Physiological Benefits of Group Singing

One of the many costs to the COVID-19 lock downs was the reduction in group singing.

This was a really sad outcome of the pandemic. Official pronouncements about group music-making helped to end my 40+ year career in music education. It certainly created insurmountable stress (as this adorable music teacher explains and shows). I was unable to continue teaching as I had been.

Eliminating group singing also cost ordinary people some of the amazing health benefits we know it provides. According to an article from Oxford University:

• Choir singing quickly helps to forge social bonds (People felt isolated and alienated during the lock downs.)

• Music-making can create a strong sense of well-being

• Group singing can improve physical and mental health

• Music making exercises the brain as well as the body

• Singing is particularly beneficial for improving breathing, posture and muscle tension

• Listening to and participating in music has been shown to be effective in pain relief

• Music can play a role in sustaining a healthy immune system, by reducing the stress hormone cortisol and boosting the Immunoglobulin A antibody

I ran a brief article back in May about the health benefits of group singing.

Besides, it’s fun.

While some religions forbid or look askance at singing, biblical faith encourages it. For example, "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." (Colossians 3:16)

Whether choir or congregational-singing, or even alone: Sing!