singing This article aims to restore the balance a little.

singing and learning how to sing is good for you - singing coaching tips - for singing This article advocates that singing is accessible and enjoyable and very beneficial for us
teambuilding and workplace wellbeing all - individually and socially in groups and teams - and that singing is something that
Singing produces benefits and results that might surprise you. we can all do successfully and enjoyably, one way or another.
For thousands of years, in all cultures, in all parts of the world, people have been benefits of singing - theory
singing. Every person and every establishment on the planet can gain from the benefits of
Singing is in our genes and in human nature. The urge to sing - and to hear others sing - singing, whether the people concerned think they can sing or not. Here's why.
is in all of us. physical benefits of singing
Singing - like laughter, play, sunshine, countryside and exercise - helps underpin and Singing increases the amount of oxygen you take into the body as you take deep
maintain our well-being and happiness. breaths. This produces a feeling of alertness as more oxygen gets to the brain. As you
Singing is therefore fundamentally enriching. sing, you articulate and use facial expressions, so you improve muscle tone in the face,
This introductory singing article - particularly the idea that singing can be a very throat, neck and jaw, thereby promoting a youthful appearance.
effective group development activity in the workplace, is provided in collaboration Improving the muscle tone in the larynx, which singing does, also helps to calm
with singing coach Sally Garozzo, whose contribution of the technical content is snoring, which improves sleeping and counters insomnia, which in turn increases our
gratefully acknowledged. well-being and health.
N.B. As ever, when planning workplace group development and teambuilding activities Singing also improves the muscle tone of your rib cage, and in your back and
please consider the needs of your staff, and wider issues of support and commitment abdominals (belly and lower), because these muscles are involved in controlling the
from senior management. See the guidance for teambuilding planning. outflow of air and stabilizing the larynx as you sing.
N.B.2. Spelling note - Certain words may be spelled differently in UK-English and US- Singing stimulates the thyroid gland, which helps to balance metabolism.
English, for example organisation/organization, and behaviour/behavior. This website Singing also encourages you to strive to improve your health by enhancing your
is based in the UK and so spellings may be according to UK preferences/searches. If awareness of your body.
you use these materials in your own learning and development activities please feel Perhaps the greatest physical benefit from singing, is that singing gives you a
free to adapt the content and spellings for your local audience. 'molecular massage'.
singing - index Singing shakes, vibrates and resonates your very core, promoting detoxification at a
Introduction - Social, psychological, evolutionary aspects of singing 'sub-atomic' level.
Benefits of singing - why singing is good for you - physically, mentally, emotionally, mental benefits of singing
spiritually - theory/background As well as the fact that singing makes you feel good physically, learning to sing has
Obstacles and resistance to singing - reasons for obstacles, and solutions to overcome great mental benefits too.
them For example, learning to sing songs from beginning to end improves your reading skills
Learning to sing and singing team activities - how and why singing is a great group and and your motor skills, by developing the coordination between your brain and your
team development activity body.
Sally Garozzo - biography and contact details, for further information about workplace The process of singing and learning to sing, especially in a group, is highly motivational.
group singing Motivation is a complex matter. Singing, as you will see, effectively meets the criteria
singing - introduction for successful motivation.
Human beings have enjoyed and used singing in various ways for a very long time. The process of learning a song is a fascinating task, with a distinct start and an end
Our ancient ancestors started to sing - to make musical noises with their voices - soon product. It's an artistic activity, but also a structured and disciplined one, especially
after developing vocal chords, probably even before humans could actually speak. when we sing with others. We are therefore exercising our structural capabilities
Across the globe, across all societies and religions and ethnic groups, singing has been without necessarily realizing this is happening - which is very helpful for people who
a significant feature of human behaviour throughout time. might normally avoid or dislike a lot of discipline and method.
We know with some certainty, from observing the behaviours of many isolated ancient Singing helps to calm negative mental 'chatter' - the distracting unhelpful thoughts we
tribes discovered in recent times, and from the histories of other very ancient cultures, can all have at times - because you are focused on the job of singing, and this stops us
that singing - along with cooking, eating, dancing, etc - has been a crucial activity in dwelling on life's issues and problems.
bonding and maintaining groups of people - and in teaching, customs, worship and Singing is utterly absorbing and radically different from usual work-related tasks. Like
simple partying and socialising. physical exercise, singing requires a level of focus and bodily activity that shifts our
Our minds and bodies are consequently (evolutionists assert) genetically 'hard-wired' minds away from our usual patterns of thinking, even away from quite pressurized and
for producing singing noises, just as we are genetically programmed to listen and stressful attitudes.
respond to the singing of others, in many different situations and styles. Singing is without doubt a wonderful stress management aid.
Nevertheless there is a wide belief that only a few people can sing, and that many Singing improves your ability to listen. Very many of us think that we listen, but
people cannot sing at all. actually we don't truly listen, because we are too busy thinking about our responses.
You might be someone who says, "I cannot sing," or "I am tone deaf." You will certainly The process of learning to sing and singing, especially with others, dramatically
know a few people who have such a view about their own singing ability. increases attentive listening, and generally all of our levels of listening too.
