Why Sing?

“Singing is cheaper than therapy, healthier than drinking, and certainly more fun than working out.  It is the one thing in life where feeling better is pretty much guaranteed.” (Stacy Horn – Singing Changes Your Brain)

There are many benefits from singing: physically, emotionally and socially.

Physically
1. Singing exercises our lungs. It tones up our Intercostal Muscles and our diaphragm.
2. It can improve our sleep.
3. We benefit our hearts and circulation by improving our aerobic capacity and we decrease muscle tension.
4. Our facial muscles get toned.
5. Our posture improves.
6. We can become more mentally alert.
7. Sinuses and respiratory tubes are opened up more.
8. With careful training, recent evidence suggests that it can help decrease the problem of snoring.
9. There is a release of pain relieving endorphins.
10. Our immune system is given a boost enabling us to fight illness and disease.
11. It can help reduce anger, depression and anxiety, and in turn, reduce Blood Pressure.
12. Use of music can help improve our Vestibular System, and help people to regain balance if affected by illnesses such as Parkinson’s Disease.

Emotionally
1. Increases self esteem and confidence.
2. Increases feelings of well-being.
3. Enhances mood and feelings of ‘positivity’.
4. Reduces stress.
5. Spiritually uplifting.
6. Encourages creativity and individuality.
7. Motivates, engergises and inspires.
8. Evokes emotions, and allows for emotional release, emotional comfort, or emotional change.
9. Promotes bonding.
10. Increases understanding and empathy between cultures.
11. Encourages overall healing.

Socially
1. Enables you to meet people, and make new friends.
2. A great forum for sharing.
3. Brings people together, and encourages a sense of ‘community’.
4. Offers opportunity for giving and receiving ‘positive’ feedback.
5. A forum for fun & laughter.
6. Creates a support network.
7. Provides a safe environment to try new skills.
8. Brings people together.

Source:  ‘Benefits Of Singing’, More Singing Please! Website (Cyndi Doell & Shirley Whitelaw)

****************************************************************************************************

“Singing fortifies health, widens culture, refines the intelligence, enriches the imagination, makes for happiness and endows life with an added zest.” (American Academy Of Teachers Of Singing)

If you sing in the shower or sing along with the radio, consider taking this raw vocal skill to new heights.  Music – the “universal language” not only stirs our deepest emotions, but active participation can increase energy and vigor to see us through even the most stress-filled life commitments. Good vocal technique goes beyond the basics to include both physical and vocal warm-ups, proper nutrition, adequate rest and emotional commitment.  An experienced vocal teacher will explore all aspects of posture, abdominal and chest development, tone production and breath control.  What health club can promise these benefits?

• Singing increases poise, self-esteem and presentation skills.
• Singing strengthens concentration and memory.
• Singing develops the lungs and promotes superior posture.
• Singing broadens expressive communication.
• 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.

Source:  “Life-Affirming Benefits Of Singing: Vocalizing Promotes Well Being”, The Pitch Pipe, July 2011 (Patty Mills)

****************************************************************************************************

It turns out you don’t even have to be a ‘good’ singer to reap the rewards either!  According to one 2005 study, group singing “can produce satisfying and therapeutic sensations even when the sound produced by the vocal instrument is of mediocre quality.” 

Source:  “Effects Of Group Singing And Performance For Marginalized And Middle-Class Singers”, Psychology Of Music, July 2005 (Betty Bailey & Jane Davidson)

So…what’s stopping you?  Why wouldn’t you try it if you could gain so much?  Start singing TODAY!!!