The Starling Arts Philosophy

Using music to connect people is at the heart of Starling Arts' work; whether it's with our choir community in London, using singing and performance to connect people in businesses, schools and charities, or producing musicals with young people. Starling Arts' goal is to provide fun, accessible and high quality arts experiences for everyone and anyone, whatever their previous life or musical experience.

We met while studying at London's Central School of Speech and Drama and connected by singing around the piano in our flat share. Using our background as performers and facilitators, we decided to set up Starling Arts in 2010 and since then we've been exploring the ways singing can forge new friendships, improve wellbeing and connect people.  

Our own friendship, built on our mutual love of singing with others, is at the root of an ever-growing community; a community that connects far beyond its immediate singers to their friends, family, colleagues and neighbours as well. Group singing is a great leveller, democratic by nature and accessible to all. It is these qualities that make singing such a powerful tool.  Find out more about our philosophy by watching the TEDx talk we gave in 2015 titled 'Why the World Needs to Sing'.

We have worked with thousands of young people, students and amateur adult singers in choirs, community groups and businesses. In addition to our three choirs, our clients include banks and accountancy firms, national media groups, charities, fashion brands and the health sector, and we continue to explore the benefits of singing for health, wellbeing and community, whoever we sing with. 

We run a range of vibrant singing, performance and training workshops for businesses, arts organisations, schools and communities. 

We hope to sing with you soon!

Anna and Emily

Anna Shields and Emily Garsin
Co-Founders and Directors of Starling Arts