Singing and Health Research

Over the years there have been studies showing a connection between singing and better health. And you’ll be glad to know that you don’t have to be a professional singer to reap the benefits – shower-singing is fine. According to Patricia Preston-Roberts, a board-certified music therapist who practices in New York City; singing is linked to lower heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and reduced stress.

This music therapist uses song to treat patients suffering from various psychological and physiological conditions. But she says we must sing correctly to receive optimal health benefits: practicing breathing from the lowest point in the abdomen results in singing that’s properly supported by the lower body, not the throat. Dr Ben Kim says that using your diaphragm to sing is a good way to promote a healthy lymphatic system, which in turn will promote a healthy immune system.

In 2004, a three year study called “Creativity and Aging: The Impact of Professionally Conducted Cultural Programs on Older Adults,” was led by Dr. Gene D. Cohen, director of the Center on Aging, Health, and Humanities at George Washington University. Results showed that those elderly adults in singing and other ‘intervention’ groups such as painting and writing gained health improvements when compared to control groups. For example, the arts groups reported an average of 30 fewer visits to the doctor as well as fewer eyesight problems, less incidence of depression, less need for medication, and fewer falls and other injuries.


Another study, conducted at the University of Frankfurt, Germany, revealed that the levels of immunoglobin A and cortisol in choral singers after singing Mozart’s Requiem were much higher than before, indicating enhanced immunity. At another time, subjects were asked to just listen to a recording of the piece, but in this instance the levels were not elevated.

My younger sister and I are avid singers (but she’s better because she gets lessons!). This is a great pastime we share. Sometimes I play the piano and she sings. I believe the feel-good sensations of music and singing are definitely up there with chocolate and um… other things. My elder sister on the other hand is absolutely painful and thankfully she knows it – but I’m glad it’s good for her health, even though it’s agonising to our ears!