About Us

Rhyme N Shine offers person-centred singing sessions to anyone with a disability whether that’s in a group, 1:1, workshop or party. We focus on bringing out the best in everyone in their own unique way and knock down those barriers to help you become the best performer you can be!

Just because you are non-speaking or have a speech impairment doesn’t mean you’re unable to sing, it just means you can sing in whichever way you feel most comfortable and most confident and that’s pretty amazing if you ask me!

Singing is so much more than just holding a note or singing lyrics on a sheet, it’s the way it makes you feel, the social aspect of it. Not to mention the amazing physical benefits it can have on someone, especially those with complex health needs! Breath control is a big factor in singing, taking those big breaths leads to creating sound and volume, which results in having stronger lungs.

The best part about singing with all the amazing Rhyme N Shine singers is seeing their confidence growing all the time and shine like the absolute superstars that they are!

My name's Vanessa, the founder of Rhyme N Shine. I went to a performing arts college and studied Musical Theatre up until I was 18. I did all the talent shows and school productions, I just couldn't get enough! After school, I travelled to America to work with children with additional needs at a summer camp. We did lots of singing around the camp fire and even put on a production of Beauty and the Beast which they loved getting involved in. Since then, I have been working with children and young adults with special needs as well as singing at weddings and other events.

At the beginning of the 2020 pandemic most of the young people I worked with went into self-isolation or was instructed to shield by the government due to their complex health; this was where the idea came to mind. I started running virtual singing sessions and soon discovered that it really lifted up their spirits and gave them something to look forward to. The parents and young people always gave positive feedback which gave me the motivation to expand to more people. With my expertise, I try to adapt to each individual to give them the best musical experience possible.

Research has shown that singing helps in many ways for your health both mentally and physically. 

It can help boost your immunity and lung function, as well as lower stress levels. Music therapy has shown to be an effective treatment for epilepsy, brain injuries, Alzheimer's and many more conditions. Music also helps with brain stimulation by strengthening areas such as speech, language, focusing and attention, which has proven to be the weaker areas in children and young people with a learning disability. The repetition of rhythm and melody help our brains to form patterns that enhance our memory.

Effective communication is a crucial aspect of any singing session since everyone has their own distinct way of expressing themselves.  We take the time to learn each individual's way of communicating during our sessions to make them feel valued, understood and allow them to have the best singing experience possible.