Heather McClelland
Professional singer performing in hospitals and care homes. Offering high quality live music that is gentle, responsive, and meaningful—supporting wellbeing across all ages and healthcare settings.
Throughout my career, I’ve blended my work as a professional singer with a passion for outreach—both of which feel integral to my artistic expression. As a singer-songwriter, I’ve performed internationally, both as a solo artist and with my close-harmony trio The Sugar Sisters. Highlights include appearances on BBC Radio 2, The One Show (BBC1), and Children in Need, as well as performances at The Royal Albert Hall, Chelsea Flower Show, and Union Chapel. My music has also been featured in films, ad campaigns, and television shows around the world
Alongside this, I’ve worked in hospitals and care homes, providing live music that supports wellbeing. This work has given me a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment. In 2015, I began working as a musician at Royal Brompton Hospital. In my first year, I collaborated with the hospital’s arts team to create the Vocal Beats music programme, which was later shortlisted for awards by both Youth Music and the Royal Society for Public Health, and continues to this day at both the Brompton and the Royal Marsden. I’ve also worked as a musician-in-residence at Great Ormond Street and currently serve in the same role at St George’s Hospital. Over the years, I’ve performed in many care homes with The Sugar Sisters and as a solo artist, bringing music to residents across a wide range of needs and settings. My work spans all age groups and health conditions, including intensive care, oncology, stroke recovery, elderly care, and end-of-life settings.
This work in hospitals and care homes has profoundly shaped my approach to music-making. It has taught me to be compassionate, responsive, and flexible—equally at ease in group performances or quiet, one-to-one moments at the bedside. I’ve developed a broad repertoire of songs and always aim to offer music that holds personal meaning for each listener. A gentle, soothing vocal style is central to my approach, allowing the music to be present without ever feeling intrusive.
For me, music in these environments isn’t just about delivering high-quality performance—it’s about bringing sensitivity, attentiveness, and care. I often invite participants to choose the songs they’d like to hear, giving them a sense of agency and emotional connection. The combination of my professional stage experience and my work in healthcare has helped me develop a nuanced and skilful musical response that I continue to refine.
I’m grateful to receive consistent, positive feedback for this work. As much as I hope to offer something meaningful to others, I also receive a great deal in return. I witness daily how music can lift spirits, unlock memories, and offer comfort—and even after many years, the power of music never ceases to amaze me.
“
TESTIMONIALS
“My mum is 82 and has dementia. When Heather played her favourite song (on request), my mum sang along—my heart was going to explode.”
“Heather is amazing! A beautiful voice, a warm heart, and a healing spirit in every way.”
“My nan was becoming agitated and restless. As soon as we heard Heather singing, her face lit up. Heather was so lovely, and her singing was both soothing and uplifting. She made my nan’s day—which made mine.”
“Heather was excellent! She interacted so well with patients—really helped with patient delirium and boosted the mood of both patients and staff. 5 stars!” — ICU Nurse
“Wonderful to arrive and see a singer with a ukulele singing to my dad—some of his favourite songs. He responded so well and even tried to sing along. I appreciate this so much; it meant the world to both of us.”
“Heather’s music brought us together, singing along. We shared requests and stories about why certain songs mattered to us. A lovely experience—Heather is warm, friendly, and full of great energy.”
”