However singing, and the human tendency to react and connect to the singing of Singing also opens up the intricate and complex aural world. You will begin hearing
others, to varying degrees and in varying ways, is in each of us. things you never knew existed..
If you doubt this, consider that each of us almost without exception, happily sings Significantly, learning to sing develops your ability to multi-task.
along to a chorus of Happy Birthday, or sings their national anthem on occasions, or For example, singing a song successfully requires that you:
sings hymns in a church, or sings chants at a football game or other sports/stadium sing the correct word
event. Consider also how nearly everyone (who 'cannot sing') instinctively sings along at the correct pitch
to the car radio when driving, or sing songs in the shower, or sings, or hums or whistles at the correct time
when working, especially a physical practical chore like DIY or mowing the lawn. with the right level of volume
Consider also how many of us sing songs and lullabies and nursery rhymes or ditties to and with the most appropriate voice quality.
babies and children. Consider how signing is used in such an unquestioning and natural Learning to sing stretches people, and will naturally and easily move you out of your
way in the teaching of small children about alphabets and numbers, etc. comfort zone and daily routine, which is very good for all of us. Challenges, when we
And then consider how we all - every one of us - sang when we were children - in overcome them, and doing different things which stretch us, make us feel very good.
school assemblies, in the playground, and in all manner of games. We feel great about ourselves when we achieve something. Achievement provides a
Singing is everywhere and singing is in every one of us, to one degree or another. huge boost to our self-esteem.
We can all sing, but of course many of us do not. Many of us choose not to sing and An additional and particularly powerful mental benefit from singing is that learning to
convince ourselves that we cannot sing or should not sing. sing a varied repertoire expands your mind into the world of poetry, and into poetic
Like lots of other natural human tendencies and behaviours (for example laughter, devices and the English language (and into whatever other language you are singing -
play, dance, creativity, innocence, and compassion) sometime between childhood and which is a different and exciting area in its own right).
adulthood, singing for many people becomes a neglected behaviour and capability, Learning and singing beautiful lyrics help expand your imagination and appreciation of
instead regarded as specialised or peripheral or unnecessary to our lives, unless you the world around us. This happens especially when singing songs from other cultures,
happen to be 'a singer'. which increases our awareness of diversity, and connects us in a very real way to how
At some time in our lives many of us stop singing. We may continue to sing a little in others see and experience life.
private, but not so many of us continue to sing publicly. We become self-conscious emotional benefits of singing
about it. Perhaps because we become too grown-up, or feel that singing is not an Singing can open the hardest of hearts, and release firmly locked-in passions and
appropriate or acceptable behaviour. Crucially we lose confidence to sing and this feelings.
increases our inhibited feelings further.
Sally Garozzo says that many people can't or won't sing because, "...their heart is good enough to do this, or be like this, or to look like this, or to sound like this... And
blocked..." this is the only standard that's acceptable..."
In other words emotions and feelings are being repressed or locked in, for some In this way media - particularly TV - attempts, and in many cases succeeds, to drive our
reason. We can all develop these protections from time to time. We fear emotional aspirations upwards, and to instill a sense of inadequacy and imperfection in each of
threat or risk, and so we block or insulate our vulnerability. When this becomes us, which of course creates a great big perceived need for all sorts of life-improving
embedded and habitual, we may become hard and cold in nature. We toughen up, but products and services.
in doing so, we disconnect from some vital feelings and emotions. Our heart is blocked. Our attitudes to singing are perhaps affected quite strongly by this type of marketing.
Learning to sing releases emotional blockages - sometimes blockages that we've had A model of perfection is presented to us: "Being the best is all that matters. So don't
for years. bother if you are anything less than the best."
Singing can make you cry. Singing can ignite your passions. And singing can make you As a consequence many people have a false perception of what a beautiful voice is,
laugh. and believe that there is no value in singing unless we can 'compete' at the apparent
And if you want more of the stuff that makes you feel good naturally - the good (highly produced and often digitally enhanced) standards of singing on TV.
chemicals we produce in our bodies when we do good things - you will be encouraged We allow this perception to constrain us, or worse to stop us singing altogether.
to know that singing releases natural opiates, endorphins, creating a similar effect as Happily, despite this, thousands of us do actually sing - in choirs, in bands, at kara-oke
when we exercise. and other situations. Many people sing regardless, and love it, and sound great, and
Separately, singing can help people come more easily to terms with grieving and loss, feel great for doing it. They have discovered what everyone else can discover - that
and can help you to accept certain very testing emotions, to sink into them and know human beings all actually and naturally already know how to sing.
that by surrendering to them, you can free yourself. As already discussed - you used to sing, unrestrained and joyfully as a child. Singing is
Singing is a real natural pain killer. hard-wired into your brain circuitry.
spiritual benefits of singing All that prevents you is unrealistic artificial expectation and the daft notion that only
Singing is actually a form of meditation. perfection is acceptable.
