Researchers study impact of singing on wellbeing

In a heartwarming initiative called Sing For Happiness, over 300 individuals participated in a study aimed at exploring the positive effects of singing on mental health and overall wellbeing. This project took place in Bristol and was organized by St George's music venue in collaboration with the University of the West of England (UWE). The primary objective was to determine whether singing together could enhance people's moods, particularly during the often stressful Christmas season. Participants engaged in choir sessions where they sang various songs, and researchers collected data on their moods throughout the process, culminating in a festive performance that showcased their efforts. Many of the participants had little to no prior experience with singing in a choir, but they were eager to embrace this new experience. John Neugebauer, one of the participants, described his time in the choir as 'joyful' and noted that he formed 'instant bonds' with his fellow singers. He encouraged anyone considering joining a choir to take the leap, stating, 'You get a great rush of endorphins when you're singing. ' This highlights the idea that singing can evoke strong feelings of happiness and energy, serving as a powerful outlet for emotions that may be difficult to express verbally. Another participant, Jon Munday, shared that he was motivated to join the project after witnessing his friend's positive experience in a similar summer program. Although he initially felt apprehensive due to his lack of singing experience, he quickly realized that the shared experience of singing with others made a significant difference in how he felt. 'I feel much more energized, much more grounded,' he remarked, emphasizing the transformative power of music. The researchers gathered data from 361 participants, who completed mood surveys and wellbeing questionnaires before and after the singing sessions. The findings revealed that participants experienced an immediate improvement in their moods after singing together, reporting feelings of calmness, increased energy, and happiness. Kat Branch, a researcher at UWE, expressed her interest in understanding how singing could uplift people's spirits during what can be a 'draining' time of year. She observed that many participants felt a stronger sense of connection with one another, fostering a sense of community and support. Samir Savant, the chief executive of St George's, described it as 'magical' to witness the joy of people singing together. He noted that many participants had not sung since childhood, yet they were able to harmonize beautifully. The researchers are excited to continue their work and plan to conduct another study with a new group of participants in the spring and summer of 2025. They hope to uncover even more insights into the positive impact of singing on mental health and wellbeing.