In this episode, Melissa speaks with choral conductor and soprano Joanna Brooke about her unique approach to music-making that sits at the intersection of musical excellence and trauma-informed care. Joanna shares how she creates spaces where people can reconnect with their birthright to sing, moving beyond Western cultural barriers of musical elitism to foster genuine human connection through voice.

Drawing on her background in social work and over 10 years of choral conducting experience, Joanna discusses her innovative practice of reclaiming improvisation, shifting from production-focused to expression-centered music-making, and developing what she calls "singing as collective care" - the focus of her new PhD at the University of Melbourne.

Confronting Musical Elitism

• How Western contexts create feelings of unworthiness around singing
• The concept of singing as a birthright versus attachment to skill and ability
• Creating spaces for people to shed learned limitations and reconnect with organic vocal expression

Trauma-Informed Musical Practice

• Setting up spaces with trauma-informed principles without pathologizing the experience
• The importance of choice, safety, and never requiring solo participation
• Viewing disconnection from singing as trauma work requiring restoration

Reclaiming Improvisation

• Moving beyond jazz and classical virtuosity concepts to experimental, free-form singing
• Using musical motifs and compositional structures as containers for safe exploration
• The role of power-sharing and authentic participation by musical leaders

From Production to Expression

• Shifting focus from audience-oriented outcomes to present-moment experience
• Balancing expression-centered goals with aesthetically pleasing results
• The trauma-informed importance of ensuring beautiful collective sound

Feminine Leadership in Music

• Challenging masculine conducting stereotypes of control and certainty
• Exploring communal, open, fluid, and emotional leadership approaches
• The gendered aspects of musical leadership and ethics of care

Arts and Health Integration

• Bridging the gap between artistic practice and therapeutic outcomes
• The distinction between art-making and therapy while acknowledging therapeutic benefits
• Creating dialogue between arts and health practitioners

Joanna Brooke is a choral conductor and soprano based in Melbourne with over 10 years of experience leading choirs. She currently serves as musical director of the Monash University Choral Society and has worked as artistic director of the Jubilate Singers and with Gondwana Choirs.

With training in social work, Joanna's unique practice sits at the intersection of music and trauma-informed care. She leads research into trauma-informed creative arts interventions and presents at arts health conferences and events. In 2025, she commenced a PhD at the University of Melbourne exploring "singing as collective care."

Find Joanna on LinkedIn