When we sing, we shift focus and thinking away from our usual life happenings and
concerns, towards something 'other-worldly'. When you switch your thinking about singing - that it is a pleasure in itself, and not a
Singing is a way of bypassing your ego to acknowledge your soul. competition in which everyone loses except the very best - then you open yourself to
Singing helps us to 'let go', just as in other forms of meditation. marvellous new experiences, and the certainty of being able to sing - actually very
Sally Garozzo says, "When you surrender to your voice within, you transcend your acceptably - and then to learn how to sing even better.
physical self." We can all sing, but to sing very well - like doing anything well in life - we must learn
A peculiar and powerful effect happens when you stop singing. There is a moment and train and practise.
when you 'come back into your body'? Singing is a very spiritual activity. It touches and Someone said that "...Talent is the ability to put one's mind to one's practice and has
stimulates some very basic instincts - primeval feelings - the effects of singing are at a nothing to do with being born with a gift..."
deeply unconscious level, which in normal day-to-day work-type activities are This is true.
impossible to reach. People who can sing very well, do so because they have practised. When we practise -
Singing is also wonderful for relationships and connecting people spiritually and especially if we hear ourselves singing in a recording - we also become accustomed to
naturally: our own voice, which for many people is an additional obstacle to overcome.
Singing brings people together. People 'feel the love' that singing generates. Initially we are simply not used to hearing the sound of our own voice. It sounds
Singing unites factions, religions and races. strange and for some reason makes us uncomfortable. But it's really just a case of
Singing creates positive energy and a happy mood and that's infectious and becoming used to the way we sound. There's essentially nothing wrong with your
transparently good for everyone. voice, or anyone's voice for that matter. The more you sing, the more you feel
obstacles and resistance to singing - reasons and remedies comfortable and accepting about the way you sound. You realise that your voice,
So why do people resist singing at work when it's so good for them? which other people hear, is perfectly okay. And it grows even better with practise.
It is tempting to say to hesitant singers, "Just open your mouth and let it out.." But In fact, far from being strange, the tone of your voice is your unique blueprint, just like
people don't. Why is this? your DNA. Your DNA isn't 'wrong' or 'unacceptable' - it just is what it is. Your voice is
When a typical group of people is confronted by a vocal coach with opportunity or the same. Moreover, unlike DNA, with practice you can polish and refine your voice,
encouragement to sing or to learn to sing, a common reaction is something like, "Oh, just as you can improve any other capability you choose to pursue.
wow... if I open my mouth to sing, I usually clear the room." A particular obstacle to singing in groups is the general discomfort we feel in exposing
Such responses often make light of what can be some very deep-rooted and stubborn our weaknesses, insecurities, mistakes, etc., to others.
resistance. Brick walls and segregated working routines have much to answer for. We tend to
Why are we so judgmental about the sound of our own voice, and also mostly of work behind or within barriers of one sort or another. We feel safe by not revealing
people's voices too? Where does this level of scrutiny and judgment come from? our sensitivities and true selves to others.
We certainly do not see it exhibited in lots of other (sometimes far more challenging) Relationships among people at work are often tense. There might also be strong
disciplines. feelings such as conflict, dispute, resentment, stress, pressure, etc.
We never hesitate to give someone a lift to the airport or station, for fear that the We live our lives so tightly coiled and afraid of 'getting it wrong' so that we never dare
passenger will criticize our car-driving skills. risk to 'get it wrong', even though in all sorts of activities 'getting it wrong' is exactly
We tend not to avoid making someone a cup of tea or a sandwich, for fear that our what we need to do to improve and enjoy ourselves.
culinary expertise will not make the grade. When you learn to sing, there is no such thing as failure. There is feedback for sure,
We would not normally refuse a request to look after a friend's children, out of worry and there is improvement, but there is no failure, unless you choose to imagine it for
that our childcare approach is woefully lacking. yourself.
Nor do we normally reject some very serious demands which can come our way in life, This powerful philosophy is not exclusive to singing - it's found in NLP (neuro-linguistic
such as being a best man at a wedding, or being the executor of a will, or doing all programming), TA (transactional analysis) and in many other highly positive and
sorts of voluntary work which can carry big responsibilities. effective personal development methodologies.
Of course with any new challenge, a lack of confidence and experience always tends to Modern life and work tend to make us behave in very unnatural and suppressed ways.
prompt a few feelings of fear and resistance, but something else seems to ratchet up We can become convinced that the most natural wonderful pleasures such as singing
the pressure and reluctance where singing is concerned. are not real or relevant to modern living, and that reality is what's offered on TV and
Part of the explanation might be the style and attitudes of TV talent shows, which so what we read in the newspapers and glossy magazines, and by the millions of other
many people are exposed to in extremely large measures, in which singers are judged artificial images and pressures forced onto us every day.
very publicly and critically as either 'good' or 'bad'. Singing helps us to discover that workplace stress, technology, consumerism,
Singing is seen here not as the wonderfully enriching activity that it can be for materialism and over-produced aspiration are not the real world that we can think
everyone - which can liberate and foster or personal well-being - but as a matter of them to be. The real world - the truly relevant, meaningful, fulfilling world - is a far
making 'the required standard' or not. The media - TV especially - suggests that singing more natural and far more accessible deeply satisfying set of experiences.
