Keep singing

Dr Tracy Bourne, Director of Voice

We all know that listening to music makes us feel good, and that learning a musical instrument is great for the brain (See Dr Anita Collins’ TED talk, How playing a musical instrument benefits the brain) but what does singing do for wellbeing and for the brain?

Singing has been described as ‘the world’s most accessible stress reliever’ (BBC Future, 19 May 2020). Singing engages large areas of the brain across both hemispheres, linking emotional, language and motor learning brain centres. The physical activity of singing releases endorphins associated with aerobic activity and singing makes us feel more emotionally connected to the people we are singing with.

During a lockdown, we can’t sing together in the one room, but we can keep singing. I have prepared the following resources for singers in our college community:

• Simple rounds for Junior School singers (and their families). Click here.
• ‘Bite-sized’ breathing exercises designed to calm your breath and your body for singing. Note that these breathing techniques are also useful for relieving anxiety. Click here.
• Or you can try singing your favourite song along with a ‘YouTube’ karaoke.

Any student enrolled in a Radford College choir has access to recordings that they can sing along with while they are at home. Contact Dr Bourne if your child is having trouble finding these recordings.

It’s worth remembering that singing is beneficial for everybody, no matter your ability So, get those vocal cords warmed up and enjoy making a sound!