Benefits of Community Singing
Music as Medicine
Music has a seemingly magical effect of bringing people to life. And there is scientific evidence to show why music works so well. Group singing in particular has been documented to:
Music has a seemingly magical effect of bringing people to life. And there is scientific evidence to show why music works so well. Group singing in particular has been documented to:
- Increase immune competence: In a 2004 study, after 60-minutes of singing, amateur choir members showed increased levels of secretory immunoglobulin A, which supports immune function.
- Release endorphins. A 2012 study provides evidence that singing triggers endorphin release and elevates positive affect.
- Increase oxytocin levels. A 2003 study demonstrated that immediately after a singing lesson, both amateur and professional singers tested for significantly higher concentrations of oxytocin, the hormone associated with a sense of connection and group bonding.
- Increase positive affect. Study after study has documented that singing elevates positive affect.
- Diminish negative affect. A trial conducted in Turkey showed that after singing with a choir for one hour, subjects exhibited decreased levels of anxiety and negative affect.
- Improve quality of life. A study of 20 cancer patients and their caregivers showed that after three months of regular choral singing, the subjects improved their scores in vitality, social functioning, mental health, and bodily pain.
- Positive affect
- Focused attention
- Deep breathing
- Social support
- Cognitive stimulation
- Regular commitment.
Thus music represents an affordable, all-natural way to improve health, well-being, and a sense of community. Singing in particular has the effects of an anti-depressant, and gives people the positive effects of exercise – while feeling like pure fun, not a chore or obligation.
Passive Entertainment vs. Active Participation
The typical musical experience in American culture today follows the traditional Western European performance model, in which a musician is in an active role and the audience listens passively. In other words, a musical event is often experienced as a one-way transmission rather than two-way interaction.
Listening to music can be lovely. But actively participating has greater health benefits. One study comparing active and passive engagement with music showed that singing in a choir increased positive affect, while listening to the choir without participating actually boosted negative affect. And a 2012 study demonstrated that singing increases endorphin levels, while listening does not. The researchers conclude that “it is the active performance of music that generates the endorphin high, not the music itself.” This is why Joy of Song puts such a great emphasis on group participation.
The Value of Continuity
Whenever possible, we love to bring the Joy of Song to a community on a regular, ongoing basis. This is because an ongoing group activity, rather than a one-time event, enables participants to develop the comfort of familiarity and a sense of trust in their relationship with the facilitator and the group. With a growing sense of belonging comes the confidence to open up and actively participate.
A study on a UK community-based preventative singing program called “The Golden Oldies” showed that participants experienced distinct improvements in health and social relationships – and that “social connections appeared to be the important thread that contributed to the perceived benefits.” The large cross-national study of choir members also found that regular commitment and social support were two of the key factors that led to choristers’ increase in well-being and health. Thus an ongoing activity provides the social component that is has been shown to be a key to well-being.
Passive Entertainment vs. Active Participation
The typical musical experience in American culture today follows the traditional Western European performance model, in which a musician is in an active role and the audience listens passively. In other words, a musical event is often experienced as a one-way transmission rather than two-way interaction.
Listening to music can be lovely. But actively participating has greater health benefits. One study comparing active and passive engagement with music showed that singing in a choir increased positive affect, while listening to the choir without participating actually boosted negative affect. And a 2012 study demonstrated that singing increases endorphin levels, while listening does not. The researchers conclude that “it is the active performance of music that generates the endorphin high, not the music itself.” This is why Joy of Song puts such a great emphasis on group participation.
The Value of Continuity
Whenever possible, we love to bring the Joy of Song to a community on a regular, ongoing basis. This is because an ongoing group activity, rather than a one-time event, enables participants to develop the comfort of familiarity and a sense of trust in their relationship with the facilitator and the group. With a growing sense of belonging comes the confidence to open up and actively participate.
A study on a UK community-based preventative singing program called “The Golden Oldies” showed that participants experienced distinct improvements in health and social relationships – and that “social connections appeared to be the important thread that contributed to the perceived benefits.” The large cross-national study of choir members also found that regular commitment and social support were two of the key factors that led to choristers’ increase in well-being and health. Thus an ongoing activity provides the social component that is has been shown to be a key to well-being.