Contact Us

More Benefits of Singing

Singing Together

StarSong is also dedicated to enriching physical and mental well-being

Research and years of experience prove that singing in a group contributes to …

  • Improved general health and well-being.
  • Increased body flexibility and better posture.
  • Enhanced muscle tone in the chest & abdominal muscles.
  • Cognitive & physiological health benefits such as elevated mood, improved sense of relaxation & a reduction in stress levels.
  • Social connection that reduces loneliness, isolation & fosters a sense of belonging.

Group Singing

       StarSong seeks to bring people together to share the advantages each can experience from singing in a group setting. There are many examples in research demonstrating that singing in a group, more so than singing alone or listening to music, promotes physical, mental & social benefits across the human lifespan. Participation in group singing yields benefits comparable to singing in a choir, benefits recognized through research.

People who sing together experience firsthand the positive impact doing so has on their physical, mental, and social health. “Exploring the Perceived Health Benefits of Singing in a Choir: An International Cross-sectional Mixed-methods Study,”
Substantial documentation demonstrates the physical and mental gains that occur when people create music together either through singing or playing an instrument.

“Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Changes in Life-Space Mobility Among Older People” & Office of Research and Analysis: NEA, “The Arts and Aging: Building the Science”

In qualitative interviews, participants expressed that the singing group had a significant impact on their physical, emotional and social wellbeing.

“Singing on Prescription: Breathing New Life into Care Pathways for Individuals with Lung Health Challenges”

Physical Health

          To relax and warm up the body, StarSong uses gentle, chair-based movements in our sessions that are appropriate to people of all ages, shapes and sizes. These activities prepare singers to expand their lungs & ribs for singing and can promote increased body flexibility, better posture and enhanced muscle tone in the chest and abdominal muscles.

“Singing is aerobic… improves the efficiency of the body’s cardiovascular system, with related benefits to overall health. …singing involves dynamic thoracic activity, with benefits to the underlying structure and function of the breathing mechanism. Major muscle groups are exercised in the upper body. Furthermore, aerobic activity is linked to longevity, stress reduction and general health maintenance across the lifespan.

“Singing for Children: The physical, psychological, social, musical and educational benefits of singing”

“The accompanying benefits of participating in group musicking served as a motivation to participate which in turn increased physical activity, range of motion, and muscle retention as well as the ability to cope with general aches and pains.”
“The Contribution of Community Singing Groups to the Well-Being of Older People: Participant Perspectives from the United Kingdom”

Chorus America. (2009). The chorus impact study.
Washington, DC.: Chorus America, pg. 17.

https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/

Research-Art-Works-ChorusAmerica.pdf

Immune Function

          Several research studies also suggest that singing together can bolster the immune system, and that singing together may even counter symptoms of colds and flu.  Research results after participatory singing shows the immune response has, “a significant increase in secretory immunoglobulin A (1gA) associated with an enhanced immune function specifically in respiratory function.”

“Results after participatory singing show the immune response has, “a significant increase in secretory immunoglobulin A (1gA) associated with an enhanced immune function specifically in respiratory function.”
Chapter 25: Singing and Quality of Life,” in The Oxford Handbook of Community Music,
“…singing boosts the immune-enhancing function results in more T cells (lymphocytes) fighting off infections and more NK (natural killer) cells”

“New Theories and Research Findings on the Positive Influence of Music and Art on Health with Ageing,”

Reduces Pain

“Group singing appears to have the potential to reduce pain intensity, pain interference and depression.”

“A systematic review on the effects of group singing on persistent pain in people with long-term health conditions.”

“Patients shared responses to music participation including: “Even though we’re all down with pain, we’ve all created a happy moment,” and “Really rewarding to just be me and not my condition. I’ve felt like me again.”
 “Hospital-based Arts on Prescription Program supports patients to better self-manage chronic conditions,”
“Results show that online group singing … leads to improvements in mood, decreased pain, …”

Virtually Together: Do You Hear What I Hear? A Singing Collective Unites.

Brain Health

             Singing together in a choir or group has shown both cognitive and psychological health benefits such as elevated mood, improved sense of relaxation and a reduction in stress levels.

Dopamine and Cortisol Levels

Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter in the reward system, playing a crucial role in motivation, pleasure, and the anticipation of rewards. Imbalances in dopamine levels can lead to some mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Cortisol is a steroid hormone primarily involved in the stress response, helping the body adapt to stressful situations. It can affect various brain functions like mood, learning, appetite, and sleep.Chronic stress can decrease dopamine levels and lead to imbalances in both dopamine and cortisol levels.”
Written by Dr. Eric Braverman MD, the Director of PATH medical in New York, NY and specializes in integrative medicine.
“In addition to the release of dopamine creating a pleasant feeling, researchers have identified the potential for a reduction of levels of cortisol, a stress indicator, after engaging in singing activities. Surprisingly, this lowered cortisol level occurred even in those people who participated in the study but do not claim to even enjoy singing.”

 “Possible Benefits of Singing to the Mental and Physical Condition of the Elderly,”

“Results show that online group singing … leads to improvements in mood, decreased pain, decreased salivary cortisol, and increased feelings of connection with the group and the world as a whole.”

