Why Music?

Aside from the perhaps obvious fact of introduction to many peers with a shared interest, singing in chorus has scientifically proven social benefits. Singing with others causes the brain to release the chemical oxytocin, which gives rise to feelings of togetherness and friendship. Singing together causes both brain waves and heart rates to synchronize across singers, making the group one impressive instrument. Stage fright is common, but successful performance experiences and overcoming this fright leads to increased confidence.

Research shows that singing in a choir leads to improved posture, breathing, and muscle tension, can serve as effective pain relief due to the release of neurochemicals, and may play a role in sustaining a healthy immune system by increasing the protein Immunoglobulin A. As a result of deep breathing, singing increases the amount of oxygenated blood moving to the brain. Singing helps to strengthen throat and palate muscles, which can help reduce or stop snoring and sleep apnea.

Along with boosting oxytocin, singing with others causes an increase in two main neurotransmitters: serotonin and dopamine. Dopamine is connected to the pleasure centers of the brain, while lowered levels of Serotonin are believed to be connected to depression. Singing also decreases the stress hormone cortisol in the blood stream. Singing releases endorphins, a brain chemical that creates uplifted and happy feelings.

Research shows that adult choral singers show increased social skills, civic involvement, volunteerism, and philanthropy, and younger singers are not immune to these effects! Children who sing in choruses demonstrate greater academic success and advanced social skills than children who do not. Consistent music education appears to boost IQ scores as well as school performance – and the longer the instruction, the bigger the effects. Every core subject connects to singing – musicians use math in counting their rhythms, science in learning about the production of sound, English or foreign language as they study the texts of their pieces, and history as they study composers and periods in music history.