/ FAE/ SHE
MARKETING & MEDIA
"It's music that nourishes our souls and heals our hearts. What an honour to help people share in community and song!"
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THEY/THEM
ADMIN & MARKETING
"I believe that music should be accessible to everyone, and I am thrilled to be a part of this journey of growth."
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SHE/THEY
MARKETING & OUTREACH
“If every space incorporated movement, breath, and singing, we’d all feel calmer, more connected, and more alive!”