Cantabrainers Choir

Kia ora! Cantabrainers Therapeutic Choir Charitable Trust is a small non-profit organisation committed to enriching the lives of those living with neurological conditions, through participation in a therapeutic choir.

Cantabrainers Choir was started in 2012 and meets during term time in central Christchurch. Our members meet each week for a group therapy choir session co-led by a registered Music Therapist and Speech Language Therapist.

Choir members are at the forefront of what we do - choir is a marvellous therapeutic tool for neuro-plasticity or 'rewiring the brain', and is also an incredibly special community of amazing members and friends who support one another and make choir a huge success for all.

Fundraising is a really essential part of keeping our choir accessible to those who need it - which is why we are raising funds and seeking people to support our mahi (work).

Being involved in choir has been life-changing or life-enhancing for many of our members - individuals dealing with neurological illness or injury such as Stroke, Parkinson's, or Traumatic Brain Injury. These are conditions that have hit them in the stride of their lives and had a huge impact on them and their whānau (families).

We are raising funds at our Cantabrainers Winter Sing Fundraiser in June 2023 to support the members and deliver choir as an affordable and effective source of therapy amidst the rising cost of living here in NZ - which is having a big impact for those on fixed or limited incomes.

Private music or speech therapy is hugely beneficial - but it is out of reach for many people financially and by itself does not offer the same social connections that being part of a choir does. Many people experience isolation after a life-changing diagnosis or accident - and it makes a difference to connect with like-minded individuals who have similar life experiences, goals, and challenges.

Our members are bright, capable, and wonderful people and performers. We invite you to make a difference to their lives (and the impact on future members) by donating to Cantabrainers Choir and joining us at our upcoming performance.

Cantabrainers Choir differs from other choirs as:

- The singing is about learning to use the voice effectively again, in a fun way.  It is not about performance.

- It is run by a registered Music Therapist and a registered Speech Language Therapist.

- It is run in an environment where people with similar issues feel comfortable and less likely to be judged.

- It suits a wide range of abilities.  You don’t have to be a ‘singer’.

- It works on group and individual goals.

- Songs are chosen, developed and adapted to suit the needs of participants.

- It uses the principles of Neural plasticity

Our members do pay a small fee to attend sessions - but this is kept low and flexible through key funding from donations, grants, and fundraising.

At our Cantabrainers Winter Sing Fundraiser in June 2023, we want to raise essential funds to support our members coming to choir, and the choir's continued presence in the lives of those with neurological illness in Canterbury.

Please get in contact with our team if you have any questions.