The Scientific Evidence?

The benefits of singing are well documented but if you’re in need of some scientific evidence, here are a few examples:

Singing can help prolong life. (Graham Welch, director for advanced music education at London’s Roehampton Institute) Welch states that in a recent German study, it was shown that active amateur group singing can lead to significant increases in the production of a protein considered as the 1st line of defence against respiratory infections, and also leads to positive emotional changes. Active group singing may in fact be a risk- free, economic, easily accessible, and yet powerful road to enhanced physiological and psychological wellbeing.

The singing process leads to greater self-confidence, self-esteem and pride in one’s achievements. Many choir members enjoy the intellectual and creative aspects of learning and interpreting music, practising to achieve a better sound and overcoming any qualms in order to perform in front of an audience (Teaching Expertise)

The social side of belonging to a choir is very important and can lead to a strong sense of belonging. (Teaching Expertise) A choir performance is a team effort channelled towards a communal goal.
Participating in a choir develops skills such as timekeeping and time management.
Interpersonal and communication skills, working well individually and as part of a team, learning through feedback and self- reflection, building up contacts and networking, and honing self-presentation skills.

Singing is a gymnasium for the body and soul. (Martin Meader)
Singing can also help build a person’s confidence and self-esteem, and can increase their capacity for self expression.

You get immediate pleasure when you sing, regardless of what it sounds like to anyone else.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered that the sacculus, a little organ in the inner ear, responds to frequencies commonly found in music, and is connected to the part of the brain responsible for registering pleasure.
This sacculus is ONLY responsive to low frequency, high intensity sounds, which include singing, and it responds within a few seconds of hearing that kind of sound.
You’ll find the experience enjoyable and get a release of pleasure-giving endorphins as well. Singing provides catharsis across the full emotional spectrum. It can give a directly-experienced, felt-sense of happiness.
It’s a mood lifter and anti depressant with no side effects. And its not news to health professionals that mental and physical health are intimately linked.

Singing reduces stress and pain.
Studies have linked singing with a lower heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and reduced stress, according to Patricia Preston-Roberts, a music therapist in New York.
The National Charity, Heart Research UK wants to get everyone singing during the week of the 8th – 15th December 2008 to help raise money to find a cure for heart disease. However, they are also well aware that there is evidence to show that singing is good for you. Singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting.

Data shows that singers suffer less depression, make fewer doctor visits a year, take fewer medications and have increased other activities. Greg Cohen of George Washington University