How Choral Singing Promotes Health and Wellness
In a world where the pursuit of health and wellness is a constant endeavor, exploring unconventional avenues for general well-being has become, to many, a way of life. Among the wide variety of options available, choral singing seems an unusual choice, but it is, in reality, a powerful tool for nurturing physical, mental, and emotional health. Beyond the melodies and harmonies that a choral group creates, participating in a choral group offers a unique journey towards improved health and well-being.
These benefits are applicable whether the choral group is singing a familiar piece or something brand new. Singing a well-known song evokes feeling of comfort and security; everyone knows his or her place and function. Such feelings of familiarity provide a great starting place for a new adventure and a welcome place to which one can return. God created people to explore. And a new piece, even an Avant Garde one, is a great adventure that the whole ensemble can take together.
A Unified Voice of Connection
Human beings are made by God to be social creatures, yearning for connection and belonging. Choral singing provides a platform for individuals to come together and create a unified voice that transcends individual differences. The shared experience of blending voices and harmonizing melodies creates a profound sense of camaraderie among choir members. The rehearsals, performances, and collaborative efforts foster relationships that extend beyond the choral setting, providing a support network that can uplift individuals during challenging times.
Choral groups often become tight-knit communities, where singers of diverse backgrounds and ages find common ground through music. This sense of belonging not only satisfies the human need for connection but also promotes emotional well-being by reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Here are a few ways that music can bring people from different backgrounds together.
> In some ensembles, it’s also possible to discover that, even though everyone in the group is reading the same music, it can be interpreted differently by those from different musical backgrounds, whether that be the differences among pop, rock, jazz, country, blues or praise and worship, or the differences from different parts of the world.
A simple thing like a dotted eighth and sixteenth note couple can be rendered as an eight note triplet with the first two eighth notes tied by some, and others would sing it most literally, with the sixteenth note cut short. One interpretation of the music may fit a particular piece better than another. Of course, the conductor would have to decide which one fits where. Of course, if the composer or arranger could be consulted, that would be even better.
> In many choral ensembles, a camaraderie develops among those singing the same part. There are a number of so-called “rules” conductors when dealing with different parts. “Don’t point at the tenors when cuing them in. It makes them miss their note”. It may. In fact, make one or two of them nervous, but the whole section is viewed as a whole and not a collection of individuals. “Beware of the basses; their mischievous” is another. Many conductors and choral members can attest to that. “Altos are timid” may be a very appropriate saying. It may sound that way because they are often overshadowed by the sopranos, who can often be perceived as “prima donnas”.
With such suppositions being made about each part, whether true or not, those in each section do tend to stick together and defend each other. The end result is a friendly competition to perform at one’s best and so create a whole choral group that is top notch, with the whole group feeling a great deal of satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment, both of which are part of creating a healthy mind and soul.
In many choral groups, some pieces are sung in different languages. And, in some places, those languages are spoken by some of the members of the group. Those who speak English as a second language, and whose native language is the one being sung, will tend to feel more useful as they help, correct and encourage their fellow choristers sing the words correctly.
The Science of Singing: Cognitive Benefits
Engaging in choral singing is not only a delight for the ears, both for singers and listeners alike, but also a workout for the brain. Here are a few ways that these objectives are accomplished.
> Brain / Mind Development: Learning complex vocal arrangements, memorizing lyrics, and mastering harmonies activate various cognitive functions. The act of singing involves linguistic and auditory processing, enhancing memory recall and language skills. Singers must navigate intricate intervals and pitch variations, using the parts of the brain that are responsible for spatial-temporal reasoning and fine-tuning auditory discrimination.
Research has shown that music education, including participation in a choral ensemble, positively impacts cognitive development much more effectively than not being actively engaged in music. Learning to read sheet music, memorize pieces, and interpret musical symbols stimulate the brain, enhancing memory, focus, and concentration by way of creating and utilizing brain synapses (connections or hubs of nerves).
After new synapses have been developed during the seeing, singing and hearing process, they can then be used by the brain to carry other signals when that person encounters new information about any subject. The new information is then learned, stored and applied much more easily than before. Then, once those new synapses are in place and being used, new music can be learned faster and better than before. Analysis, understanding and use of the music’s theory, style and utilization are also greatly enhanced.
> Synchronized Singing: Also, the way that a choral group needs to be synchronized to sing properly together demands keen attention and coordination. Choir members must follow a conductor's cues, harmonize with fellow singers, and adjust their tempo and pitch in real-time. This multi-faceted thinking process sharpens mental agility and concentration, contributing to improved cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.
It has often been said that team sports also develop teamwork and collaboration. This is true, but musicians in a choral group often must exhibit these qualities to a higher degree than players on a sports team. On a sports team, there is often a general objective for which each team aims. However, the individual players are also required to adjust the way in which they reach that objective. In any music ensemble, the music and the conductor guide the whole group toward the goal, as a cohesive unit, with no room for individual improvisation, unless, of course, it’s a jazz piece in which improvisation is encouraged. But, even then, the improvisation must be done within the framework of the key signature, chord progression and tempo of the rest of the ensemble.
