All of us in the arts know art heals. Not only does it heal but it is generally good for you, your body, your brain, your well-being and your mood.
One of the best things you can do for your kids is get them involved in music in some way, chorus or band or orchestra. Playing a musical instrument or singing has so many bodily and mind benefits. Looking at the pure science angle of it, there is a lot of math in music. Music is broken down to all kinds of fractions. These fractions can appear even stacked up as the notes make doubles, triples, or quadruple sounds. One has to have a fast-processing mind to read music, translate the meaning and put it into process with either singing or playing that musical instrument.
It is also a good way to learn words from a foreign language. Most of the terms used in music are Italian, some are German and maybe a little French. You pick up terms with dynamics and other definitions throughout the music with these foreign words.
Music is a great mood builder. Going to practice in orchestra or chorus and working with other people builds comradery, collaboration, and just the pure joy of being with other people of like minds. The communal experience is necessary for people and has been for centuries. Singing and dancing have been part of our ancestral history forever. If you visit present day hunter-gatherer tribes everyone sings and dances.
Singing and music in general is good for your brain. When singing with other people your brain releases oxytocin. That’s a chemical that’s involved in social bonding and it’s believed to give rise to the feelings of togetherness and friendship that comes from singing together. Even participant viewers and listeners experience this oxytocin release. Group singing in other words strengthens a community.
Research suggests choir singing changes our neurochemistry as well. When singing to music you enjoy with other people, the brain sees an uptick in two powerful neurotransmitters called serotonin and dopamine. Dopamine activates the brain’s pleasure center, while serotonin is commonly deployed to ward off depression.
It doesn’t matter if you are singing in the Messiah, or singing in the shower all of it is good for you. Don’t be judgmental about your singing in church, for instance. This is part of the communal participation that can only uplift your spirit and feed your body and brain.