is an all or nothing activity. Singing is presented as a supreme art form which only the When we remove our barriers, and switch our perceptions in this way, we begin to
most brilliant few have the right to practise within sound and sight of other human rediscover 'playtime' as if we were children again, untainted by the distractions and
beings. pressures of modern life and work. If people lived, in sonorous singing communities, as
This impression is seriously compounded by the advancement of studio and sound all people once did, you would already be convinced of this view.
production technology which tends to make artists sound impossibly perfect. We see When you see people at their most uninhibited - perhaps at the next office Christmas
the same effect with the 'airbrushing' and computer manipulation of (especially party, or at a truly relaxed social gathering - it is clear that the human soul is desperate
female) models in magazines and elsewhere in modern media. An unrealistic to drop the facades that we wear - habitually and unconsciously - in our daily lives,
unreachable standard is created and offered to the audience - as if to say, "You are not
particularly in our working lives. Bringing singing into people's lives helps remove these Group singing can be indescribably uplifting. The sound of collective voices making
facades and defences. wonderful sounds together - having created and practised when initially it seemed
Singing truly can open windows in us all so that our authentic selves can shine through, impossible - is quite unlike anything else, and participants feel the effects of this
which is obviously good for everyone, and so for work and life too. achievement in quite dramatic ways.
learning to sing - singing development activities for groups and teams Group workplace singing is rightly regarded increasingly seriously as a viable and
Group singing offers lots of wonderful benefits and opportunities for team and group practical approach to attaining substantial development among workforces.
development. As ever, you will consider the needs and wishes of staff in planning and implementing
Here are just a few examples. workplace 'teambuilding' activities. Participants need to be agreeable and senior
Singing in groups... management needs to be committed, supportive, and ideally fully involved too.
breaks down barriers The Health Benefits of Singing
embraces, encourages and enables diversity Can singing make us healthy? Not if you happen to be an operatic heroine it would
promotes equality seem, the most unfortunate example being that of Antonia from Les contes
develops harmonious relationships d’Hoffmann, who manages literally to sing herself to death.
fosters creativity Such cases aside, the consensus is that singing is good for us. Less, however, is known
gets people thinking about the specific health benefits associated with singing, the focus of this weekend’s
builds cooperation and teamwork Chorus! Festival at the Southbank Centre.
improves personal confidence Vocal performances will be combined with talks from musicians, experts and medical
brings people together, literally professionals. Workshops include ‘Singing and its impact on dementia sufferers’,
enhances morale ‘Singing and mental wellbeing‘, ‘The Impact of Singing on Children‘, and ‘Singing for
promotes greater physical fitness, well-being and natural health Breathing’, the latter a chance to explore how singing benefits those with breathing
creates a huge sense of personal and group achievement and lung disorders. Meanwhile, singing events range from a new community cantata
and ultimately improves productivity personally, collectively and therefore by John Browne, composer-in-residence at the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing
organisationally. and Midwifery at King’s College London, to a 'Massive Messiah' in which members of
It is no coincidence that so often in work and organisations, and in all sorts of team the public experience the benefits of singing for themselves by joining professional
projects, someone will say, "We need all to be singing from the same songsheet..." choirs for a 750-strong rendition of Handel’s ‘Hallelujah’ chorus.
Singing in groups is one of life's great natural team activities. ‘We wanted to pitch the idea of health and the voice from more than one aspect,’ says
When people do it, they are tapping into some of their most basic human instincts and Mary King - director of Southbank Centre’s VoiceLab, and involved in the preparation
capabilities. That's one reason it works so irresistibly. We were all born to do it, just as of the festival. ‘We plan to look at the best way of optimising long lasting vocal health
our ancestors were thousands of years ago. both as a singer and as a speaker and also to examine the other side of the sphere -
Singing is therefore a very good and effective way to build a strong team. the idea that through singing you can achieve a greater sense of health’. It’s an
Singing is a great leveler, because in the process of learning, we laugh together and ambitious task, she acknowledges. ‘Because group singing is such a complex activity,
share the same experiences and feelings together. it’s hard to determine the kernel of the thing that’s making people feel better. Is it the
When people overcome their fears of singing among their colleagues, everyone quickly singing itself? Or the fact that people are communally engaged on one activity?’
realises - bosses and subordinates - how the process helps to deepen and improve Much of it, she says, comes down to the former: ‘There’s the fact that you’re using
working relationships. much deeper breathing that we usually tend to, that you’re using big muscle groups,
The workplace is a community. All successful communities thrive on enhanced mutual you’re opening your throat, you’re relaxing your body.’ Then there’s the pleasure of
awareness. The Johari Window is a good way to understand and explain this and why it producing the notes themselves. ‘When you’re singing it’s as if you’re actually inside
is so. Particularly, when we know ourselves better, our relationships with others the piece of music in a way that no other instrument can be, ’ says King. Add to that
improve. We take much greater responsibility for the parts we can play. the feeling of social inclusion that comes hand in hand with group singing and you get
Significantly, we also stop blaming others, or the company, or the boss. Instead, we ‘endorphins all over the place’.
