Tag: singing

Sea Chanties & the Pandemic

Sea Chanties & the Pandemic

I was the choral director at a high school in Birmingham, Michigan. The men always sang at the concerts and they almost always begged for a sea chanty, comedic song or folk tune. “Drunkin’ Sailor” was a favorite. When I think about how the guys bonded over these tunes, I am starting to realize why ‘Sea Chanties” have become so popular for guys on sites like TikTok.  They invoke the feeling of togetherness, being on the high seas or just being able to express themselves musically and with abandon come to mind.

Music brings people together and helps them feel a part of something larger than themselves. Comradery is missing during periods of isolation and singing with one’s “mates” no matter how off key or loud is freeing.

Hearing all of those male voices singing together and having fun is an experience that I miss. Of course, my guys sang in four-part harmony, totally on pitch and with proper diction. That part is missing from TikTok. Oh well.

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)