Tag: brain

Singing & the Brain

WHY SINGING MAKES YOU HAPPY & LESS STRESSED

 I have often heard my voice students say that they love to sing and that singing makes them happy.   I have wondered about this for many years as I feel the same way. What is it about opening your mouth and emitting a musical sound that can change your mood and elicit such a response?

The very act of taking a deep breath and controlling it as you exhale is a known method to help the body relax. Try it. Take a breath to the count of 2, then slowly exhale to the count of 6. Repeat. As you do this tighten your tummy muscles so that the air does not go out quickly but is released in a slow, smooth exhalation. Now do this while singing one tone anywhere in your speaking range, but on a pitch.

For centuries, people have used this technique to meditate. Cultures all around the world have used either the breath or a controlled tone to actually change the brain waves and this helps them relax and go deeper into their consciousness. (I have personally practiced T.M “transcendental meditation” for decades and understand the benefits.)

I have degrees in music performance, music education and also in counseling. The brain is so amazing and we have so little knowledge of everything that it can achieve.   My belief is that the simple act of learning to control the breath while singing, can do so much for our stress relief, physical health and also give us clarity to help us achieve our life goals. Singing is probably one of the healthiest and happiest activities on earth!  

(Music & the Brain)

Your Brain & Playing Music

So it has been shown that the benefits of playing music help your brain more than any other activity. Learning a language is good but does not use as much of the brain. Playing word games is also good but again, not as much brain matter is used at the same time.

I tried to figure out why study after study has shown this to be true. If you think about it, you are actually doing a zillion things at one time when you play a musical instrument. You are reading rhythms, figuring out the notes, applying the fingering, reading the tempos and articulations, applying the dynamics and using your arms, breathing or hands to create the sound. In addition, you are making split second decisions all while trying to create an artistic or musical sound.

At this point in my life, it is just second nature and a part of me. The music written on the page is pretty much like I am reading a wonderful book and getting involved in the plot but also adding my part of the story. I would love to share this feeling with everyone. It is pretty cool!

Laurie Beth Frick