take greater pride in doing things and resolving things and helping others to do the But that’s only part of the story. Aside from the feel-good factor, singing also brings
same. physical benefits. Increased lung capacity, increased immunity and greater
When everyone in a community, workplace or otherwise, does this, you see oxygenation of the blood resulting in improved alertness are all effects that it has been
dramatically good results. claimed singing causes. What’s more, singing is good for the brain, as Dr Graham
Employers develop a stable and harmonious workforce by investing in the Welch, Professor at the Institute of Education maintains. ‘Singing is of great interest to
development of properly connected and mutually supportive workplace communities. neuroscientists as it would seem that there is more of the brain given over to the
Healthy human relationships stem from encouraging people first to look within processing of music than almost any other activity.’ One recent study of four to five-
themselves - including facing their fears, and appreciating that fears can be overcome. year-olds found that those with musical training showed enhanced language abilities
When an employer enables this process it is very powerful medicine indeed. and memory for words, and there is evidence that taking part in musical activities
Staff will work for a wage. Staff willingly do much much more when an employer feeds improves certain aspects of non verbal reasoning, literacy and numeracy. Even infants
and grows their soul. benefit from exposure to musical stimulus: the pitch and rhythm of the speech used to
While there are many ways employers can do this, singing is one of the most natural communicate with infants are thought to be vital to their developing understanding of
and exciting activities, and compared to sending staff on a long weekend into the local language.
mountains or river rapids - singing in groups in the workplace is a remarkably cost Where singing can really make a difference, however, is in the management of specific
effective and easy development activity to incorporate within normal working conditions. Chreanne Montgomery-Smith, founder of 'Singing for the Brain' - a music
routines. programme for people with dementia and their carers - mentions one patient who no
Singing interestingly also promotes a style for management, business and longer recognised members of her family, and was only able to remember them
relationships, that is very fitting for modern times. through song. ‘She had lost her memory of how people looked today, she only
The world has changed in the past generation. Effective successful organisations are remembered how they looked a long time ago, so when the family sang songs from
much more subtle and sensitive than ever before. Consumers, customers, staff and that time long ago - her childhood songs for example, and the courting songs that she
opinion-formers rightly demand greater understanding and empathy in their dealings and her husband used to sing to each other - she recognised who they were.’
with corporations and work. Singing promotes and increases these capabilities, in men Singing can also help to restore communication. Mr John Rubin, president of the British
especially, who might not always be naturally so inclined to such attitudes. The Voice Association and specialist in voice disorders and laryngeal surgery, says that he
Benziger theory is helpful in appreciating these issues about brain-type and has occasionally sent patients with vocal weaknesses or vocal fold paralysis to singing
thinking/working styles. lessons if he feels that speech therapy hasn’t given them enough benefits. Likewise,
Nowadays customers and staff want real honest grown-up relationships with real singing plays a useful role in stroke rehabilitation. Mary King remembers working with
people who are confident and really know themselves and their values. Singing in one particular stroke victim who had lost the power of speech. ‘He had been a keen
groups is a really effective indirect activity for producing these effects, often quite amateur singer and when you sang him a song that he knew well you could see that his
unconsciously. mouth was making the vowel shapes that were attached to the tune, so through
Group singing helps establishments and organisations shift from ego(separation)-based singing he was able to access some part of his linguistic skill.’ Similar benefits have
philosophies to more unifying ones. The modern world of work demands that workers, been noted in patients with Parkinsons Disease, which causes the voice to become
especially senior staff, become more giving and less grasping. In certain sectors - defective. ‘You often see people with Parkinsons whose voice is very soft and hard to
banking, insurance, energy, for example - this is an absolutely crucial consideration, hear,’ says Dr Rubin, ‘but if you get them to speak a little bit beyond their comfort
whereby failure, and clinging to the wreckage of old-style disastrous behaviours could range they suddenly become a lot more audible. Singing is really good for that.’
genuinely witness the disintegration of some vast business structures. It is arguably in its power to lift depression, however, that the value of singing for
A final point about group singing... dementia sufferers really lies. Initiatives such as ‘Singing for the Brain’ provides these
sufferers with the opportunity to socialise with those in the same situation. It also
rebuilds a sense of self-belief. ‘There’s a huge stigma attached to dementia,’ says It's because some of the most important ties between singing and happiness are social
Montgomery-Smith, ‘But singing provides a chance to restore people’s confidence in ones. The support system of being part of a group, and the commitment to that group
learning new things.’ This confidence in itself, she claims, is a powerful protection that gets people out of the house and into the chorus every week -- these are benefits
against the effects of deterioration: ‘Helping people to believe in themselves allows for that are specific to group singing. And they seem to be a big component of why choral
greater self stimulation. Greater self stimulation creates new neuronal connections, singers tend to be happier than the rest of us. The feelings of belonging to a group, of
which in turn help to restore function.’ being needed by the other members of that group ("We can't do this one without our
King is also keen to emphasise the confidence-restoring properties of singing. ‘I’ve alto!"), go a long way toward combating the loneliness that often comes along with
done [singing] work in prisons in the past and have been told countless times that this being human in modern times.
is the first time that somebody has had their families witness something from them And in that case, you might get nearly as much happiness from joining a bowling
that was good. These are people who have been in trouble for their entire youth and league or a Scrabble club as from joining a chorus. Probably fewer endorphins, though.
