From lullabies to songs for the dying,Why We Singis a fascinating exploration of singing in all its varied forms, from the personal perspective of Julia Hollander, song therapist, teacher and performer. Hollander explores singing’s importance to our wellbeing, charting its extraordinary influence on all aspects of our spiritual, emotional, and physical lives.

• Why do parents feel compelled to sing to their newborns, and how does it help their development?
• What is it about song that brings communities together in harmony but also in protest?
• How come an activity that helps to embed languages and math formulas can also be used to rehabilitate Long Covid sufferers?

And what magic is at work when people who have lost the power to speak are still able to sing?

By Julia Hollander