WELL-BEING
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Research into the health benefits of singing Due to advances in neurological science, we now have a growing body of scientific evidence explaining what community singers have always known, that singing’s good for us! The Sidney de Haan Centre for Research, which is part of Canterbury University, has been researching into the health benefits of singing for more than a decade. They are interested in the World Health Organization’s definition of health (WHO, 1946) as ‘(A) state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely an absence of illness or infirmity.’ 
Professor Clift from the Institute writes that, “Just as walking is now prescribed, the benefits of singing for health are slowly being rediscovered by health practitioners.” “The health benefits of singing are both physical and psychological. Singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting.” A Sidney de Haan research project reports that singing in harmony with others: “engenders happiness and raised spirits which counteracts feelings of sadness and depression” All of which can contribute to reduced pain levels whilst singing and an increased sense of well-being during and after. |
At Tabernacle choir, we are aware of the health benefits of singing. We start each session with variety of warm up exercises, to tone the muscles we use in singing, a few simple breathing exercises and finally we warm up the voice. This is a very friendly choir and you will soon fit in and benefit from the social aspects as well as the physical aspects of singing. |
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