adulthood and finally they’ve done something they can be applauded for,’ she says. Singing Changes Your Brain
‘You can’t buy that.’ Group singing has been scientifically proven to lower stress, relieve anxiety, and
All together now: singing is good for your body and soul elevate endorphins
As scientists show that choir practice is healthier than yoga, Sarah Rainey – who does When you sing, musical vibrations move through you, altering your physical and
both – praises the power of song emotional landscape. Group singing, for those who have done it, is the most
After years of singing in the shower and warbling my way through karaoke duets, 18 exhilarating and transformative of all. It takes something incredibly intimate, a sound
months ago I finally joined a choir. Every Thursday evening, I head to a church hall in that begins inside you, shares it with a roomful of people and it comes back as
Marylebone, central London, where, along with 30 others – mostly women, the something even more thrilling: harmony. So it’s not surprising that group singing is on
occasional bloke – I spend 90 minutes belting out Motown, gospel and pop classics, the rise. According to Chorus America, 32.5 million adults sing in choirs, up by almost
from Abba to Bon Jovi. I’m more of a keen amateur than a wannabe soloist, but even 10 million over the past six years. Many people think of church music when you bring
the odd off-key note or wrong lyric can’t detract from how good singing makes me up group singing, but there are over 270,000 choruses across the country and they
feel. I leave every session uplifted, buoyed by a flurry of endorphins flooding through include gospel groups to show choirs like the ones depicted in Glee to strictly amateur
my body. groups like Choir! Choir! Choir! singing David Bowie’s The Man Who Sold the World.
So it comes as no surprise that scientists have shown that not only does singing in a As the popularity of group singing grows, science has been hard at work trying to
choir make you feel good, it’s got health benefits, too. Researchers at the University of explain why it has such a calming yet energizing effect on people. What researchers
Gothenburg, Sweden, found that choristers’ heartbeats synchronise when they sing are beginning to discover is that singing is like an infusion of the perfect tranquilizer,
together, bringing about a calming effect that is as beneficial to our health as yoga. the kind that both soothes your nerves and elevates your spirits.
The scientists asked a group of teenagers to perform three choral exercises – The elation may come from endorphins, a hormone released by singing, which is
humming, singing a hymn and chanting – and monitored their heart rhythms during associated with feelings of pleasure. Or it might be from oxytocin, another hormone
each. They showed that singing has a dramatic effect on heart rate variability, which is released during singing, which has been found to alleviate anxiety and stress. Oxytocin
linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. also enhances feelings of trust and bonding, which may explain why still more studies
“Song is a form of regular, controlled breathing, since breathing out occurs on the song have found that singing lessens feelings of depression and loneliness. A very recent
phrases and inhaling takes place between these,” says Dr Björn Vickhoff, who led the study even attempts to make the case that “music evolved as a tool of social living,”
study. “It gives you pretty much the same effect as yoga breathing. It helps you relax, and that the pleasure that comes from singing together is our evolutionary reward for
and there are indications that it does provide a heart benefit.” coming together cooperatively, instead of hiding alone, every cave-dweller for him or
Having done both yoga and singing, I’m inclined to agree. Panting one’s way through a herself.
downward dog just isn’t as soothing as a floaty aria; nor does contorting oneself into The benefits of singing regularly seem to be cumulative. In one study, singers were
the shape of a cobra make you feel quite as good as a burst of Aretha Franklin. Yoga found to have lower levels of cortisol, indicating lower stress. A very preliminary
may supposedly be relaxing, but it’s also sweaty, tiring and often painful. Singing, on investigation suggesting that our heart rates may sync up during group singing could
the other hand, never fails to leave me feeling fabulous. But is it really better for your also explain why singing together sometimes feels like a guided group meditation.
heart? Study after study has found that singing relieves anxiety and contributes to quality of
Physical Effects of Singing life. Dr. Julene K. Johnson, a researcher who has focused on older singers, recently
All types of singing have positive psychological effects. The act of singing releases began a five year study to examine group singing as an affordable method to improve
endorphins, the brain's "feel good" chemicals. Singing in front of a crowd, a la karaoke, the health and well-being of older adults.
naturally builds confidence, which has broad and long-lasting effects on general well- It turns out you don’t even have to be a good singer to reap the rewards. According to
being. But of all types of singing, it's choral singing that seems to have the most one 2005 study, group singing “can produce satisfying and therapeutic sensations even
dramatic effects on people's lives. when the sound produced by the vocal instrument is of mediocre quality.” Singing
A study published in Australia in 2008 revealed that on average, choral singers rated groups vary from casual affairs where no audition is necessary to serious, committed
their satisfaction with life higher than the public -- even when the actual problems professional or avocational choirs like the Los Angeles Master Chorale or my chorus in
faced by those singers were more substantial than those faced by the general public New York City, which I joined when I was 26 and depressed, all based on a single
[source: MacLean]. A 1998 study found that after nursing-home residents took part in memory of singing in a choir at Christmas, an experience so euphoric I never forgot it.
