Our choirmaster Grayson outlines the benefits of music for the brain – both physically, mentally and socially
Singing is great for brain health, stimulating multiple areas of the brain at the same time. It can also improve speech and communication if you have a neurological condition.
The Brain Charity’s choir meets weekly for ‘sing and a social’ sessions, with the aim for members to enjoy themselves and socialise while gaining some singing skills under the guidance of our choirmaster Grayson.
In this guest blog, Grayson outlines the benefits of music for the brain – both physically, mentally and socially.
Singing and neuroplasticity
Singing uses all parts of the brain at once. Because you are working certain parts of the brain which don’t get exercised by many other activities, you can rebuild neural pathways when you sing. This is known as neuroplasticity, and helps with memory and speech. For anyone who has had a stroke or brain injury, singing can be a vital part of their recovery – particularly if they have experienced aphasia.
How singing improves breathing and lung capacity
A lot of people with neurological conditions find their symptoms can affect multiple parts of their body. For me, FND affects the way I breathe. The deep breathing and breath-holding required to sing help me with speech control, breath control, tongue movement and respiratory health. Singing can also increase your lung capacity – the more you practice and use your lungs, the stronger and more flexible they become. Singing can also positively impact the tics which can come from some neurological conditions. My tics almost completely disappear when I’m singing.
Song lyrics and memory skills
Remembering song lyrics is a really good way of training the brain. You can also rebuild memories with music. Remembering a song is a feelgood experience and music has been proven to help calm and regulate the emotions of people with dementia and help them have moments of joyful connection.
Music and mood
We all know there’s a perfect song for every mood. But singing, particularly in a group, also boosts the release of endorphins and serotonin – feel-good happy hormones. Performing live also stimulates adrenaline, and singing improves your immune system by reducing the stress hormone cortisol. These hormones have been proven to help with pain regulation and management, a massive boost for chronic conditions.
The social benefits to joining a choir
Alongside these physical benefits, there are clear social positives to joining a choir. Seeing the same people each week and building social connections is extremely valuable for mental health. The main focus of The Brain Charity’s choir is to build a social circle and sing because we enjoy it. The music enhances the friendship – it’s a social group that uses music as its focal point. More than anything else, we sing because it’s fun!
Anyone is welcome to join our choir’s ‘sing and a social’ sessions – whatever your age, gender or vocal ability we’d love to have you involved. We sing songs from all eras and musical styles, and are actively looking for new members.
To register, follow this link or call our reception on 0151 298 2999 and ask for Suzanne.
FAQs
Singing uses all parts of the brain at once. Because you are working certain parts of the brain which don't get exercised by many other activities, you can rebuild neural pathways when you sing. This is known as neuroplasticity, and helps with memory and speech.
Why is music so powerful on the brain? ›
The limbic system, which is involved in processing emotions and controlling memory, “lights” up when our ears perceive music. The chills you feel when you hear a particularly moving piece of music may be the result of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that triggers sensations of pleasure and well-being.
What are 3 benefits of singing? ›
10 Reasons Singing is Good for You
- Singing makes you feel better. ...
- Singing enhances lung function. ...
- Singing helps you beat stress and relax. ...
- Singing helps improve memory. ...
- Singing builds a sense of community. ...
- Singing lets you express yourself. ...
- Singing can help with pain relief. ...
- Singing boosts your confidence.
Researchers have found that music and singing release dopamine and endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in your brain that makes you feel uplifted and happy, as well as simply taking your mind off the day's troubles, so it's no wonder why it's seen as being a good boost for your mental health.
What is the healing power of singing? ›
Group singing also induces the production of oxytocin (the bonding hormone). This can reduce stress, anxiety and increase feelings of trust and well-being. As a result of my injury, I often deal with chronic headaches, and I find that while I'm singing the pain is significantly reduced.
What kind of music increases brain power? ›
Classical music: Classical music can help you feel relaxed, and it may also help improve your focus. Additionally, listening to classical music may help stimulate the brain.
What does too much music do to your brain? ›
Nucleus Accumbens. “Music can be a drug — a very addictive drug because it's also acting on the same part of the brain as illegal drugs,” Sugaya says. “Music increases dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, similar to cocaine.”
Why is singing so powerful? ›
Singing increases oxytocin levels (aiding bonding) and decreases cortisol (lowering stress). It can also rapidly result in feelings of connection and flow – improving our mood, strengthening sense of identity and helping out long and short-term memory. For many of us, singing plays a key role from birth.
What happens to your brain when you sing? ›
By increasing blood flow through the body, singing also encourages the brain to release feel-good chemicals such as endorphins, and helps to strengthen neural pathways and increase neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to change and adapt to new experiences).
What happens to the body when you sing? ›
Scientists say singing boosts the immune system.
They found that concentrations of immunoglobin A – proteins in the immune system which function as antibodies – and hydrocortisone, an anti-stress hormone, increased significantly during the rehearsal.
Is singing a skill or talent? Singing can be both a natural talent and a skill. Some people are born with a tone that is naturally pleasing, but a good singing voice can be learnt. The best singers are those who devote the most amount of time and hard work to their passion.
Why is singing so therapeutic? ›
Singing lowers cortisol and relieves stress and tension. Studies have shown that when people sing, endorphins and oxytocin are released by the brain which in turn lowers stress and anxiety levels.
What are the spiritual benefits of singing? ›
The power to communicate spiritual truth and reality, the ability to connect to the spiritual realm, and the ability to offer oneself as a vehicle for spiritual power, are all part of the spiritual elements of singing.
Can music heal you spiritually? ›
In the tapestry of human existence, music has always held a profound place, transcending cultural boundaries and touching the deepest recesses of our souls. Beyond its auditory pleasures, music has the remarkable ability to offer spiritual healing, acting as a bridge between the material and the metaphysical.
Is singing a superpower? ›
Singing is a superpower. It resonates with everyone and has the power to move, physically and emotionally. For the oppressed and voiceless, singing has always been an important form of communication, a testimony to their strength and resilience.
How does singing improve brain function? ›
Singing and neuroplasticity
This is known as neuroplasticity, and helps with memory and speech. For anyone who has had a stroke or brain injury, singing can be a vital part of their recovery – particularly if they have experienced aphasia.
Is it normal to hear music in your head all the time? ›
Stuck songs or earworms are very common, but, when accompanied by considerable distress and impaired daily functioning, GPs should consider OCD and possible psychiatric referral.
Does music help brain damage? ›
Following brain injury, music can help with cognitive functioning, social skills and physical ability. Whether it's singing or playing an instrument, music can play a positive role in recovery and rehabilitation.
Why does playing music make you smarter? ›
This is because when you're learning to play an instrument or sing, you're exercising every area of your brain and, in turn, modifying your brain's structure and function—also known as neuroplasticity.
Is music good for mental health? ›
A 2022 review and meta-analysis of music therapy found an overall beneficial effect on stress-related outcomes. Moreover, music can be used to help in addressing serious mental health and substance use disorders.
