About Esther
I have been a choir singer since primary school and throughout my adulthood, and have experience in leading singing groups at care homes and choirs in both Taiwan and the UK. I completed my training in Singing for Lung Health group leader with ‘The Musical Breath’ in October 2021. Part of my interest in Singing for Lung Health developed from my personal interest as I live with asthma myself.
Singing has been a big part of my life. I enjoy not only the singing itself, but also the power of how singing has the power to connect with one another (particularly with individuals from different cultural backgrounds).
I am also a qualified and HCPC registered Music Therapist, and I completed my training course in MSc Music Therapy at Queen Margaret University in 2019. Since then I have been working as a Freelance Music Therapist and founded Astar Music Therapy Scotland, and I have worked with groups with a wide range of settings, such as care homes and schools. I am passionate about helping others through the use of music. I also work with the choir at Stockbridge Parish Church and occasionally work as the organist too. I am really excited and grateful to have this opportunity to work with The Warblers.
About James
I have had the privilege of singing and working with a wide range of choirs for many years. Since 2015 I have been the Musical Director of Lauderdale Community Choir in the Scottish Borders. I believe strongly in the health benefits of choral and community singing, and how it can help people physically, emotionally and socially (to name but a few!).
My background has been in music therapy and I have worked with children and adults in many different contexts. From 2005-2013 I was the Programme Leader of the MSc Music Therapy (Nordoff Robbins) at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.
I also enjoying writing songs as well as composing and arranging music for choirs. I am delighted to be working with The Warblers!