a singing program for a month, there were significant decreases in both anxiety and If you want to find a singing group to join, ChoirPlace and ChoralNet are good places to
depression levels [source: ISPS]. Another study surveying more than 600 British choral begin, or more local sites like the New York Choral Consortium, which has links to the
singers found that singing plays a central role in their psychological health Vocal Area Network and other sites, or the Greater Boston Choral Consortium. But if
But why? Could you just start belting out a tune right now in order to make yourself you can’t find one at any of these sites, you can always google “choir” or “choral
feel happy? society” and your city or town to find more. Group singing is cheaper than therapy,
It's possible. Some of the ways in which choral singing makes people happy are healthier than drinking, and certainly more fun than working out. It is the one thing in
physical, and you get them whether you're in a chorus or in a shower -- as long as life where feeling better is pretty much guaranteed. Even if you walked into rehearsal
you're using proper breathing techniques during that shower solo. Singing can have exhausted and depressed, by the end of the night you’ll walk out high as a kite on
some of the same effects as exercise, like the release of endorphins, which give the endorphins and good will.
singer an overall "lifted" feeling and are associated with stress reduction. It's also an Benefits of Singing
aerobic activity, meaning it gets more oxygen into the blood for better circulation, Have you ever wondered about the benefits of singing?
which tends to promote a good mood. And singing necessitates deep breathing, You sing just for yourself and it makes you smile.
another anxiety reducer. Deep breathing is a key to meditation and other relaxation You sing in the shower and you feel excited about your bathroom performance.
techniques, and you can't sing well without it. You sing along to the radio while driving to work and you feel energized.
Psychological Effects of Singing I have experienced all of the above and sometimes I wonder why.
Some of the greatest connections between singing and happiness are more mental So I did a little bit of research to find some answers and put them together in an
than physical. They're harder to measure, but just as significant. infographic.
Choral singers need to concentrate on their music and technique throughout the But before I walk you through the infographic, let me give you one more scenario:
singing process, and it's hard to worry about things like work or money or family My older son sings in a choir. He really enjoys the choir practices but he is never
problems when you're actively concentrating on something else. So choral singers tend thrilled when I tell him it’s time to go. He slowly picks himself up and finds his song
to have a built-in "stress-free zone." Learning is also part of the process -- learning new book. He is mostly quiet on the way there. But when I pick him up, he is all smiles and
songs, new harmonies, new methods of keeping tempo. Learning has long been known full of energy. When I ask him “So, how was it?”, he replies with enthusiasm: “It was
to keep brains active and fend off depression, especially in older people. the best practice ever!” and then we chat about it on the way home.
The question remains, though -- why choral singing specifically? Concentration and And I found out that my son is not alone:
deep breathing can happen in a recording studio, or in the privacy of your own home. I talked to other “choir moms” and we all figured that our sons are very much alike.
They don’t like going to the choir practice but they love it once they are there.
As I was collecting information for this singing infographic, it hit me. Maybe, my son’s Again, research confirmed the benefits of singing for the elderly: singing may improve
enthusiasm comes not only from his amazing choir master but it has something to do health and well-being of older adults.
with the physical and psychological benefits of singing in a choir. Some studies showed that people who sing require less visits to the doctor and don’t
Researchers have been hard at work to figure out why singing makes us happy and need as much medication as people who did not sing on a regular basis.
what other benefits singing has in store for us. Elderly people singing in a choir are also less likely to be depressed.
There is a wealth of knowledge suggesting that singing is indeed a way to improve your In a recent study, patients with dementia who received singing coaching for 10 weeks
physical well-being and emotional state. Singing has both psychological and health experienced improved mood, orientation and memory.
benefits as confirmed by numerous research studies. Findings like these support the inclusion of music and singing programs for dementia
Health Benefits of Singing patient care. Some researchers even suggest that singing slows down aging of the
I experienced it myself – when I sing, I feel happy (even if I don’t sing like Aretha brain by ‘exercising’ the brain.
Franklin). Sing your way to a healthy and happy life
The reason behind these positive feelings is the release of two hormones during Sing Your Way to a Healthy and Happy Life
singing: endorphins and oxytocin. So if you have not given singing a try, now is the time to start.
Endorphins are hormones associated with the feeling of pleasure and reduced Find a group of people who enjoy singing, join a local choir, take some singing lessons,
perception of pain (similarly to the effects of morphine). Some studies looked at the or just sing in the shower or the car.
effects of singing on pain: patients who listened to music or sang before an operation, Surround yourself with diverse music.
felt less pain compared to patients who did not engage in musical activities before an Listen to the radio, go to concerts, see musicals …
operation. Benefits
Another hormone, oxytocin, is considered to decrease anxiety and stress as well as Group singing is cheaper than therapy, healthier than drinking, and certainly more fun
increase feelings of trust and bonding. This hormone is mainly released during than working out. It is the one thing in life where feeling better is pretty much
childbirth and breast feeding but it is also released during singing. Oxytocin was found guaranteed.
to promote pro-social behaviour and emotions, such as bonding and love. There are many benefits from singing: physically, emotionally and socially.
