Lullabies are probably universal. Lullabies (or cradle songs) are soothing and gentle songs often sung to children to help them sleep. They’re also used for the development of communication skills, to keep an infant’s attention, to regulate behaviour and even to pass down or strengthen the cultural roles and practices.

But lullabies aren’t exclusively for children! They can equally well soothe adults. Lullabies have been shown to reduce heart rate, help people to transition to sleep, and reduce stress. One study found lullabies to be the most successful type of music or sound for relieving stress and improving overall psychological health.

Following the success Chris’s first Lullabies weekend in 2024, he is eager to share a whole new bunch of lullabies that he has discovered.

The melodies of lullabies are usually simple and repetitive and often in 6/8 time. This gives them a characteristic rocking motion, mimicking the movement a baby feels in the womb as the mother moves. Lullabies are usually slow and almost never have musical accompaniment.

Many beautiful lullabies have been arranged with gorgeous harmonies to create soothing, gentle songs with a full sound. We will be learning some of these arrangements from many different cultural traditions across the globe. Chris teaches everything by ear so there is no need to read music (and there will be no sheet music available). There will be a break on the Saturday afternoon to explore Salisbury.

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