Meet Cynthia — A community musician and music wellness facilitator exploring the impacts of singing on brain health and well-being.
Q: What is your role in health research?
A: As a community musician and music wellness facilitator at the BC Brain Wellness Program (BCBWP) at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, I support programming and research that explores the uniquely individual and collective health benefits of singing.
My community projects involve singing, breathing and moving with children at St. James Music Academy and šxʷəxʷaʔəs (Thunderbird) Elementary, as well as with participants of the BCBWP in a virtual music studio. I often spend time at the piano during sessions, arranging songs in creative ways to spark engagement. I believe in the importance of carving out space to nurture creativity, often drawing inspiration from walks in the woods or shared meals with my family.
Q: What is your research area of interest, and what led you to that interest?
A: I was raised in a musical family and learned early on to care for others through song. The BCBWP provides an environment where I can combine music wellness with research, while fostering joy.
We have long known that singing supports well-being and helps calm the nervous system. Only in recent years, however, have we begun to understand the physiological changes it can bring. Increases in oxytocin and reductions in cortisol are measurable, and relationally, I am interested in exploring the embodied experiences and stories of awakened memories, connection and the sense of belonging that singing inspires.
Q: What is one of the biggest accomplishments or proudest moments of your career so far?
A: Last year, at the Music and Health Research Institute in Ottawa, our interdisciplinary University of British Columbia (UBC) team (music, medicine, education) shared the unified sound of synchronous voices in a recording created with BCBWP participants — a collaborative research initiative with the SingWell Project. Seeing the astonishment of our listeners filled me with the energy and motivation to keep refining my work in a virtual music studio space, so that even those who are isolated can feel the joy of singing together.
Q: What do you do for fun in your spare time?
A: From swimming laps in a pool to hiking in Whistler and playing pickleball, movement is a big part of my life, for which I am immensely grateful. I also enjoy curling up with a good historical novel and a cup of tea. But what feeds my soul most is time spent around the table with family and friends.
Q: What is your healthiest habit?
A: I regularly practice breathwork, which involves long, deep, intentional breathing whenever I feel anxious or unsettled. Breathing is like prayer to me, bringing calm to both my mind and body.
Q: Who inspires you?
A: I am inspired by innovative changemakers — from musicians like Jon Batiste and Jill Barber to authors like Suleika Jaouad and Melanie Falek — who tap into our shared need for creative expression. I am also inspired by my father who, as his dementia progresses, sings more and more, even exploring vocal harmonies. What a joy it is to sing with him!
Q: What piece of advice would you give your younger self?
A: Always be kind — share a smile, a listening ear or a bit of song with every person you meet.
