As storytellers we work with many diverse groups of people and we are always looking for the best ways to connect. We want to communicate our stories as vividly as possible, but also to enable others to take part in sharing and creating their own stories. Using music and song with the spoken word certainly can enhance the atmosphere of the tale, make the action more dynamic and allow the narrative to breath through the natural flow between music and voice, but it can do even more than that. It is a powerful tool when working with groups in care homes and local communities, children with learning and physical challenges, and even with international audiences. There are many fun ways to work with a group to develop a story and weave in music. It is an opportunity to create together and play with elements like language, rhythm, range, tonality, dynamics and tempo of both the spoken word and the music. Often by incorporating familiar melodies and songs into the story an instant connection occurs which can then spark off a dialogue leading to the sharing of memories and stories.
