In this powerful episode of Leading Notes, we speak with Melissa Gill, former program leader of the Absolutely Everybody Choir, about the transformative power of singing for mental health and wellbeing. Drawing from her unique background in both music and human resources, Melissa shares how she created safe spaces for people experiencing mental health challenges to rediscover their voices – literally and metaphorically.

With remarkable candor, Melissa discusses the delicate balance between maintaining professional boundaries and creating genuine human connections in wellbeing-focused choirs. She opens up about her own journey with burnout and the importance of self-care in this emotionally demanding work. Through stories of transformation and resilience, Melissa reveals how group singing can help people rebuild confidence, form meaningful relationships, and step back into their lives.

Join us for an honest conversation about the challenges and profound rewards of using music to create positive change in people's lives, and learn why Melissa describes this as "the best and most important work" of her life.

Melissa G is a busy lady, and you may hear her phone notifications vibrating during some of this conversation - but what she was saying at the same time was too good to edit most the notifications out!

Upbeat Arts

Sing Sing Sing Dementia Choir

In this episode of Leading Notes, we speak with James Sills, a vocal leader, energizer, and connector who's revolutionizing how we think about group singing. From football terraces to corporate boardrooms, James shares how he's bringing the transformative power of singing to unexpected places, including his groundbreaking new BBC project 'Bantam of the Opera.'

Drawing from his journey from high school music teacher to innovative community music leader, James reveals how he creates safe spaces for authentic connection through singing, while maintaining musical integrity. He discusses his philosophy of 'meeting people where they are' and explains why singing is such a powerful tool for building community in our increasingly disconnected world.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about making singing accessible to all, the importance of running your own race, and how a portfolio career in community music can create both social impact and sustainable living. Whether you're a musician, educator, or simply curious about the power of collective singing, this episode offers fresh perspectives on using music to create meaningful connection.

https://www.james-sills.com/

https://www.thesofasingers.com/

https://www.james-sills.com/home/book

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cityofculture/bradford2025/bantam-of-the-opera/

Chris Blain discusses his evolution from professional a cappella performer to community music facilitator, sharing insights about inclusive music making and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can participate. Learn how his work with Men in Suits and With One Voice is helping to rebuild singing traditions and foster positive masculinity through group singing.

• Creating inclusive spaces for all abilities and backgrounds
• The importance of joy over perfection in music making
• Building community through men's singing
• Strategies for inclusive music facilitation
• The role of music in fostering connection and wellbeing

"Live music is about changing the way people feel. And you don't do that with excellence. You do that with heart and with soul, and with connecting with people."

"It's never about the song, it's about the moment you're creating. The song is just a vehicle."

"Just lean towards joy... I just started leaning towards the things that made me happier and away from the things that made me tired and grumpy and cynical."

• Men in Suits
• I've Got the House To Myself Today by Men in Suits
• Creativity Australia
• SUADE

Choir Operations Coordinator at Creativity Australia and conductor of With One Voice Whitehorse. Musical director of men's choir Men In Suits and director of Melbourne Singing Events. Former founding director of Vocal Australia and operations manager at MusoMagic. Chris brings decades of experience in both professional performance and community music facilitation.

• Men in Suits

• LinkedIn
• Join the conversation about positive music leadership and community music making
• Share your thoughts about this episode using https://leadingnotespodcast.podbean.com/

  This project was made possible by The Winston Churchill Trust’s Impact Fund, supporting Churchill Fellows to achieve impact in Australia following their Fellowship travels. Read more about the Churchill Trust and other Fellowship stories via the website ChurchillFellowships.com.au