< Math and Creativity: Music is a union of mathematical / logical thinking and creative / emotional thinking. And, while the two hemispheres of the brain are not totally distinct in their functions, it is true that singing, as with any other musical expression, tends to build neural links between the two halves, thus increasing the different ways that the brain can function. This, in turn, enables the brain to be able to create and do problem solving with more complete understanding and application.
> Perception and Awareness: It is said that singers need at least three eyes, two for the music and one for the conductor. A fourth eye to monitor the actions of fellow singers wouldn’t hurt. Singing can augment one’s perception and awareness of the surroundings. As much as a conductor might want to think that the tempo that’s been established is constant, it isn’t always the case. When that happens, the singers must be able to adapt, sometimes to the tempo of the other singers, and sometimes to the tempo that the conductor is trying to re-establish.
> Listener’s Brains: Whether the listeners at a choral concert realize it or not, their brains get a bit of a workout as well. First, the words have to be heard, recognized and interpreted. That doesn’t sound very complicated, but that’s because people, generally, have been doing it their whole lives. But, sometimes, the acoustics aren’t as good as they could be, and understanding the words could be a challenge. Also, if the music itself moves along at a good clip, the singers may not be enunciating as well as they could.
Listeners must also process the changing melodies, harmonies and inherent chord progressions, and interpreting them, most likely according to their emotional, mental and spiritual reference points. If a listener associates a certain type of melody with good times, the piece will be perceived as a happy song. Other listeners may associate certain harmonies or chord progressions with other thoughts or emotions and perceive it differently.
The Therapeutic Power of Vocal Expression
It is said that laughter is good for the soul; so is singing. Here are a few ways that singing promotes good mental health.
> Choral singing offers a outlet for emotional release and stress relief. Singing engages the diaphragm and respiratory system, promoting deep breathing and oxygenation of the body. This physiological response triggers the release of endorphins, often referred to as "happy hormones," which alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and induce a sense of euphoria.
> Also, the act of singing requires the focused engagement of mind and body, diverting attention from daily worries and concerns. Constantly living “in the moment” is not a wise practice in which to engage all of the time, but, for the time that one engages in singing, especially in multi-layered music such as is found in a choral ensemble, such an exclusionary mindset is desirable and healthy.
> The rhythmic patterns and melodies of choral music can create a contemplative experience, leading to relaxation. In a world characterized by constant stimulation and distractions, the serene space of choral singing offers a respite that nourishes mental well-being.
> The lyrics in the vast majority of choral works have a positive theme. If the singers can identify with that theme, their presentation of the music becomes even more genuine. If, on the other hand, some singers can’t connect with the words, it will build their character in being able to sing the song anyway. The only exception to this might be if a singer has a moral objection to the song’s theme. That would take moral fortitude to be able to refuse to sing such a song.
Voice as an Instrument of Physical Wellness
Beyond the emotional and cognitive benefits, choral singing can also impact physical health.
> The controlled breathing and vocal techniques involved in singing promote lung capacity, cardiovascular health, and overall respiratory function. Singing strengthens the muscles of the diaphragm and muscles in the ribs, enhancing lung efficiency and promoting efficient oxygen exchange. These physical benefits contribute to improved stamina and overall fitness, making choral singing a form of enjoyable exercise.
> Also, standing to sing in a concert takes a certain set of skills, especially if the singers wish to keep from fainting. There may also be some movement, clapping or other motions that accompany the music. And, while these motions may not be physically demanding in themselves, it takes a certain amount of coordination to sing and do other things at the same time.
> For some choral groups, particularly those who travel to sing outside of a set location, unloading, moving, and setting up risers, the conductor’s podium and stand, costumes, if they are used, and other accoutrements of the choral ensemble offer extra opportunities for the choral members to become more physically fit.
Spiritual Health Through Music
Some anthropologists believe that people may have sung before they spoke. In Jewish custom, the scriptures are sung instead of being read aloud. Choral singing can be an avenue for connecting with God. Scripture and other documents describe how Christian tradition incorporates choral music into worship services and ceremonies. The harmonious melodies and collective voices become a conduit for spiritual expression and communal prayer.
The words don’t even need to be of a “spiritual” nature. In the Bible, in Romans 1:20 the apostle Paul records, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse”, meaning that many observations about the beauty of creation, legitimate love, even the marvels of authentic science can be a means of recognizing and sharing God’s glory.
Conclusion Choral singing transcends mere musical activity, encompassing a journey towards improved health and well-being. The sense of connection, cognitive engagement, emotional release, and potential spiritual expression found in choral groups make them unique platforms for holistic growth. For those seeking to harmonize their physical, mental, and emotional dimensions, joining a choral group can offer a therapeutic and transformative experience. Whether it's the joy of harmonizing with others or the sense of unity that transcends differences, choral singing is a unique experience that affects everyone involved, and helps fulfill the common desire for health and well-being.
Salt Cellar Creations understands the health benefits that singing in a choral group can bring. SCC has a growing library of original works and arrangements for choirs and choruses that have a variety of elements that contribute to healthy singing. Find out more about what Salt Cellar Creations has to offer for Choral Groups HERE. Explore the available music HERE.
SCC can also design an original piece for you or do a custom arrangement for you. There are two ways that this can be done; one is much more affordable than the other. And SCC is always looking for ideas of pieces to arrange or suggestions for original pieces.
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