Benefits of Singing

Singing boosts mental health & reduces stress. It releases endorphins and oxytocin which are hormones associated with pleasure and bonding. It also lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Choir and Solo Singing Study

A 2017 study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience investigated the effects of choir versus solo singing on mood and stress-related hormones. The study concluded that whilst both choir and solo singing can positively influence mood, choir singers reported more happiness. These findings suggest that the social interaction inherent in choir singing may enhance its mood-boosting benefits. (Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2017)

Reduces Cortisol

The same study demonstrated that solo singing can effectively reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels. The study measured participants' salivary cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, before and after singing sessions. The findings revealed a decrease in cortisol levels post-singing, indicating a relaxation response. This effect was observed regardless of whether individuals sang alone or in a group, suggesting that solo singing can be an effective method for stress relief. (Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2017)

To summarise, singing reduces stress, and singing in a group improves happiness.

Singing, particularly in group settings, has been shown to foster social connection and a sense of belonging among participants. Engaging in communal singing activities can lead to numerous psychosocial benefits, enhancing overall well-being.

Social Bonding and Cohesion

Research indicates that group singing acts as a powerful social glue, rapidly establishing bonds among individuals. A study from the University of Oxford found that singing together serves as an effective icebreaker, fostering social connections more quickly than other activities. (Oxford University)

Community and Inclusivity

Participation in community singing groups has been associated with increased feelings of social inclusion. A study published in Psychology of Music observed a positive correlation between children's singing development and their sense of social inclusion, suggesting that as children's singing abilities improved, so did their feelings of being socially integrated. (Psychology of Music)

Psychological Well-being

Engaging in group singing can lead to enhanced psychological well-being. A study highlighted by the Greater Good Science Center suggests that playing music or singing together may bring about social closeness through the release of endorphins, contributing to a sense of connectedness and well-being. (Greater Good Science Center)

In summary, singing, especially within group contexts, can create and strengthen social connections, promote a sense of belonging, and contribute positively to psychological health.

Singing activates wide regions of the brain — auditory, motor, and memory centers.

Enhanced Memory and Reduce Cognitive Decline

A study highlighted by Classic FM found that engaging in musical activities, such as singing in a choir, is associated with better memory and thinking skills in older age. The research suggests that continuing to play music or sing into later life could help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and mitigate the effects of aging on the brain. (University of Exeter 2024)

Enhanced Motor Skills

In the context of motor skills, music therapy, particularly through singing, has been effective in rehabilitating neurological impairments. Singing training can improve lung function, speech clarity, and coordination of speech muscles, thereby accelerating recovery in conditions such as apraxia and dysarthria. (Journal of Music Therapy)

Singing slows the heart rate and deepens breathing, which can regulate blood pressure.

Breathing Patterns and Cardiovascular Effects

Singing involves controlled, deep, diaphragmatic breathing, which can lead to a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure. This controlled breathing is similar to techniques used in practices like yoga and meditation, known for their calming effects on the cardiovascular system. A study found that specific vocal exercises, such as toning, significantly improved heart rate variability and slowed respiration to approximately six breaths per minute—a pattern known to optimize cardiovascular function. (Scientific Reports 2017)

Singing has been central to storytelling and cultural events long before written language.

Oral Tradition and Memory

Before written language, singing was one of the primary tools used to preserve and transmit knowledge. Stories, genealogies, myths, and historical events were passed down through songs, chants, and epics. Melody and rhythm made information easier to remember. For example, in Ancient Greek times, The Homeric epics like the Iliad and Odyssey were likely sung by bards (story tellers) before being written down.

Community Identity and Shared Ritual

Singing binds people together across generations and communities. Folk songs, anthems, and chants express group identity, values, and beliefs. Songs are central to rituals—births, weddings, funerals, seasonal festivals. For example, in African cultures, call-and-response singing is used during farming, healing, and initiation ceremonies.

Storytelling Through Song

In cultures worldwide, songs are used to narrate events and express lived experience. Ballads, sea shanties, and laments tell tales of love, war, migration, protest, and resistance. These songs evolve but retain core messages over generations. For example, Celtic ballads tell of tragic romance and rebellion. American spirituals encoded messages of hope and escape.

Passed Down Across Generations

Singing is how children learn their heritage. Lullabies and nursery rhymes introduce language, rhythm, and cultural values. Family and community singing traditions help preserve endangered languages and customs. For example, in Jewish culture, nigunim (wordless melodies) are passed from parent to child, holding deep emotional and spiritual resonance.

In conclusion, singing is not just a form of expression. It’s a vessel for history, identity, values, and resilience. Across time and continents, people have turned to song to remember, celebrate, heal, and connect.

Singing encourages deep diaphragmatic breathing and stronger respiratory control.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

A study found singing can improve breathing control in patients with respiratory illnesses, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (British Journal of General Practice 2016)