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About StarSong

Our Vision

The purpose of StarSong is to help you breathe better.

Our Creator

Denise Schulz is the creator of StarSong Music. She designed this unique curriculum to aid those with lung dysfunction.

A note from Denise…

             Hello! I created StarSong Music because I have personally seen people in my family (my mother, grandmother and uncle) suffer from asthma and the debilitating cost of living with this disease. Throughout my years of singing and teaching singers, I continuously experienced how singing helped me breathe better. The benefits of singing are available to you too!           

              If you or someone you love struggles with lung problems such as asthma, COPD or age-related breathing difficulties, StarSong was designed for you. Our sessions will teach you how to breathe deeply and our methods can be used daily to support better breathing, so you enjoy your life to the fullest!

Our Approach

               The StarSong mixed method approach includes breathing exercises, singing, gentle movements, mindfulness and social connection to help participants have more control of their breathing.

                Every fifty-minute session includes each element and purposefully utilizes singing to manage better breathing for those with asthma, COPD and age related breathing difficulties

Our session goals…

StarSong sessions always include…

A FOCUS on BREATHING

Participants learn and practice diaphragmatic breathing techniques and other beneficial exercises.

SINGING TOGETHER

Class members sing simple songs that many people already know and are encouraged to suggest songs they would like the class to sing.

MOVING

We use gentle, chair-based movements that are appropriate to people of all shapes and sizes to loosen up the body.

CONNECTION

Classes facilitate meeting new, interesting people and sharing life together. Previous participants expressed feelings of closeness with each other, a dedication to weekly participation because of the interdependence with others. This sense of community and support impacts physical and mental well-being.

MINDFULNESS

Short mindfulness exercises are used during classes. These enhance present-moment awareness and help reduce stress, contributing to breathing control.

Our Commitments…

StarSong will

Present excellent, well planned and organized instruction.

Promote a pleasing environment to enjoy breath practice and singing together.

Provide a safe, positive atmosphere for both staff and participants.

Our Origins

            Denise Schulz, the creator of StarSong Music, first envisioned this program because her mother has suffered with asthma all her life. Using her thirty years of experience with vocal and choral singers, as well as intentional study and research, Denise designed the unique StarSong curriculum to benefit those with lung dysfunction.

             During a three month research internship in England under the guidance of Stephen Clift, a leader in the field, she centered on the practice of Singing for Better Breathing (through the Sidney De Hann Research Centre for Arts & Health under Christ Church Canterbury University),Denise discovered a vibrant movement of Denise discovered a vibrant movement of nurses, 

              therapists and artists utilizing the arts to help patients both physically and mentally. This Arts & Health initiative, ongoing for over twenty years, is accessible in groups throughout England, Ireland, Canada and many countries in Europe. Below are some examples of these or similar concepts.
             For over 10 years Denise intertwined aspects of her studies and research with thirty years of experience as a professional church musician and choral conductor.

Education

Master of Music (Emphasis in Community Music & Senior Singing) James Madison University – Harrisonburg, VA Master of Divinity, Master in Church Music – SBTS – Louisville, KY
Bachelor of Music Education – Stetson University – DeLand, FL

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Denise lived much of her life in Florida, Kentucky and Indiana. She and her husband Tony married in January of 1998. They and their Maltese “Harley,” currently live in the BEAUTIFUL Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Testimonials

The thing(s) I appreciated most about the class…
-were that it was a safe place to sing out and there were fun songs for us to learn. (K.G.)
-was learning about breathing properly to use more of my lungs. Also, getting to know new people. (A.D.)
-and what helped me most were the breathing exercises which really helped to strengthen my voice. (RH)
-the relaxed atmosphere and learning more about breathing properly and other technical aspects of singing (M.J.F.)

Why take Singing for Better Breathing?
After Denise taught us about the singer’s breath, I practiced using it in my everyday life. WOW, what a benefit! I was doing some yard work and pushing a wheelbarrow up a small hill. As I controlled my breathing like she taught us, I was able to do it! Couldn’t have done that before her class! (HH)
-I have COPD and feel much more able to control my breathing now. (RR)
-I took the class because I have difficulty breathing & was intrigued at the concept. (RR)
-The songs utilized in class were enjoyable to sing, and I liked making song suggestions. (KC)
-The community connection in the class was part of the fun! (HD)

Denise was very good at showing us the workings of the diaphragm as it relates to the singer's breathing and with providing material for us to practice at home. (B. H.)

