Saturday 15 November 2008

After my visit to Templenewsam Halton Primary School I wondered if there was any research evidence to support the sugestion that singing promotes well-being...

I found this study on the web that explored the possible beneficial effects of singing on well-being during a singing lesson. Volunteers were given continuous ECG which was recorded and computerized spectral analysis was performed as they sang. Serum concentrations of TNF-alpha, prolactin, cortisol, and oxytocin were measured before and 30 min after the lesson. Five aspects, sad-joyful, anxious-calm, worried-elated, listless-energetic, and tense-relaxed, were scored before and after the lesson. In addition, a semi-structured interview was performed. Singing increases joy and elatedness, and singers are more energetic and relaxed after any singing lesson.

In summary, in this study, singing definitely promotes well-being. So everyone should sing!
Chris

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