Becoming a
Care-Singer
Join the Singing in Healthcare team!
Upon completion of this course, you will become a certified Care-Singer, equipped to support the well-being and quality of life of people living with brain-related challenges, including memory-related changes, language difficulties, and neurological conditions.
Through singing, you will help create moments of relaxation, connection, and meaning — especially in times that may feel tense or uncertain. The training also offers a network of like-minded singers and care professionals who wish to deepen their work and use their voice in a meaningful way within care settings.
The course focuses on Individual Singing sessions. We offer a Q&A session about joining the follow up training becoming a Singing-Circle trainer. Your instructor is Maartje de Lint.
What you bring to the training
Musicality
You have a background as a singer and/or a professional in care. You bring a warm vocal presence and a healthy, well-functioning voice. Singing comes naturally to you, allowing you to focus on connection and attunement rather than technique.
You have a broad repertoire of songs and are open to expanding it further.
Personality
You bring a warm, friendly, and above all calm presence. You are empathetic and sensitive, with strong listening and observation skills. You are open to feedback and ongoing personal development.
You communicate with care and clarity, and bring a sense of structure and professionalism to your planning and organisation.
Understanding Brain-Related Challenges
In this course, you will gain insight into working with people living with brain-related challenges, including neurocognitive changes and neurodivergent ways of experiencing the world.
You will develop an open and respectful approach to interaction, supporting meaningful connection with individuals and their families.
You will also learn to work with your intuition and to attune to both verbal and nonverbal forms of communication, allowing you to respond flexibly to each person’s unique needs and expression.
Professional experience and training
You bring a foundation of musical training and/or relevant practical experience. Experience in guiding others — for example as a trainer, coach, voice therapist, music teacher, or performer — is valuable in this work.
Qualifications or certifications in these areas are recommended, as they support your ability to work in a structured and professional way within care settings.
At the same time, we recognise that life experience is an essential part of this work. Your personal development, presence, and ability to connect with others form a meaningful foundation for becoming a Care-Singer.
“Maartje’s passion and future plans for singing with people with sensitive brains are very inspiring. It’s fantastic that she shares all her knowledge and experience.”
Sanne Mallant, Caregiver Singer since 2020
The lessons
1. Introduction
- Online collaboration and technology
- Self-care
- Theory and practice
2. Care-Singer qualities
-
Your Qualities as a Singer
-
Art in Healthcare
-
Building Trust
3. BASE Methodology
- The BASE Pyramid
- DAS: Decelerate, Alleviate, and Still
- The Sound Brain
4. Individual Singing Sessions
- Intake and Focus
- Building a Session Structure
- Handover to Family and Care Professionals
5. The Science of Singing
- Learning from leading researchers
- Connecting science with practice
- Research and articles
6. Communication
- Positive Communication
- Upper and Lower Brain
- Listening, Attuning, and Participating
7. Repertoire
- Your own selection
- Client preferences
- Musical development in brain-related challenges
8. Improvisation
- Beyond the song
- Sound as connection
- Vibration and the nervous system
9. Completion and certification
- Personal supervision session & submitting your report
- Group assessment
- Certification
Assessment and Certification
The final phase of the training consists of a personal supervision session, the submission of a final reflection report, and a practical assessment.
During the supervision session, you will reflect on your development as a Care-Singer and receive individual feedback. Your final report offers space to describe your learning process, experiences in practice, and your personal approach to the work.
The assessment will take place in a supportive and collegial setting, where you demonstrate your skills in working with voice, presence, and attunement. For international participants, the assessment is typically organised online.
Upon successful completion of the training, you will receive your Care-Singer certificate. We conclude the course with a shared moment of recognition and celebration.
Do you have anymore questions?
Schedule and Course Format
The Care-Singer training is delivered in a blended format, combining online learning with live interactive sessions via Zoom.
We expect the next English-language training to take place in autumn 2027. Exact dates and times will be announced in advance.
The course includes the following components:
- Lesson 1–9 (self-paced online modules)
- Personal Supervision Session (one-to-one)
- Final Assessment
All live sessions are held online via Zoom.
Investment
The total investment for the Care Singer training is €1,995 (excluding VAT).
Funding Options
Many participants are able to receive (partial) funding through their employer.
If you work within a cultural organisation — such as an opera house or concert hall — we encourage you to explore funding opportunities with your HR department.
If you are employed in healthcare or a related field, professional development budgets are often available. Training costs are frequently supported as part of ongoing education, career development, or reintegration programmes.
Value of the Training
This training enables you to bring the power of singing into your professional context, contributing to well-being, connection, and quality of life for people living with brain-related challenges.
It also offers opportunities to share your knowledge within your organisation and to contribute to a more humane and responsive culture of care.
Would you like to apply?
We warmly invite you to apply for the Care Singer training by sending your details to: info@zingenindezorg.nl. Your application is entirely non-binding and does not commit you to anything.
After receiving your application, we will review your CV, your motivation, and the video you share with us via WhatsApp, including your two a cappella songs. We will then contact you to explore the next steps together.
We look forward to hearing your voice.