As a teacher/ leader, Denise was very good at providing encouragement, positivity, and connecting with the group. (A.D.)

Denise used our class time well, keeping it lively and varied so we could get the most out of our sessions. (MJF)

I loved Denise’s contagious enthusiasm and teaching style. (RH)

I will encourage any "old folks” like me to check out the Senior Singing Classes and sign up for any sessions taught by Denise. I thoroughly enjoyed the class (I did not miss a single one); It was fun and I know everyone in the class enjoyed it. (BH)

Denise is knowledgeable, personable and approachable! AND, she was FUN! (SH)

Denise did a great job, and her passion for voice made the class so enjoyable. I really can’t say enough good things to express how great of a job she did, how personable she is, and how much I really enjoyed the course. I hope she will offer more courses, because I’m ready to sign up. (AM)

I love how engaging and purposeful she was in the sessions. My voice has significantly improved. I am so thankful for her expertise and encouraging environment! (LT)

Loved the clarity of basics for singing and to support breathing. Things like how to stand/posture were super helpful including tips on how to find that posture (like sweeping arms overhead and then lowering but keeping sternum raised). I found the way things were explained to be clear, and we reviewed/repeated concepts a couple times which I found helpful to solidify them. Also loved that we just did a lot of singing! Gave lots of opportunity to practice what we were doing. Denise did a lovely job creating a judgement free zone, where we could give it our all and not feel embarrassed about the odd squeak! (BVT)

I. The songs utilized in class were enjoyable to sing, and I liked making song suggestions. (Karen C)
II. The community connection in the class was part of the fun! (Hannah D)
The thing(s) I appreciated most about the class…
III. … were that it was a safe place to sing out and having fun songs for us to learn. (Kelly G.)
IV. … was learning about breathing properly to use more of my lungs. Also, getting to know new people. (Aiden D.)
V. … and what helped me most were the breathing exercises which really helped to strengthen my voice.
(Roberta H)
VI. … the relaxed atmosphere and learning more about breathing properly and other technical aspects of singing (Mary Jane F.)

Denise was very good at showing us the workings of the diaphragm as it relates to singer’s breathing and providing material for us to practice at home. (Bill H.)

As a teacher/ leader, Denise was very good at providing encouragement, positivity, and connecting with the group. (Aaron D.)

Denise used our class time well, keeping it lively and varied so we could get the most out of our sessions.
(Mary Jane F.)

I loved Denise’s contagious enthusiasm and teaching style.
I will encourage any "old folks” like me to check out the Senior Singing Classes and sign up for any sessions taught by Denise. I thoroughly enjoyed the class (I did not miss a single one); It was fun and I know everyone in the class enjoyed it. (Bob H)

Denise is Knowledgeable, personable and approachable! AND, she was FUN! (Shelia H)

Denise did a great job, and her passion for voice made the class so enjoyable. I really can’t say enough good thing to express how great of a job she did, how personable she is, and how much I really enjoyed the course. I hope she will offer more courses, because I’m ready to sign up. (Amanda M)

I love how engaging and purposeful she was in the sessions. My voice has significantly improved. I am so thankful for her expertise and encouraging environment! (Laura T)

Loved the clarity of basics for singing and to support breathing. Things like how to stand/posture were super helpful including tips on how to find that posture (like sweeping arms overhead and then lowering but keeping sternum raised). I found the way things were explained to be clear, and we reviewed/repeated concepts a couple times which I found helpful to solidify them. Also loved that we just did a lot of singing! Gave lots of opportunity to practice what we were doing. Denise did a lovely job creating a judgement free zone, where we could give it our all and not feel embarrassed about the odd squeak! (Barbara V-T)

Denise has taught me proper breathing techniques. I am so grateful for her! (Nary K)

I really liked how we were able to suggest songs that we wanted to sing as a group. The class was something I looked forward to on a weekly basis. Denise helped us understand more fundamentals about the proper breathing technique” (Zoe M)

Denise is a great instructor. She puts a lot of energy into what she does and makes it down to earth and understandable. I wish that she would offer more classes in the future! (Tim W)

I wasn't even sure I would be able to participate in this class, but Denise put me at ease immediately, and I looked forward to class every week. Denise's special blend of expertise, kindness, and support creates a wonderful classroom environment. (Sara H)

"I have taken two classes with Denise. Not only did I learn a lot, but I thoroughly enjoyed each class session. I really appreciated her allowing students to suggest songs for the class to learn and sing. I highly recommend Denise's classes...5 out of 5 stars!!" (Rob L)