According to many studies, singing is also thought to boost the immune system, and Physically
fight illnesses and depression. One study found increased levels of immune system 1. Singing exercises our lungs. It tones up our intercostal muscles and our diaphragm.
proteins in the saliva of choristers after their singing performance. 2. It can improve our sleep
It gets better: 3. We benefit our hearts and circulation by improving our aerobic capacity and we
This is how singing affects the brain: because the hormones also work as decrease muscle tension.
neurotransmitters (a chemical responsible for the transfer of impulses in our brain), 4. Our facial muscles get toned.
they enhance the neuroplasticity of our brains. That means that we are better able to 5. Our posture improves.
adapt and react to changes in our environment. 6. We can become more mentally alert.
Singing involves breathing and as a result, singing improves blood circulation and 7. Sinuses and respiratory tubes are opened up more
oxygen flow. Singing is an aerobic activity that increases the oxygenation process and 8. With careful training recent evidence suggests that it can help decrease the problem
exercises the upper body, even when sitting. of snoring.
Moreover, there is a case study that showed that singing can also lower blood pressure 9. There is a release of pain relieving endorphins.
through its calming effect. A 76-year old patient calmed herself down by singing hymns 10. Our immune system is given a boost enabling us to fight disease.
when in hospital, resulting in lower blood pressure readings. 11. It can help reduce anger and depression and anxiety
Here are more health benefits of singing: 12. Use of music can help people to regain balance if affected by illness such as
Norwegian researchers also confirmed the benefits of singing in a choir: singing was Parkinson’s disease
linked to better overall health and workplace engagement. Emotionally
(That would explain why I feel energized when singing in the car on the way to work.) 1. Increase in self esteem and confidence
This will sound crazy: 2. It increases feelings of wellbeing
There are a few studies that go as far as saying that singing even helps you live longer. 3. It enhances mood
For example, a joint Harvard and Yale study showed that choral singing increased life 4. Useful as a stress reducer
expectancy of people living in New Haven, Connecticut. The study suggested that 5. It is uplifting spiritually
singing promoted healthy hearts and minds, which contributed to a longer life. 6. It can increase positive feelings
psychological benefits of signing 7. Encourages creativity
Psychological Benefits of Singing 8. It can be energizing
As described above, singing releases feel-good hormones that create feelings of 9. It evokes emotions
pleasure, trust and bonding. 10. Promotes bonding
Many research findings suggest that singing also decreases the levels of anxiety, stress, 11. Increases understanding and empathy between cultures.
depression and loneliness. 12. It is healing
Another benefit of singing in a choir is social bonding and group cohesion. Choristers Socially
feel more connected to their community and are able to rediscover their own identity. 1. It enables you to meet more people
When asked about quality of life, many singers reported that singing significantly 2. Is a forum for sharing
contributed to their quality of life. 3. Brings people together and encourages a sense of community
One more interesting finding: 4. Offers opportunity for giving and receiving positive feedback
There are even some studies that found that musicians have generally higher IQs than 5. A forum for fun & laughter
non-musicians. 6. Support
And the truth is that many successful people are also good musicians, such as 7. Provides a safe environment to try new skills
Condoleezza Rice, Woody Allen, John McEnroe, Pele or Chris Hadfield. 8. Brings people together. Give it a try!
Benefits of Singing for Children Life-Affirming Benefits of Singing – Vocalizing Promotes Well Being
Numerous studies in the field of child psychology also focused on finding the benefits By Patty Mills
of singing for children, such as improved thinking and reasoning processes, perception, “Singing fortifies health, widens culture, refines the intelligence, enriches the
school readiness, reading, math skills, self-confidence and self-esteem. imagination, makes for happiness and endows life with an added zest.” * If you sing in
Research also confirmed that singing boosts the memory and attention span of the shower or sing along with the radio, consider taking this raw vocal skill to new
children. heights. Music – the “universal language” not only stirs our deepest emotions, but
Another study found that children who sing improve their overall learning abilities. active participation can increase energy and vigor to see us through even the most
Children who sing in choirs have significantly better grades than their classmates who stress-filled life commitments. Good vocal technique goes beyond the basics to include
did not sing in the choir. Practicing singing helps children improve the way they both physical and vocal warm-ups, proper nutrition, adequate rest and emotional
process sounds, and further helps them focus in the classroom. commitment. An experienced vocal teacher will explore all aspects of posture,
Children who are involved in music classes and singing also reported higher satisfaction abdominal and chest development, tone production and breath control. What health
at school, even in areas that were not related to music class. club can promise these benefits?
Sounds great, right? Singing increases poise, self-esteem and presentation skills.
Benefits of Singing for the Elderly Singing strengthens concentration and memory.
Many researchers wondered if the same benefits of singing would apply for the aging Singing develops the lungs and promotes superior posture.
population and how singing can be used to improve the lives of this vulnerable group. Singing broadens expressive communication.
You guessed it right: Singing adds a rich, more pleasant quality to speech.
 Singing animates the body, mind and spirit.
Singing enables the performer to delve into characterization/acting.
Singing stimulates insight into prose and poetry and piques interests in the inner
meaning of words.
Singing enriches one’s ability to appreciate the art of great singers.
Singing is an ageless enjoyment – you are never too young or too old.
Singing is therapeutic both emotionally and physically.
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