Grammy-winning artist highlights benefits of group singing for teenagers

Grammy-winning musician Jacob Collier has emphasized the importance of collective singing for young people, highlighting its potential to combat social isolation and foster confidence. Speaking ahead of the launch of BBC Get Singing, a new music education initiative, Collier described singing in groups as a transformative experience that bypasses digital isolation and builds a sense of belonging. Research indicates that as children enter their teenage years, they have fewer opportunities to sing together. A recent survey of 10,000 teachers in England found that one-third of secondary schools lack choirs, and 57% of pupils never sing together during assembly. BBC Get Singing aims to change this by offering free resources through BBC Bitesize, including song arrangements and instructional videos for teachers and students. Initial songs include Cat Burns’ ‘Live More & Love More’ and Bob Chilcott’s ‘Piping Down the Valleys Wild’, with more, including Jacob Collier’s ‘Something Heavy’, to follow. Teachers and students report clear mental health benefits from singing, providing emotional expression and enjoyment. Over the next three years, the initiative will expand with workshops, performances, teacher training, and research on the benefits of group singing for teenagers across the UK.