Well Sing Choir

From September 2023, the Well Sing Choir will have 12 weeks of rehearsals per term.  

The Well Sing Choir supports singers of all interests. 

RIAM's 'Well Sing Choir' is for anyone who just simply likes to sing. The ordinary act of singing can become extraordinary when a group of 'singing-loving' people come together. Do you sing around the house? In the shower? In the company of friends or on a night out? If so, this choir is for you! 

Maybe you sang in your school or college choir? Maybe like some, you were told you were not good enough or placed in the back row and told to "mouth the words" and have not sung since? Maybe you are at a stage in life where you now have the time to renew your passion for singing.

Drawing on a 'bloom where you are planted' / 'keep going, keep growing' approach to learning alongside honouring every participant's musical and singing potential, no previous choir experience or music literacy is required. 

Worldwide research and most recent Irish research tell us that the release of happy chemicals,  improved mood and overall well-being are by-products of group singing. Octogenarian folk singer Peggy Seeger says, "The physical act of singing vibrates every bit of your body and makes you feel hopeful". We all need to feel hopeful!

Group Singing is a life-enriching activity that can last a lifetime. As Martin Luther said, "As long as we live, there is never enough singing".  

Participants of all ages are welcome to join, and expect a regular cup of tea/coffee and a chat to accompany your experience. 

Please note: In an attempt to reduce our eco-footprint, RIAM does not supply paper cups and ask participants to bring their own "reusable" cup to the rehearsal.

Participants must be 18+

RIAM's 'Well Sing Choir' is a 12 week course that explores key themes in wellbeing through singing:

• Social connections: choir singing offers an opportunity to meet new people and develop social skills through social connection, bonding, and social inclusion

• Improved respiratory health: regular singing may help improve blood pressure, posture, and help reduce physical pain and muscle tension

• Good for the brain: singing in a choir keeps the brain active, is mentally stimulating, and challenges discipline within concentration and memory

• Good for mental health: singing can alleviate low mood or anxiety, and may help to fend off depression

• Singing is fun: having fun with old and new friends, sharing laughter and a smile through uplifting and motivational music

Here is what Well Sing Choir participants say:

• The Well Sing Choir is a brilliant idea. The classes are fun, and everyone seems to leave on a high note. I think everyone should know about this course as it’s food for the body and soul
• The time I spend at the choir each week is an hour and a half of ME time. Stress-free, calm, relaxed and chill out! Oh, and don't forget to BREATHE!
• I have been in Choirs in the past, but I never enjoyed it more than WSC. The accompanist is so capable and a beautiful musician. All the people there are so nice. Thank you very much to all!
• I look forward to each Wednesday and always coming out of the Well Sing Choir session on a high! Looking forward to the next term later in the year.
• I love every Wednesday with the choir. Beautiful music, lovely people and great fun. I love being a part of it, not forgetting our amazing accompanist, a true gent.
• I really enjoyed the Well Sing Choir. There was a very relaxed and no-pressure feel about our time there. Whether you can sing or read music, it was a great experience, and I highly recommend Well Sing Choir.
• I enjoyed the choir experience so much - people were very friendly, and a few of us went for coffee and a chat afterwards! It is great to meet other people - we have even arranged to meet over the summer for walks/coffee! A Big Thank You for providing me with a truly joyful experience!
• The course surpassed my expectations, making the experience extremely beneficial and enjoyable. Singers are being challenged to perform well while causing no stress. We were also very fortunate to have such an excellent accompanist. Many thanks to all involved in RIAM who made this possible.

Mary Walsh

A conductor and singer from Sligo, Mary Walsh completed an MA and BMus in the MTU Cork School of Music, Cork.

She is the artistic director of the Dublin Welsh Male Voice Choir, performing a busy schedule of concerts and events throughout the year and across the country.

Mary is a vocal coach at Newpark Academy of Music where she conducts the Newpark Junior Choir, and is the music specialist in St. Mary's Primary School, Rathmines where she conducts the Boys Choir. She is the festival director for the Newpark Festival. Mary was the 2023 conductor-in-training with the Irish Youth Choir directed by Bernie Sherlock.

Mary was the assistant conductor for Horse Ape Bird, an opera produced by Irish National Opera in association with Music Generation. She was assistant conductor to Stephen Barlow for the opera Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland produced by Opera Collective Ireland.

Mary is the artistic director of the Wexford Gateway Orchestra. She was a finalist in the 2023 Dublin Feis Ceoil Conducting Competition where she conducted the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. As part of the 2022 National Concert Hall Female Conductor Programme she took part in masterclasses with David Brophy and Robert Houlihan and was selected to conduct the National Symphony Orchestra in the final concert of the programme.

She has received masterclasses from Sian Edwards and Alice Farnham as part of the 2021 Sorrell Women’s Conducting Programme in the Royal Academy of Music, London.

A keen singer herself, she sings soprano with the international award-winning chamber choir New Dublin Voices.