Virtually Together: Do You Hear What I Hear? A Singing Collective Unites

Additional therapeutic options such as singing together could act on “alternative biochemical targets,” among them dopamine. Significant improvements in perceived quality of life were noted as a result of singing group interaction.

 “Effects of Singing Classes on Pulmonary Function and Quality of Life of COPD Patients,”

“… participation in music-making activities also elicits physicochemical responses such as an increase of dopamine and neurotransmitter levels. Both singing in a group and the anticipation of the event once an established exercise, can lead to, ‘feelings of euphoria’, and craving, and may explain why music is of such high value across all human societies.”

 “Anatomically Distinct Dopamine Release during Anticipation and Experience of Peak Emotion to Music,”

“Group singing appears to have the potential to reduce pain intensity, pain interference and depression.”

“A systematic review on the effects of group singing on persistent pain in people with long-term health conditions.”

Feeling Good

Singing together elevates mood, improves relaxation and reduces stress levels. “Singing triggers the release of endorphins, often known as the ‘feel-good’ hormones. Endorphins can reduce pain and elevate mood, contributing to a sense of pleasure and well-being. Known as the ‘love hormone’, oxytocin is associated with building connections and trust. When we sing with others, our oxytocin levels tend to rise…”
“Why singing feels good: the science behind the song,” article by Helen Garnett.
“Group singing has repeatedly been shown to improve mood.”
“Changes in mood, oxytocin, and cortisol following group and individual singing: A pilot study.”
Studies have shown that when people sing, endorphins and oxytocin are released by the brain which in turn lowers stress and anxiety levels.

“The Benefits of Singing” Singing Up Foundation”

Social Connection & Creative Community Identity

      Singing in a group creates a social connection that reduces loneliness and isolation, and fosters a sense of belonging. Previous participants expressed feelings of closeness with each other, a dedication to weekly participation because of an interdependence with others. This sense of community and support impacts physical and mental well-being.

“When we sing with others, our oxytocin levels tend to rise, which helps strengthen feelings of connection and empathy among group members. This is one reason why singing in a choir or group can foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of loneliness.”

“Why singing feels good: the science behind the song,” article by Helen Garnett.”

“One theoretical account, focusing on the social aspect of group singing, suggests that this mood-boost may be driven by shared goals and the coordination of activity across the group (joint action), leading to increases in social bonding (Dunbar, 2012; Mogan et al., 2019).”

“Changes in mood, oxytocin, and cortisol following group and individual singing: A pilot study.”

“The study determined that when some seniors were feeling ‘too bad’ to undertake an activity, singing together in a group offered a pronounced motivative force to encourage sharing in the community.”
“The Contribution of Community Singing Groups to the Well-Being of Older People: Participant Perspectives from the United Kingdom”
As with adult singers of all ages, older singers report that being part of a chorus helps them feel less lonely. Older choristers are significantly less likely than the general population to say they “often feel left out” or isolated from others.
https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/Research-Art-Works-ChorusAmerica.pdf
Results show that online group singing in either format leads to improvements in mood, decreased pain, decreased salivary cortisol, and increased feelings of connection with the group and the world as a whole.
Virtually Together: Do You Hear What I Hear? A Singing Collective Unites
“Research has demonstrated group singing’s numerous psychosocial benefits. Before and after the 12-week program, psychosocial wellbeing was assessed through a series of questionnaires, including scales for loneliness, social connectedness, quality of life, and severity of respiratory disease. Preliminary results show that before and after 60 minutes of singing, participants reported increases in feelings of trust, liking, connection, and similarity with others in the group and a decrease in levels of distress and anxiety. In qualitative interviews, participants expressed that the singing group had a significant impact on their physical, emotional and social wellbeing.”
New Life into Care Pathways for Individuals with Lung Health Challenges

Personal Agency

             StarSong provides a safe environment for what can be a vulnerable activity. (We all tend to critique ourselves as we sing.) StarSong creates a positive atmosphere that supports a sense of confident personal agency.  Self-esteem can be improved by participation and accomplishment by learning and working together.
“…opportunities to sing together also build self-confidence and bolster self-esteem”

“The Benefits of Singing”

“More specifically, participants explained that singing was, for instance, a form of communication that was safe, that it enabled them to express emotions in a supported environment and communicate in a socially unthreatening way. For many who had a history of social anxiety, this was highly valued, and the majority of interviewees reported a significant improvement in
personal social skills and confidence.”

“Sing Your Heart Out: community singing as part of mental health recovery”

“On a personal level, active music engagement offers enjoyment, personal development, validation, self-confidence, and empowerment for older people. Singing in a community choir supports collaborative, provides individual and shared performance opportunities as a means of preserving and sharing heritage and remembering and commemorating the past.”

“…regular musical participation offers opportunities in various musical styles should be available for the long term, as well as musical activities that help to connect with senior citizens’ inner selves, others, and their past, present, and future lives.”

“Music for Life: Music Participation and Quality of Life of Senior Adults”