Introduction
ParkinSings is a collaboration between Parkinson’s UK Cymru and Choirs For Good to offer uplifting community choirs for people affected by Parkinson’s and their carers in Wales.
Following a successful pilot and a further grant from Arts Council of Wales to continue the project, this next phase of ParkinSings (Sept 2025 – Aug 2026) will deepen our understanding of how group singing can benefit people living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones, and explore ways to make the project sustainable into the future. As part of this exciting next step, we are looking to commission a freelance songwriter to lead a creative and collaborative song-writing process with our participants across our 3 choirs, resulting in a bilingual ParkinSings anthem to be premiered in summer 2026.
About the Project
Until August 2026, fortnightly ParkinSings rehearsals will run in three locations across Wales: Bodelwyddan (Rhyl), Newport (Gwent), and Aberaeron (Ceredigion). Each group will be fully accessible to people with Parkinson’s and their carers, led by professional community choir leaders from Choirs For Good.
The songwriting strand will sit within this wider delivery, working collaboratively with participants to create a song that reflects their experiences, voices, and community spirit. The process should be creative, inclusive, and joyful - enabling everyone to contribute, regardless of musical background or ability.
We anticipate that the final song will:
- Capture the essence of the ParkinSings journey and the Parkinson’s community
- Be bilingual (Welsh/English)
- Be musically accessible for group singing (maximum of up to 3 parts of harmony)
- Offer scope for public performance
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking a freelance songwriter, composer or facilitator who can:
- Design and deliver an in-person, inclusive co-writing process with participants in three choirs across Wales.
- Work closely with Choir Leaders and the Project Manager to ensure the creative process aligns with the choirs’ abilities and ethos.
- Create a bilingual song that is musically and emotionally meaningful to the group.
- Capture participants’ words, stories and ideas sensitively and authentically.
- Support musical learning and accessibility throughout the process.
- Provide lyrics, and a basic audio guide recording and accompaniment for Choir Leaders.
- Liaise with our Freelance External Evaluator where relevant to contribute to creative evaluation methods.
Essential:
- Proven experience in community-based songwriting or co-creation
- Understanding of inclusive facilitation (esp. working with people with health conditions or accessibility needs)
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- Empathy, warmth, and adaptability in community group settings
- Ability to travel across Wales for in-person delivery
Strongly Desirable:
- Ability to work in both Welsh and English
- Experience with community choirs or vocal ensemble writing
- Familiarity with Arts and Health contexts
Timeline, Fees & Outputs
Contract period: January – July 2026
Total fee: £1,800 (inclusive of planning, delivery, materials, and recording)
Travel and accommodation: There are additional funds available to cover travel and overnight stays where required. These costs will be booked and paid directly by Choirs For Good in consultation with the appointed artist.
The songwriter will not be expected to make any personal expenditure beyond what is covered by the artist fee.
Expected outputs:
- Delivery of up to 6 co-writing workshops (across the three choir groups)
- Final bilingual song (lyrics, melody, chords, and/or accompaniment) suitable for formal choral arrangement
- Audio guide / demo recording (simple vocal or piano guide)
- Short reflective statement (max. 500 words) on the creative process
Performance:
The completed song will be performed collectively at a public event in Summer 2026 and may also feature in local choir performances and project documentation.
How to Apply
Please send:
- A cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining your approach to co-creation, relevant experience, and how you would facilitate inclusive songwriting for this group
- A CV or short artist bio
- Any links to one or two examples of previous songwriting or community projects
Email to ruth@choirsforgood.com by Friday 12 December 2025.
We particularly welcome applications from artists who are D/deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, Welsh-speaking, or from underrepresented backgrounds in the arts and health sector.