Singing in Balance Convention:
A two day exchange on increasing the accessibility and inclusivity of group singing practices
9th-10th September 2026
The Priory Street Centre, 15 Priory Street, York YO1 6ET
Registration opening soon.
Singing in Balance Convention:
A two day exchange on increasing the accessibility and inclusivity of group singing practices
9th-10th September 2026
The Priory Street Centre, 15 Priory Street, York YO1 6ET
Registration opening soon.
The Singing in Balance Convention (SiBCon) will bring together group singing practitioners and researchers to change the face of accessible and inclusive singing by sharing research and practice. It is an opportunity to spark conversations, learn from each other and develop connections through our shared interest in accessible singing practice and research.
The two-day convention will consist of workshops, flash talks, themed sessions, demonstrations and discussions with opportunities for networking throughout. The convention will include leaders in the field representing practice and research.
We’re welcoming contributions from practitioners and researchers showcasing and analysing accessibility and inclusivity in group singing. We are keen to hear from representatives of choirs and singing groups, conservatoires, universities and associated organisations in other environments such as healthcare. Contributions are invited which relate to the broad theme of accessibility and inclusion of group singing practices. We are keen to amplify the voices of specific groups, such as those with mental and physical health challenges, diverse cultural and singing backgrounds, LGBTQ+ singers, and a range of lived experiences.
Online presentation and contributions will be supported where possible, although this may not suit all aspects of the convention. We will be actively seeking to initiate collaboration between contributors for session delivery and will be designing the convention programme to reflect this.
If you would like to contribute an aspect of your practice or research, please fill in this Google Form. You can also find the Google Form embedded in this webpage (see below).
Deadline for submissions: Monday 30th March 2026
Type of contributions:
Contributions must be accessible to all participants including language and style.
Note that the selection of contributions is based on capacity and relevance to the theme and aims of the convention. We might ask you to change format if required.
15 minute presentation: explain/demonstrate your practice or research.
Flash talk: Pitch an idea, showcase your practice/organisation, 3-minute thesis or research article.
Poster: communicate key points about your practice or research with a visual illustration and explanation, e.g. handout, flyer, academic poster, banner or print out.
Workshop, demonstration or masterclass: a practical session on group singing, facilitation techniques or aspects of your research.
Panel discussion: propose an idea for a panel discussion.
The convention is organised by members of the Singing in Balance WRoCAH PhD network
PhD researchers: Dana Greaves, Bruna Martins, Emily Cooper
Academic staff: Helena Daffern, Freya Bailes & Renee Timmers
Practitioners: Kate Wareham, Emma Baylin, Mir Jansen