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About StarSong

Our Vision

          The focus of StarSong’s instruction & practice is to encourage you in deeper, more controlled breathing.

Our Approach

       The StarSong program uses an interdisciplinary mixed method approach designed to provide participants with an organized plan that includes breathing exercises, singing, gentle movements, mindfulness and social connection.

Our session goals include…

StarSong sessions always include…

A FOCUS on BREATHING

Participants learn and practice beneficial breathing techniques and exercises.

SINGING TOGETHER

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

MOVING

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

CONNECTION

Classes facilitate sharing life and meeting new, interesting people. Previous participants expressed feelings of closeness with each other, a dedication to weekly participation because of an 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 reduce stress, contributing to breathing control.

We are committed to the ideals of

  • Providing the means and methods to enjoy making music together.
  • Ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
  • Presenting outstanding well planned and organized instruction.
  • Promoting a positive atmosphere for both staff and participants.

StarSong Origins

            The current StarSong program was developed over 10 years by Denise Schulz who integrated her roots in music education with 30 years of experience as a professional church musician and choral conductor. She envisioned a program to combat breathing difficulties in first centering on senior adults and then for those suffering from asthma and COPD. Denise incorporated interdisciplinary areas including techniques utilized in …

  • Music Education
  • Choral Music
  • Community Music
  • Arts & Health
  • Vocal Pedagogy
  • Music in Human Services (including Occupational Therapy)
  • Music Therapy
  • Community Dance

          Significant concentration in Singing for Better Breathing (asthma and COPD)derives from an eight-week Arts and Health Internship in the United Kingdom under the guidance of Stephen Clift, a leader in the field, and through the Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts & Health https://sidneydehaan.wordpress.com/ ) as an extension of Canterbury Christ Church University (https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/ ).  Ideas and methods were also drawn from additional study and new research (post COVID).

As the StarSong method evolved, study, research, an Internship in the UK and multiple pilot programs all helped create StarSong’s current courses.
Denise, her husband Tony live with their Maltese “Harley” in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
          Denise Schulz is the creator of StarSong Music. She has combined her education, 30 years of experience and her passion for music by crafting a unique curriculum to benefit those with lung dysfunction.
A note from Denise…
            Hello everyone and welcome to the StarSong Music website! My name is Denise Schulz, and I created StarSong Music to support you in your goal of breathing better. If you struggle with lung problems such as asthma, COPD or age-related breathing difficulties, our sessions will teach you how to breathe deeply. Our methods can be used daily to support better breathing so you enjoy your life to the fullest!
               To improve your breathing, StarSong sessions encourage strengthening yourbreathing muscles through group participation in singing and other fun activities. Additional enjoyable benefits of participation can include better mental health and anincreased sense of well-being leading to a higher quality of life!
               I am often asked the ‘why’ – Why did I want to create StarSong Music? Over the years I have seen people in my family (my mother, grandmother and uncle) suffer from asthma and the debilitating consequences of living with this disease. Throughout my many years of singing, I continuously experienced firsthand how singing helped me breathe better. AND opportunities to make music with others always lifts my spirits, and improves my mental attitude. All these benefits are available to you too!

            The StarSong Music method grew from a process that began in 2015, but my education and experience began before then.

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

          It was my experience working with singers as a professional church musician, choral director and voice teacher as well as a 3-month Arts and Health Internship in England (Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts & Health through Canterbury Christ Church University) and the 10 subsequent pilot programs used to refine materials that have led to our current StarSong session content. This combination of interdisciplinary techniques includes elements from… A bit about my life: I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee but lived much of my life in Florida, Kentucky and Indiana. My husband Tony and I married in January of 1998, and we, with our Maltese “Harley,” currently live in the BEAUTIFUL Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
           A bit about my life: I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee but lived much of my life in Florida, Kentucky and Indiana. My husband Tony and I married in January of 1998, and we, with our Maltese “Harley,” currently live in the BEAUTIFUL Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.